Harriet was the daughter of Samuel L. Patrick and married Harry Gilstrap in 1899. The material deals primarily with Patrick's employment as a school teacher at various Native American boarding schools, mostly Quapaw School, although she was apparently transferring to the Chilocco School in 1898. A contemporary newspaper bibliography is included, indicating that she worked at the Shawnee Indian School. There are also some materials related to her husband's newspaper publishing career.

The items are arranged chronologically, with some miscellaneous items filed at the end.