The collection consists of narratives written by David Dexter Clarke concerning his professional experiences and personal history, along with notes and some items of correspondence. Clarke (1844-1923) emigrated to Oregon in 1864, and worked as a surveyor and civil engineer in the Pacific Northwest for 53 years. From 1893 until his retirement in 1917, he worked for the water bureau in Portland, Oregon, serving as the head of the department for most of that time.