The Lyman family papers include correspondence, diaries, property deeds, newspapers, photographs, and other materials for the family of Liberty Lyman and Lucinda Sikes Lyman covering the years 1812-1910.The bulk of the family correspondence consists of letters to Lucinda Lyman from her sons and daughters, as well as letters from friends and relatives in Massachusetts. Especially interesting are the letters of the Lyman sons in California. Many vivid details are given on life in California during the Gold Rush. Comments on mining and agricultural activities are also of interest. The correspondence of the Civil War years reveal the Lyman's strong Unionist sentiments in their observations on social issues of the era.

The entries in the diaries are often sketchy and difficult to read but they convey many useful details of the family farm. James Lyman's diary of 1863-1864 is useful for details on Civil War campaigns.

The folders of land deeds are useful in showing the gradual expansion of the original family plot and the consolidation of the land by Edson Lyman. Of particular interest is the original federal grant of land dated 1837.

Three newspaper clippings deal with the deaths of Liberty and Romanzo Lyman and the fire in Forest City, California which destroyed Romanzo's home.

Miscellaneous materials of special interest are a poem by J. Garagen of the Third Michigan Cavalry dealing with the Battle of Corinth, an 1822 silhouette of Liberty and Lucinda Lyman, obituaries, and a "Five Generations of the Lyman and Related Families" document by John Mark Lamberton.

Sources for biographical information: Vol. 32 Michigan Pioneer and Historical Collections articles on the early history of Shiawassee County; Clinton and Shiawassee Counties Chicago Chapman Brothers 1891 p. 416 article on Burt Lyman, a son of Pliny Lyman; Biographical information in donor correspondence file.