One item of correspondence from Joseph Bowman to his father Samuel B. Bowman and his sisters. The letter is dated and addressed December 9, 1870, Berlin [Kitchener]. In the letter Joseph discusses that he has married Nancy [Huber] and that he has been unwell. He discusses life on their farm including harvesting apples, potatoes and pumpkins keeping livestock, and dealing with pests. He also mentions that he is currently fixing their stable which he believes to be the oldest in Waterloo Township. As well, Joseph discusses the recent death of Joseph E. Erb without a will and that Joseph owed him $1200.

One item of correspondence from Joseph Bowman to his father Samuel B. Bowman. The letter is dated and addressed September 23, 1864, Carlisle Mills, Canada West. In the letter Joseph is writing to his father who is currently in Illinois. He makes mention of local happenings such as the Blenheim Union meeting, an auction and what his brothers are doing, as well as asks questions about the Civil War situation in the United States. Joseph wonders how the "copperheads" feel about Old Abe and Little Mack. This references Democrats who were against the war and their position on Abraham Lincoln and George McClellan. Joseph also updates his father on a local troupe of Civil War fighters who are currently in the Waterloo Region area but who are headed back to Kentucky and Alabama.