This collection consists of approximately 100 letters, most of which concern three generations of the Dowd family: Horace Dowd, his son, Jefferson Dowd, and Jefferson Dowd's sons and daughter

Most of the letters were written by the Dowds, their relatives, and friends and are concerned with family affairs and agricultural life. Of special interest, however, are the letters written by Joseph Barrows to his sister, Mary Barrows Dowd. Joseph Barrows, originally of Mansfield, Connecticut, was among the first pioneers to settle in Vermillion, in the Dakota Territory (c.1830). These letters tell of crop and cattle raising in that area.

Another group consists of the Civil War letters of Jefferson Dowd, who served in Company D, 66th Illinois Infantry and participated in Sherman's march to the sea. A final group of letters relate to the experiences of Willard Dowd and his wife Muriel who did missionary work in Assam, India, during the early part of the 20th century.

Also included is a small teachers notebook listing class attendance and expenses, and containing a few poems.