The collection contains the handwritten journals of James Bowman (1863-1944), covering a period of 58 years from October 1886 to January 1944. The last entry was made six days before Bowman's death.
The almost daily entries provide details of Bowman’s cattle breeding and sales, his prizes, the innumerable visitors to the farm, as well as the general daily routines that included Suffolk sheep and Clydesdale horse raising, and growing grain and root vegetables as cattle feed. They also give a detailed history of the development of a large and extended family, as well as his involvement in the life of the city of Guelph at local churches, the school board (trustee of Macdonald Consolidated School for 27 years), the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC), and his dealings with local professionals and businesses.
Some volumes contain newspaper clippings pasted inside the covers, including letters to various editors from Bowman as Secretary of the Ontario Aberdeen Angus Association and also clippings about livestock sales held by Bowman. Volume 13, an account book, includes payments on Elm Park Farm, livestock sales, ewes on shares, farm and home income and expense accounts, inventory of implements, household furniture, and stock. There is also a photograph of an Aberdeen Angus bull, winner of first prize and championship at Toronto, London, and Ottawa Exhibitions, 1900, owned by James Bowman.
Bowman, James