Bowman Thompson (1811-1865) was born in Northumberland County, England. He immigrated to the United States about 1830 and subsequently settled on a farm in Summit County, OH. In 1834, he married Elizabeth Cannon, daughter of John and Elizabeth (Gilchrist) Cannon. They had five sons and two daughters. Two of his sons, Robert and James, fought for the Union during the Civil War. Robert served in Company G of the 37th Illinois Regiment Infantry, commonly known as "Fremont's Rifles," and was involved in Fremont's attempt to subdue a small militant force in Southwest Missouri. On December 5, 1861, Robert was reported missing.

James Thompson (1840-1912), was born in Summit County, OH where he received a common school education before enlisting with Company L, 4th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry unit on January 13. During the Civil War, James served at Corrinth, MA, and also was with his regiment during the battle of Coffeeville. After completing his term of enlistment, he was mustered out in October 1864, having attained the rank of Commissary Sergeant. He resumed his occupation as a farmer. In subsequent years, he also held the posts of Collector, Supervisor and Postmaster. He moved to Grenola, KS in 1905.

The collection consists mainly of letters, 1861-1864, from James Thompson to his wife Charlotte Thompson. These are firsthand accounts of army life and Civil War battles, and are written from Illinois, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Other letters include some written to Bowman and Elizabeth Thompson, from son Robert; most are from Missouri before he died there in 1861. Earlier correspondence, 1851-1858, contains letters to Bowman from his sister, Jane Thompson Bland, in England. Bowman's copies of the English wills of his parents and siblings are present, dating from 1840-1856. Two original drawings depict Lowther Castle, the Thompson family castle in England, and Askham Church in Westmoreland County, England. An 1834 Ohio deed is also present.