Series I. First Generation Papers contains the papers of Joel Bowker (1775-1858), the first generation covered in this collection. Included in this series are land deeds, including land purchase certificates for land bought in Michigan, the purchase of his burial plot, stock certificate, an account of Joel's actions on the ship Crescent, and a transcription of his will. The largest part of this series are papers relating to Joel's estate, including an estate inventory, bills, invoices, and receipts.