The volume contains J. W. Spencer's "e;Reminiscences of Pioneer Life in the Mississippi Valley,"e; first published in 1872, and "e;Fifty Years in Iowa: Being the Personal Reminiscences of J. M. D. Burrow, Concerning the Men and Events, Social Life, Industrial, Interests, physical Development, and Commercial Progress of Davenport and Scott County, During the Period From 1838 to 1888,"e; first published in 1888. Most of Spencer's narrative deals with the Blackhawk War, in which he served.