The papers of the John C. Cadman are divided into two series, Papers and Photographs.
Papers (1893-1927) consists largely of letters that Cadman wrote home to his mother during his service with Company I, 4th Wisconsin Infantry Regiment during and after the Spanish-American War. Cadman often signed his letters "Carl," which was probably his middle name. The letters began discussing training at Camp Douglas, Wisconsin and mentioned that he was too light for regular service so he was allowed in as a bugler. His use of musical terminology implies that Cadman was a knowledgeable musician. Cadman wrote about mustering in, the issuing of supplies to the recruits, and pondered what would happen to his regiment as the war neared its end. After his unit traveled to Camp Shipp, Alabama for garrison duty, Cadman described illnesses in camp including "the fever," which was likely typhoid. His letters from Camp Shipp also mention Southern racism and how Cadman agrees with it to an extent, care packages received from his mother, unfounded rumors of his regiment being moved to Puerto Rico or Washington, D.C., and pranks in camp. The number and the quality of the letters present a unique look at a state unit serving stateside during this conflict. Also included in this series are military passes for Cadman and other men in his regiment to leave camp temporarily and visit friends in the hospital. Ephemeral items include a handwritten roster of Company I by Cadman's mother, some flyers to welcome home events, and train schedules from Alabama to Wisconsin. A sketch of Camp Shipp shows the area in which Cadman served. Also found are certificates from various Stevens Point, Wisconsin schools for Ada Cadman, likely John Cadman's daughter.
Photographs (1897-1921) includes a photo album that contains small cyanotype photographs from Cadman's service at Camp Shipp in Anniston, Alabama. The photographs all have short captions and show shots of men from the 4th Wisconsin Infantry and other units stationed there, buildings and scenery from Camp Shipp and its surroundings, and some local civilians. Many of the photographs show men in uniform engaging in activities such as drilling, drinking, blanket tossing, sightseeing, and posing for group and individual pictures. Scenery shots include the barracks and other buildings in camp, local landmarks in Anniston, and the homes of poor white and black farmers. The album provides a good look at what camp life was like for men in the 4th Wisconsin. Other, loose photographs include Cadman in uniform, two shots of the men of Company I mustering in to service in Stevens Point and several group shots at Camp Shipp. There are also shots of Camp Douglas and Camp Shipp. Non-military photographs include unidentified civilians who are likely Cadman's family, his house in Stevens Point, and two group shots of Stevens Point bands of which Cadman may have been a member.
