Diaries, 1846-1892

Extent:

1.5 Linear Feet (3 boxes)

Scope and content:

Series consists of diaries and notebooks, almost all written by Frances Beall Knight (21), with some by John Knight (4), and Fanny Knight (10)). Most are small bound volumes, but a few are larger in size.

The Frances Beall Knight diaries span the years 1845-1865; and an anomyous 1892 diary has also been identified as hers. Other anonymous volumes in the collection have not been identified but may also be hers. The earliest diaries describe in detail of life in Natchez, Mississippi, chiefly commenting on the weather, illnesses, visits, and other aspects of daily routine; there are also many passages concerning religion and religious activities, as well as comments on the Mexican War, guncotton, the use of electrictiy, and the telegraph. A large group of the volumes relates to several visits made by the Knight family to Europe, chiefly to cities and resorts in France, Switzerland, and Italy, between 1850 and 1864, as well as a visit to Egypt, Turkey, and Russia. In the last volume, from 1892, an elderly Frances Beall Knight describes life with her grandchildren, who were at that time also her wards.

The Frances (Fanny) Beall Knight diaries, written by the young daughter of John and Frances Knight from 1852 to 1864, also describe daily life and travels in Europe, although in less detail; in 1864, Fanny describes the circumstances of her father's death in Biarritz, France.

The notebooks and diaries of John Knight from 1850 to 1856 contain financial notes, hotel lists, and travel expenses.

This series houses six anonymous diaries, dating from 1867 to 1883, which are likely by Knight family members, some possibly by Fannie's husband Thomas A. McDannold (1835-1883).

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