Samuel and Mary Bonnell diaries, 1848-1855

Summary

Creator:

Bonnell, Mary and Bonnell, Samuel

Abstract:

This collection consists of two diaries kept by Samuel and Mary Bonnell of Philadelphia between 1848 and1855. They include details of Samuel's travel to New Orleans in 1850, with content on life in New Orleans, the sale of enslaved persons on street corners, a wedding of enslaved persons, Mardi Gras, minstrels, fire, rain, mud, and his efforts in establishing a general store and a coal company. At some point in volume two, Mary Bonnell took over the responsibility of writing the diary.

Extent:

2 volumes

Language:

English

Authors:

Collection processed and finding aid created by Meg Bossio, July 2024

Background

Scope and Content:

This collection consists of two diaries kept by Samuel and Mary Bonnell of Philadelphia between 1848 and1855. They include details of Samuel's travel to New Orleans in 1850, with content on life in New Orleans, the sale of enslaved persons on street corners, a wedding of enslaved persons, Mardi Gras, minstrels, fire, rain, mud, and his efforts in establishing a general store and a coal company. At some point in volume two, Mary Bonnell took over the responsibility of writing the diary.

Biographical / Historical:

No additional historical or biographical information is available for this finding aid.

Acquisition Information:

2021. M-7402.5 .

Arrangement:

The collection is made up of two bound volumes.

Rules or Conventions:

Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard (DACS)

Subjects

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Subjects:

Coal trade--New Orleans (La.)
Slavery--Louisiana--New Orleans--History--19th century.

Formats:

Diaries.

Places:

New Orleans (La.)--Description and travel.
Philadelphia (Pa.)