Kate Florence Montgomery Wilson Journal

Collection

Identifier: A-0097

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Journal of Kate Florence Montgomery Wilson was originally written in a large ledger with daily entries for seven years on each page. Mrs. Wilson's granddaughter, author Charlotte Baker Montgomery, typed and edited the present version, arranging the entries chronologically and omitting less important details. The library copy is a photocopy of her typescript.

The journal covers the years 1890-1897 and tells of the family's life in Little Rock. Though largely invalid herself during those years, Mrs. Wilson records the busy activities of her husband, children, parents, and brothers as well as friends and neighbors, following their church life, social gatherings, concerts and other special events. Mrs. Wilson keeps track of a parade of household servants and suitors for the girls. She is preoccupied with the health of the family.

Her particularly close relationship with Karle is apparent as she cites her daughter's progress in music, school, sports, and poetry. Underlying the journal is the melancholy note of declining family fortune and economic depression, though the overall tone is cheerful and filled with the joy of living. Interspersed among the daily entries is some correspondence from family members, chiefly from Karle.

Dates

Creation: 1890-1897

Creator

Wilson, Kate Florence Montgomery (Person)

Language of Materials

The collection is in English.

Conditions Governing Access

Open for research.

Biographical or Historical Information

Kate Florence Montgomery was born July 9, 1855. She was the second wife of William Thomas Murphy Wilson who had a grocery business in Little Rock, Arkansas in the 1890's. He had two daughters by the previous marriage, Mary Louise (May) and Ida Elizabeth (Beth). He and Kate had three more children, Karl born in 1878 (who became Karle Wilson Baker, poet and novelist), Benjamin Taylor born in 1881, and Donald, who died in infancy. Sometime before 1901, while Karle was still in college, the family moved to Nacogdoches, Texas. The two younger children settled there, Karle marrying Thomas E. Baker in 1907. Kate died on November 8, 1910.

Extent

0.10 Cubic Feet

Additional Description

Abstract

Mother of poet and novelist, Karle Wilson Baker. Journal gives an account of family activities in Little Rock, Arkansas, including church life, social gatherings, concerts and special events, and health. Traces Baker's literary beginnings and charts her progress in music, school, and sports. The family later moved to Nacogdoches where Kate died.