Document Record

Creator

Macdonald of Earnscliffe, Agnes Macdonald, Baroness, 1836-1920
Macdonald, John A. (John Alexander), Sir, 1815-1891

Title

Baroness Macdonald family papers
Papiers de famille. Baronne Macdonald

Identifier

lac_mikan_122166
129069
MG 26 A
Papers
oocihm.lac_mikan_122166

Document source

Library and Archives Canada / Bibliothèque et Archives Canada

Language

English

Description

Susan Agnes Macdonald (née Bernard), 1st Baroness Macdonald of Earnscliffe (1836 - 1920) was the second wife of Sir John A. Macdonald (1815 - 1891), the first Prime Minister of Canada. They had one child named Mary, who was born severely mentally and physically disabled in 1869 as she suffered from hydrocephalus. In August 1891, Macdonald was created Baroness Macdonald of Earnscliffe, a title she held until her death. The barony became extinct after that period.
This collection consists of the personal and financial papers of the Baroness Macdonald. Included among the papers are Baroness Macdonald's general correspondence for 1845 and 1884 to 1910. The collection also contains her personal diary which describes the Macdonalds' daily life and political events of the time for 1867 to 1872, 1875 and 1883. The diary begins just four days after Confederation, when John A. Macdonald became Canada's first Prime Minister. Additional records include letters of sympathy following the death of Sir John A. Macdonald. One of these letters was sent by Queen Victoria. There are also many addresses of condolence from communities and organizations across Canada. The warrant which created Lady Macdonald Baroness Macdonald of Earnscliffe is available. Baroness Macdonald's recipe book and a notebook on church history are included. Financial records, including household accounts, bank books and cancelled cheques, as well as documents relating to Lady Macdonald's marriage settlement, will and estate are located here as well. The collection also includes an account book of Sir John A. Macdonald for the years 1879 to 1881.
No finding aid is available.

URL

https://heritage.canadiana.ca/view/oocihm.lac_mikan_122166