This collection comprises 22 diaries by Anne Elizabeth Bontine, the mother of 19th century Scottish politician and author Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham. The materials generally describe her reflections on social activities in Scotland and England providing a detailed account of her life from 1856 until 1923. The diaries also document journeys to European destinations, family issues, and local political and cultural events. Also included is a collection of poetry by Martina Elphinstone Fleeming and a diary by an unknown author.

Anne Elizabeth Bontine, born Anne Elizabeth Elphinstone Fleeming, was born February 10, 1828. She was the daughter of a Scottish Admiral Charles Elphinstone Fleeming and Catalina Paulina Alessandro de Jiménez, a Spanish aristocrat. She married William Cunninghame Bontine and was the mother of Robert Bontine Cunninghame Graham and Commander Charles Elphinstone Fleeming Cunninghame Graham, father of collector Angus Cunninghame Graham. She died in 1925 at the age of 97.

1 linear foot 1 box

Property rights reside with the University of California. Literary rights are retained by the creators of the records and their heirs. For permissions to reproduce or to publish, please contact the Head of Special Collections and University Archives.

Collection open for research.