A history of my private life : an autobiography in journal form for the years 1752-1828, 1802-1828

Summary

Abstract:

The thirty-seven-volume journal of the amateur English composer and musician John Marsh of Chichester, Sussex; in which he records the important events of his eventful life and of the life around him.

Extent:

37 volumes in three boxes

Language:

The records are in English .

Background

Scope and content:

The journal volumes are arranged chronologically in three boxes: Box 1 Volumes 1-12 (1752-1789, Aug.) ; Box 2 Volumes 13-25 (Aug. 1789-1806) ; Box 3 Volumes 26-37 (1806-1828). The journals comprise thirty-seven volumes in white vellum covers, all in good condition. After 1778, at the end of each year, many of the volumes include lists of musical compositions and publications, major events, journeys, marriages, births and deaths. The majority of the volumes were written by John Marsh except the very end of volume 37 which was finished by his son Edward Garrard Marsh; also, the volumes contain the pencil edit markings and notes made by E.G. Marsh for his heavily edited early edition of the journals.

Biographical / historical:

John Marsh (1752-1828) was born in Dorking, Surrey on May 31, 1752; educated at Greenwich Academy, he was destined for a career in law despite having an obvious interest and aptitude for music. In 1768 he was articled to a solicitor in Romsey; at the same time he began violin lessons and after becoming proficient, taught himself the cello, oboe, and organ as well as composing music. In 1774 Marsh married Elizabeth Catherine Brown (1756/7-1819) and they had five sons and one daughter of whom only Edward Garrard and Henry reached adulthood. After Marsh inherited a large family estate he left the legal profession and concentrated on his music, including playing, composing and managing subscription concerts in Salisbury, Canterbury and Chichester. John Marsh died after a short illness on October 31, 1828 .

Acquisition information:

Gift of Mrs. Homer Crotty through purchase from Christie’s Sale 4420, Lot 285, February 14, 1991.

Arrangement:

The volumes are arranged chronologically.

Rules or conventions:

Finding Aid prepared using Describing Archives: A Content Standard

Note:

Cataloger's notes

The journals have been published: The John Marsh Journals, edited, introduced and annotated by Brian Robins, Pendragon Press, 1998-2013.

Indexed terms

Subjects:

Composers –- England, Southern –- Biography
Families –- England –- History -- 18th century
Families –- England –- History -- 19th century
Music –- England, Southern -- 18th century -- History and criticism
Music –- England, Southern -- 19th century -- History and criticism
Diaries –- England –- 18th century
Diaries –- England -– 19th century

Location of this collection:

Huntington Library, Manuscript Collections

1151 Oxford Road

San Marino, CA 91108, US

Contact:

(626) 405-2191

reference@huntington.org

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