Diaries of Sir John Maxwell, relating to his career as a Colonial Administrator in the Gold Coast (Ghana). Apart from the volumes for 1912 and 1913, which contain brief entries for Maxwell's home leave after his wife's death, the diaries are concerned only with his official and social engagements in the Gold Coast (Ghana), although they do include details of his household disbursements, investments, and correspondence.
Dates
- Creation: 1909-1930
Extent
0.35 linear metres (5 boxes)
Language of Materials
- English
Preferred Citation
Oxford, Bodleian Libraries [followed by shelfmark and folio or page reference, e.g. MSS. Afr. s. 2133/1, vol. 1, fol. 1].
Full range of shelfmarks:
MSS. Afr. s. 2133/1-5
Collection ID (for staff)
CMD ID 3190
Abstract
Diaries of Sir John Maxwell.
Biographical / Historical
Sir John Maxwell, CMG (1921) Kt (1930), was born on 6 Sep 1875 at Maxwelltown, Kirkcudbright, Scotland, and educated at Dumfries Academy. He studied law at Glasgow University (1896-1898), served articles as a solicitor with Walker & Sharpe, Maxwelltown, Dumfries, and qualified as a Solicitor in 1899.
On entering the Colonial Administrative Service, Maxwell was posted to the Gold Coast (Ghana) where he served as: Assistant District Commissioner (1902); Travelling Commissioner (1905); Provincial Commissioner (1907); Commissioner for the Eastern Province (1909); Commissioner for the Western Province (1911); Colonial Secretary and Governor's Deputy (1916); Deputy Chief Commissioner (1921); Secretary for Native Affairs (1923); Acting Governor (twice); Acting Colonial Secretary; Attorney-General; and Solicitor-General.
Maxwell was created Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG) in 1921 and Knight Bachelor in 1930.
Sir Maxwell retired in 1930 and died on 31 Mar 1946. Compiled with reference to Who Was Who (Volume IV).
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Deposited by Sir John Maxwell's daughter, Helen Martin, in Apr 1989.
- Title
- Catalogue of diaries of Sir John Maxwell
- Status
- Published
- Author
- Original Catalogue by Clare Brown; Collection Level Description by Marion Lowman.
- Date
- 1992; EAD version 2024
- Language of description
- English
- Script of description
- Latin
- Edition statement
- Second edition.
Repository Details
Part of the Bodleian Libraries Repository
Weston Library
Broad Street
Oxford OX1 3BG United Kingdom
specialcollections.enquiries@bodleian.ox.ac.uk