Knight, Sarah Kemble (1666-1727)
Item
Title
Knight, Sarah Kemble (1666-1727)
Contributor
Raisch, Elly
birthday
1666-04-19
Birthplace
Boston, MA
Death Date
1727-09-25
Occupation
Teacher
Businesswoman
Landlord
Biographical Text
Sarah Kemble Knight was a woman living during the colonial period who authored one of the only surviving diaries documenting what it was like for a woman to travel during her time. Born to merchant Captain Thomas Kemble and Elizabeth Trerice, Knight would grow up to work multiple jobs as a landlord, innkeeper, court scrivener, and teacher. Knight's diary recorded a trip from Boston to New York City, where she encountered numerous difficulties such as hazardous terrain and poor lodging conditions. While she traveled alongside a guide, Knight was fairly unique in choosing to travel without the accompaniment of her husband or a male relative. Her diary was published posthumously as "The Journal of Madam Knight," and is renowned for both its historical value and its prose.
Knight married to a man named Richard in 1689 until his death in 1703. The two had a daughter named Elizabeth. Knight passed away at age 62 in New London, Connecticut.
Knight married to a man named Richard in 1689 until his death in 1703. The two had a daughter named Elizabeth. Knight passed away at age 62 in New London, Connecticut.