Charles White Watson (1841-1917) may have spent his early years in Worcester, Massachusetts, and later entered the "importing business" in New York City. Hew was also a Civil Service Commissioner, and at the time of his death in 1917, he lived at 500 Madison Avenue. He was also a member of the Union League Club.

From what his diaries tell us, it seems that young Charles W. Watson may have been sent to Great Britain and Europe by his father - as recorded in his first diary, 1859 - to visit his aunt, meet his father's business associates, and learn about life in other countries. Subsequent diaries record trips by Watson and his family, often visiting the same places covered in previous travels. The 10 diaries in this collection describe a total of 8 trips made by the Watson's between 1859 and 1913. Their travels would usually last from 5 to 8 months, and they stayed at the better inns and hotels. They visited numerous galleries, castles, and other popular attractions from Scotland to Egypt. The volumes are filled with detailed descriptions of these places, as well as C. W. Watson's impressions of the people he met and the things he saw. He comments on Queen Victoria, Mark Twain, John Jacob Astor, famous artists and their work, and compares life in London and Paris. He was evidently a well educated and wealthy man who felt quite comfortable evaluating dining amenities, hotels accommodations, and service.