Summary Information
Andrew D. Agnew Papers 1887-1944
Local History Manuscript Collection 224
0.2 cubic ft. (1 box)
Milwaukee Public Library (Map)
Personal papers of Andrew Agnew (1867-1951), a Scottish
and Irish immigrant who worked in Milwaukee as a lawyer and real estate and
insurance agent. He was also involved with local organizations, including the
Masons. Collection contains correspondence, photographs, and materials on various
clubs and societies.
To request materials from this collection, create/login to your Special Collections Account.
English
http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.mwpl-lhmc0224 ↑ Bookmark this ↑
Biography/History
Andrew Davison Agnew was born in Ireland on 18 November 1867 and immigrated to
Milwaukee, Wisconsin with his parents when he was four years old. After graduating
with a law degree at Marquette University, he practiced law and worked as a real
estate and insurance agent in Milwaukee until 1925, when he retired to pursue other
interests. These included managing real estate holdings and a general brokerage
business. In 1929, Agnew married Harriet E. Kobs. His civic activities included
membership in the Scottish Rite Masons, which he joined in 1894 at Kilbourn Lodge
No. 3. Agnew received the 33rd degree in 1911, became a member of the Supreme
Council in 1920, and was elected Deputy of the Supreme Council for the District of
Wisconsin in 1927. He became a Knight Templar in Wisconsin Commandery No. 1 in 1900,
then Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery of Wisconsin in 1920, and eventually
rose to the highest office as Grand Master of the Grand Encampment of Knights
Templar from 1932 to 1937. He also was president of the St. Andrew’s Society, a
Scottish cultural group; the Arions, a noted Milwaukee musical society; the Forum
Club, a literary organization; the Young Men’s Republican Club, and many others. He
died 20 December 1951.
Scope and Content Note
This collection contains an assortment of correspondence, photographs, and other
documents which Agnew accumulated in the course of his work. These items include a
variety of postcards and photographs, genealogical background of the Agnew family,
poems and writings, the constitution and by-laws of the St. Andrew’s Society, a tour
diary from a 1929 cruise of the West Indies, and program booklets for various
events. The correspondence contains both personal and family letters and includes
correspondence with the great-granddaughter of Scottish poet Robert Burns, Jean
Armour Burns Brown. There is also correspondence dealing with a controversy
surrounding the Southern Supreme Council’s support of an organization known as the
“Friends of the Public Schools of America” which was at odds with the National
Education Association.
Arrangement of the Materials
The collection is arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically within
each folder.
Preferred Citation
Agnew, Andrew D., Papers, 1887-1944, Collection 224. Local History Manuscript
Collections, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Related Material in the Milwaukee Public Library
Andrew D. Agnew vs. County of Milwaukee, City of West Allis [et al].
State of Wisconsin in Supreme Court. Briefs.
Administrative/Restriction Information
There are no access restrictions on the materials. The collection is open to all
in accordance with state law. The public may view Local History Manuscript
Collections by appointment at the Central Library. To request an in-person
appointment, create/login to your Special Collections Account. If you have any questions, please
contact the Archives and Special Collections Department at mplarchives@milwaukee.gov.
The researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel,
privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of this collection
(Wisconsin Statutes 19.21-19.39).
No deed of gift is currently on file. Materials were accessioned as Local History
Manuscripts.
Described by Charles Tonelli, Fieldwork Student, 2013. Processed by Bob Jaeger,
2019.
Contents List
Box
1
Folder
1
|
Correspondence, personal, 1911-1934
|
|
Box
1
Folder
2
|
Miscellaneous, undated
|
|
Box
1
Folder
3
|
"My Cruise to the West Indies", 1929
|
|
Box
1
Folder
4
|
Photographs and Postcards, 1887-1925
|
|
Box
1
Folder
5
|
Poetry and Writings, undated
|
|
Box
1
Folder
6
|
Programs, 1922-1941
|
|
Box
1
Folder
7
|
Scottish Rite, Wisconsin Commandery, token of friendship and
appreciation, 1915
|
|
Box
1
Folder
8
|
St. Andrew's Society, constitution and by-laws, 1915,
1929
|
|
Box
1
Folder
9
|
St. Andrew's Society, officer announcements,
undated
|
|
Box
1
Folder
10
|
Supreme Council 33°, correspondence,
1940-1944
|
|
|