Title: Andrew D. Agnew Papers
Inclusive Dates: 1887-1944

Creator:

• Agnew, Andrew D.

Call Number: Local History Manuscript Collection 224

Quantity: 0.2 cubic ft. (1 box)

Repository:

Milwaukee Public Library, Frank P. Zeidler Room

Archival Location:

Milwaukee Public Library (Map)

Abstract:

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.

Note:

To request materials from this collection, create/login to your Special Collections Account.

Language: English

URL to cite for this finding aid: http://digital.library.wisc.edu/1711.dl/wiarchives.mwpl-lhmc0224

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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.

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.

The collection is arranged alphabetically by subject, then chronologically within each folder.

Agnew, Andrew D., Papers, 1887-1944, Collection 224. Local History Manuscript Collections, Milwaukee Public Library, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

• Milwaukee Masons Collection. Local History Manuscript Collection 59.

Andrew D. Agnew vs. County of Milwaukee, City of West Allis [et al]. State of Wisconsin in Supreme Court. Briefs.

Access Restrictions

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.

Use Restrictions

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).

Acquisition Information

No deed of gift is currently on file. Materials were accessioned as Local History Manuscripts.

Processing Information

Described by Charles Tonelli, Fieldwork Student, 2013. Processed by Bob Jaeger, 2019.

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