William Brown’s papers include correspondence, deeds, invoices, receipts, legal and
government documents, and photographs, including a daguerreotype. Within these
folders are documents bearing the signatures of Joseph Rolette, Increase A. Lapham,
Daniel Wells, Jr., among others, all of whom figured prominently in the early
history of Milwaukee. Edward Ferguson’s papers include correspondence, deeds, legal
and government documents, military records, clippings, and photographs, including a
tintype. Also included are pins, ribbons, and medals relating to his Civil War
service, as well as appointments from various government officials. There is also a
folder of miscellaneous and unidentified materials that contains various notes,
receipts, deeds, and photographs. It is unclear who created the materials or for
whom they are intended. There is also a booklet called “Courage and Candor” as well
as a receipt from the sloop Dispatch from 1805.
