Memoirs of Milwaukee County (Vol. I and II): From the earliest historical times down to the present, including a genealogical and biographical record of representative families in Milwaukee County, by Watrous, Lieut. Col. Jerome A. [Editor]
Inventory #: 01877
Price: $500.00

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Memoirs of Milwaukee County (Vol. I and II): From the earliest historical times down to the present, including a genealogical and biographical record of representative families in Milwaukee County, by Watrous, Lieut. Col. Jerome A. [Editor]. Western Historical Association: Madison, Wisconsin, 1909. Edition: First edition. Hardcover, 4to, 7.5 by 10 inches, 633, 1007 pages. Half bound, original pebbled calf; gilt lettering and decorative rules on spines; end papers and all page edges marbled; hinges reinforced with visible cloth joints. Illustrated with black and white photographs and two steel engravings (the frontispiece of Jerome A. Watrous and a portrait of Solon Marks, M.D., both protected by tissue guards) . Each volume includes an index and a list of illustrations.

Condition: Very Good. Covers for both volumes have been professionally restored. Volume I rebacked; Vol II spine preserved, including chipping at upper and lower spine ends; original end papers and cloth covers of both volumes preserved. Leather backs have been dyed to match each other. Lettering and decorative devices similar, but not exactly matched. Defects: Vol I, pages 165 and 199 each have a small tear in margin; pages 240 and 241, marginal note and a few underlines in pen; page 247, two small streaks of orange highlighter. Vol II: cover was completely detatched and has been professionally repaired, but front joint still shows split line; chipping to upper and lower spine ends; 2nd front endpaper, 2" tear; page 77, small tear in margin.

Contents: This book will be on any collector's short list of books on Milwaukee history. Volume I covers the history of Milwaukee prior to the book's publication in 1909, and Volume II consists entirely of biographies of notable citizens. Some biographical material, especially of key figures in the history of the city and county is also included in Volume I.

Volume I chapters include: Natural Features; Indians; Pre-Territorial Era; Territorial Era; County Roads, Buildings, Finances, Etc.; Politics and Official Honors; Members of Congress and State Senators; Assemblymen and County Officials; Township History; Milwaukee City; Church History; Educational Development; Literature and Journalism; The Medical profession; Bench and Bar; Finance and Industries; Military History; and The Poles in Milwaukee.

In addition to the overall editorship of Lieut.-Col. Jerome A. Watrous, the following contributors are acknowledged in the Preface: the Hon. George W. Peck (a mayor of Milwaukee and governor of Wisconsin), who edited the chapter on "Literature and Journalism"; Dr. Solon Marks, an eminent surgeon, who edited the chapter on "The Medical Profession"; William G. Bruce, and active participant in Milwaukee's business and civic affairs, who revised and edited the chapter on "Finance and Industries"; and the Rev. Boleslaus E. Goral, "an able and patriotic Polish-American citizen," who wrote the chapter on "Poles in Milwaukee."

Volume II consists entirely of biographies of notable citizens.

Plates included in Volume I (and their facing pages): J. A. Watrous, Editor (frontispiece), Milwaukee County Courthouse (49), Post Office and Custom House (81), Milwaukee Club (161), City Hall (235), Juneau Avenue and Lief Erickson statue (305), Soldiers' Home (316), Milwaukee Yacht Club (326), Milwaukee Public Library and Museum (417), Ex-Governor George W. Peck (431), Deutscher Club (449), Solon Marks (474), Hon. William George Bruce (558), Chamber of Commerce and Mitchell Building (579), Soldiers' Monument (586), Reverend B.E. Gorel (612), Kosciusko Monument (624).

Plates included in Volume II (and their facing pages): Gen. Frederick C. Winkler (17), Edwin Hyde (26), James G. Jenkins (38), Matthew Keenan (47), David Ginzburger (64), John A. Becker (92), William J. Denny (142), Richard G. Owens (214), Anthony C. Ewens, Jr. (291), Robert B. Ebert (305), Norman L. Kneeland (387), Dr. J. T. Unertl (467), Cyrus D. Booth (493), George M. Hinkley (520), John Metz (557), William Donsing (621), Carl Vogt Peters (647), Henry L. Palmer (731), William R. Knell (783), Rev. Joseph Reiner (789), Carlton Holland (888), Capt. Irving M. Bean (910), Charles O. Manegold (956), George Schweickhart (959), Samuel Walwig (969).

The picture below shows the cover of Vol 2, which is more worn than Vol 1. Note the dime-sized spot on the upper margin and the split line along the front joint.

Upper spine ends:

Lower spine ends:

A few of the photographs illustrating Milwaukee landmarks: