Identity area
Reference code
Title
Date(s)
- 1848-1990 (Creation)
Level of description
Extent and medium
31pp
Context area
Archival history
The original manuscript, 'Reminiscences of John Solon, Juneau, Wisconsin, 23 July 1911', is held in the Wisconsin Historical Society Library and Archives.
Immediate source of acquisition or transfer
Content and structure area
Scope and content
Materials pertaining to the memoir of John Solon. Solon was born into a strong-farming family in County Mayo in 1842, near a lake called Ballin Lough, and emigrated with his family in 1847 at age 5, ultimately settling in Wisconsin. He wrote his memoir, 'Reminiscences of John Solon' in 1911 at 69 years of age and it details: Solon's life in Ireland during the famine; the family's decision to emigrate and a somewhat harrowing journey to Wisconsin; arrival in New York and inland journey north; growing up and going to school in Wisconsin and eventually marrying and starting a family; family from Ireland following them to America; some information on life as an adult and 19th century politics. The series includes a typed copies of the memoir, Kerby A. Miller's research on the Solon family, and Miller's research notes and correspondence with Solon family descendants.