Seidel, Emil. Papers, 1916-1944.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Archives Department.

Seidel, Emil.

Papers, 1916-1944.

Milwaukee Manuscript Collection G

.4 cubic ft. (1 archives box)

ABSTRACT: This small collection represents, chiefly, the manuscript for an autobiography written by Emil Seidel in 1938. The biography is in two volumes, organized in three parts, with the second volume dealing with his career as a socialist reformer in Milwaukee.

The papers also contain fragmentary correspondence, a few clippings in which reference is made to Seidel and Wisconsin socialists, a short speech, random notes, and some genealogical information concerning Emil Seidel's family.

ACCESS RESTRICTIONS: There are no access restrictions on the materials, and the collection is open to all members of the public in accordance with state law. However, 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).

BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE: Born in Ashland, Pennsylvania, Emil Seidel moved, with his family, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1869. Later, while studying woodcarving in Germany for six years, he embraced the cause of socialism. Returning to Milwaukee he helped organize the Social Democratic party, emphasizing gradual democratic reform. In 1904 the party was able to elect nine aldermen, among them, Seidel.

Emil Seidel was defeated in his bid to become mayor in 1908, and was elected an alderman again the following year. In 1910 he became the first socialist mayor in a major American city, when the Social Democratic party swept the Milwaukee city and county offices. Although defeated as mayor in 1912, he was Eugene V. Debs' vice-presidential running mate that same year. From 1916 to 1920, and from 1932 to 1936, he again served as an alderman.

As both mayor and alderman, Seidel was charged with sectarianism and increased spending; but he, himself, always stood for honesty and efficiency. He was outspoken in his advocacy of public ownership and planning, and in his criticism of America's entry into World War I.

COLLECTION CITATION: This collection should be cited as:

Seidel, Emil. Papers, 1916-1944. Milwaukee Manuscript Collection G. Wisconsin Historical Society. Milwaukee Area Research Center. UWM Libraries. University of Wisconsin--Milwaukee.

RELATED COLLECTION:

Seidel, Emil. Papers, 1906-1940. (UWM Manuscript Collection 76)

ACQUISITION: Presented by Mrs. Viola Verhein of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin on August 10, 1960.

PROCESSING: Processed by MRH on July 17, 1964.

MARC RECORD SEARCH TERMS: The following terms were used in the online bibliographic MARC record to this collection:

Mayors--Wisconsin--Milwaukee--Records and correspondence.
Socialists--Wisconsin--Milwaukee.
Milwaukee (Wis.)--History--Sources.

MILWAUKEE MANUSCRIPT COLLECTION G	BOX	FOLDER
Autobiography, Part I and II, 1864-1891 [volume 1]	1
Autobiography, Part III, 1892-1945 [volume 2]	1
Clippings, 1944, undated	1	2
Correspondence, 1916, 1944	1	1
Genealogical Information Concerning Seidel, 1884, undated	1	4
Short Speech and Random Notes, undated	1	3