Michael J. Egan: The Pioneer Fifer of Milwaukee County

One of the few Milwaukee-based Irish musicians who is mentioned in area newspapers from the early years of the city was Michael J. Egan (1827-1910). Egan was born in Kilkenny in 1827 and settled in Wisconsin in 1848. He served as a Wisconsin State Senator in 1860 and 1861, representing the Sixth District (which included the third ward of Milwaukee).

The November 1st, 1896 issue of The Sentinel outlines Egan's life and music. While attending Dublin College he played in the school's fife and drum band which included "twelve claronets [sic], two bassoons, a serpant, an epheclide and two side drums." He was appointed to select music to be performed at the Irish picnic at Schlitz Park in 1886 and 1887, and alternated performing this music alongside the Bach Orchestra. Apparently his expansive list of Irish and American tunes overwhelmed Prof. Bach of the orchestra. Various articles mention some of the tunes Egan played, including "Go to the Devil and Shake Yourself," "The White Cockade," "Widow Machree," "Neill Flaherty's Drake," "Garryowen," and "The Peeler and the Goat."

Egan served in a variety of roles after settling in Milwaukee county. He was superintendent of schools in the town of Franklin for a number of years. Egan became the assistant sergeant-at-arms of the Wisconsin assembly in 1876 and was a member of the assembly in 1883. He owned a country store in Franklin for a number of years before moving into the city in 1885.