The chronology
1855
188 published events.
Overview
In Beloit, 1855 saw the chartering of the Beloit Gas Light & Coke Company in February, the June purchase of the Press by Mr. Baker, the October organization of the Rock County Bank with B. Crosby and the addition of James Armstrong to Brown's newspaper firm, the November organization of the Water-Witch Engine and Hose Company No. 1, the December commencement of the Family Messenger and the start of pastorates by Rev. Thomas Holeman and Rev. Luman Hawes, and the resolution and building-committee work toward a new house of worship, dedicated September 15. James Strong took the town and village census as town clerk, the Parker & Stone Reaper Company was organized, a town meeting elected officers in April, and four students graduated from Beloit College. ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ (+13 more)
In Rock County, Janesville gained banks (the Janesville City bank articles in February, the Central Bank of Wisconsin's incorporation in August and opening in October), a militia company (the Janesville City Guard), a Masonic lodge, hand fire engines with the Rock River No. 1 and Water Witch No. 2 fire companies, a Presbyterian church, the present jail building, Union Hall, and the Free Academy. Deeds and settlements recorded during the year include the Crane-to-Cooper deed of Lots 6 and 7 in January and Demmon's conveyance of those lots to Paul Dillingham in April. State legislation created the Fond du Lac land district, consolidated railroads into the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac, and authorized the state census, which recorded Harmony's population as 805 and Rock County's aggregate valuation at $5,117,204. ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ (+14 more)
Beyond the immediate area, 1855 brought considerable railroad construction and chartering across the region: the Racine & Mississippi's name change, the Sugar River Valley and Madison, Fond du Lac & Lake Michigan charters, the Racine-road built to Burlington, roads completed to Horicon and from Milwaukee to the state line, and the Mineral Point Railroad completed to Warren, Illinois. Evansville was surveyed and platted, founded a seminary, and saw its Union Church re-organized. The Wisconsin Female College at Fox Lake was first incorporated, Evansville Seminary was founded, and the south dormitory of the State University was completed. The chronology also records many births, marriages, deaths, and migrations into Rock County and neighboring townships dated only to 1855. ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ ↗ (+10 more)
Month by month
- January 1855The eighth regular session of the Wisconsin State legislature began.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- Winter 1855The Janesville Common Council purchased two second-class Button hand engines (delivered in June).Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- January 1855The *Wisconsin Journal of Education* was established in Janesville by James Sutherland.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- January 22, 1855Mr. Crane executed a deed to Samuel B. Cooper covering Lots 6 and 7.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- January 26, 1855A (habeas corpus) application bearing this date was made; discharge was claimed on the ground of the unconstitutionality of the law.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- February 1855A Congregational church building was dedicated (built earlier).Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- February 12, 1855Articles were recorded to organize the Janesville City bank with a capital of $25,000.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- February 13, 1855The Beloit Gas Light & Coke Company was chartered by act of the state legislature.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- February 21, 1855Mr. C. Bunner resigned from the Janesville newspaper, and Mr. Brown continued the paper alone.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- February 24, 1855An act of congress formed the Fond du Lac land district.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- March 1855Sack Company No. 1 was organized in Janesville as fire police, composed of business men.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- March 1855John H. Cooper went to Clinton Corners and bought a farm of 170 acres.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- March 14, 1855The institutional founder returned from the East and called a meeting of the Directors for the 27th.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- March 24, 1855The Rock River Valley Union Railroad property was sold at auction.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- March 25, 1855The Evansville-area farmer removed from Green County to Union Township, Rock County.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- March 31, 1855An act was approved providing for the state enumeration of inhabitants required in 1855.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- Spring 1855A family came West, locating in the town of Union, Rock county.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- Spring 1855A settler came to Wisconsin in the spring of 1855 and settled in the Edgerton area.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- April 1855A town meeting was held; the whole number of votes cast was 78.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- Spring 1855A Janesville man was elected Mayor, serving one term.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- Spring 1855John Gavin bought 120 acres of land and built his house in Magnolia Township.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- Spring 1855The Christian Association (Milton) dates its beginning to this season.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- Spring 1855Mr. Watson came to Janesville, where he became proprietor of the Ogden house and then resumed contracting.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- April 3, 1855Janesville city officers were elected (Mayor Edward L. Dimock and others).Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- April 23, 1855Demmon conveyed Lots 6 and 7 to Paul Dillingham.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- May 5, 1855The First Presbyterian Church of Janesville was organized in the old stone Academy building.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- June 1855The capital of the Badger State bank was increased to $50,000.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- June 1855Rev. Reuben North began his labors as minister in charge.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- June 4, 1855Addresses were read before the Rock County Agricultural Society and Mechanics' Institute.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- June 6, 1855The Janesville Standard published a letter in its issue of this date.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- June 7, 1855Mr. Baker purchased the entire interest in the Press and became sole owner.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- June 10, 1855Janesville Lodge No. 55, F. & A. M. was organized; the passages disagree on the day (P402: June 10; P172: June 13).Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- June 14, 1855David F. Mayberry left McComb's house saying he was going to Janesville, and in passing through Beloit met Andrew Alger.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- June 28, 1855An item in the church records bearing this date recorded the resolution to build a church.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- Summer 1855A house of worship was erected (dedicated September 15).Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- August 1855A meeting was held in the log meeting house near the residence of A. K. [Hatlestad].The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- August 1855A meeting unanimously voted to address the Rev. O. Andrewson with a call.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- August 1855The interested parties filed a paper relinquishing all rights in the Central Bank organization.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- August 8, 1855A dispensation was granted to establish a Masonic Lodge at Indian Ford (Fulton Center).Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- August 10, 1855A meeting at Evansville resolved to establish a seminary of high grade there and elected a Board of Trustees.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- August 20, 1855A subsequent building-committee meeting was held.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- August 29, 1855The Central Bank of Wisconsin was duly incorporated under the State banking laws, with a capital of $50,000.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- September 15, 1855A house of worship erected during the summer of 1855 was dedicated (the passages disagree: P80 says dedicated September 15; P163 says a new house of worship was dedicated in the latter part of 1855).BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- October 1855A Beloit-area immigrant removed to Beloit from Rutland, Vt., bought a farm of fifty-six acres and farmed it.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- October 1855B. Crosby engaged in the banking business with the organization of the Rock County Bank.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- Fall 1855The railroad company commenced work on the road toward Janesville, after clearing the indebtedness of the old company.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- Fall 1855Mr. Salisbury came West and bought 280 acres in Clinton (moved onto the farm in spring 1856).Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- October 1855Mr. Strasberger succeeded Mr. Lawrence as Foreman of the fire company.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- October 1, 1855Mr. Brown associated Hon. James Armstrong with him in publishing the paper, under the firm of Brown & Armstrong.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- October 16, 1855The Rock County Bank was organized with a capital of $50,000.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- October 19, 1855The Central Bank of Wisconsin began business.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- November 1855A company of militia, the Janesville City Guard, was organized; arms were furnished by the State.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- November 1855A. Constantine Barry, appointed earlier in 1855 to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of H. A. Wright, was elected.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- November 19, 1855A meeting was held at the store of Jacob West to incorporate a new cemetery association.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- November 25, 1855Water-Witch Engine and Hose Company No. 1 was organized (Beloit); Brown's account also places the Water Witch company's organization in 1855.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- December 1855The "City Bank" moved into Lappin's block on its completion.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- December 1855Rev. Luman Hawes was called to the pastoral office and commenced labors with the society.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- December 18, 1855The *Family Messenger* was commenced, published by Doty, Bushnell & Co.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
During 1855
Events the sources date only to the year.
- 1855An act gave the Milwaukee & Mississippi Company authority to continue their Milton & Janesville branch to the Mississippi River.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855Erastus and Theodore Hopkins bought the water right and erected a sawmill.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855Mr. [Pease] helped organize the Rock County bank organized as a state bank in 1855.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The village near the railroad was laid out by Mr. J. [Isaac Wright's location].BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The Sugar River Valley Railroad Company was chartered by the legislature.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855James Strong, as town clerk, took the town and village census.BeloitGrade A · 2 independent sources
- 1855Colley was elected member of the Assembly in 1855.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855Mr. Goodrich was elected to the State Legislature by the unanimous vote of his district.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The consolidation of the Galena & Chicago Union and the Chicago, St. Paul & Fond du Lac companies was approved by legislative enactment, creating the Chicago & Northwestern Railway Company.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855Banks organized in 1855: the Janesville City bank and Rock County bank ; Wadsworth, Clark & Co. ; a State Bank, of which a Janesville man was cashier ; W. Smith engaged in banking ; and bodies buried in the old cemetery block were reburied in Oak Hill and Mt. Olivet in 1855–56 .Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The Racine & Mississippi Railroad's name was changed by act of the Legislature.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The Milwaukee–state line and Chicago & Milwaukee roads were both completed.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The Madison, Fond du Lac & Lake Michigan Railroad Company was chartered.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The aggregate valuation of real and personal estate in Rock County was $5,117,204.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The Parker & Stone Reaper Company was organized in Beloit; the first year it made twenty-five machines.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855Acts of congress in 1854 and 1855 defined and enlarged the canal land grant.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The Mineral Point Railroad was completed to Warren, Illinois, thirty-two miles.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The first store in that village was opened by Edwin Harrington about 1855.BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855Up to 1855, thirty-eight and a half miles of the road had been built in Illinois.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The present Janesville jail building was erected (1855 and 1856).Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855Jerry Bates began broom manufacture in Janesville, employing fifteen men.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855Union Church at Evansville was re-organized as a Congregational church.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The Norwegian Evangelical Lutheran Church in Janesville had its first meetings, held in a small apartment near the court room.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The census of 1855 recorded Harmony's population as 805, taken by James M. Deans.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The south dormitory of the State University was completed.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855German Lutheran meetings were held in Janesville as early as 1855.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855A select school was commenced in Evansville under the auspices of the Methodist Episcopal Church.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855A block's balance was raised three stories during 1855.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The village of Afton first became known through the railroad; it was laid out by Joseph Church, and the first birth occurred in the family of Charles Pulker.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The Janesville school property was purchased by the city and became the Janesville Free Academy.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855Between 1855 and 1857 the Milwaukee & Horicon road was built through Waupun and Ripon to Berlin.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855Hand fire engines were procured in Janesville; two fire companies, Rock River No. 1 and Water Witch No. 2, were organized before the engines were received.Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The sixth circuit was divided and eighth and ninth circuits formed (January 1) and a tenth circuit was formed in the same year.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The town was named by T. Dodge in 1855 (now Orford).Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The Central House was built in Evansville by Henry Spencer, and a store the same season by John Winston and sons.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The Wisconsin Female College at Fox Lake was first incorporated.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855Town school funds received in 1855 included $284.16 , $754.44 in public money , and $413 from the State School Fund .BeloitGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855The ground of Evansville was surveyed and platted, and the village took the post-office name.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855A church building was erected at a cost of $2,800.Nation and worldGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855A large building was erected for the Milton Academy (Milton College's brick building completed in 1855).Rock CountyGrade A · 1 independent source
- 1855A volume of "Transactions" was published by the Wisconsin State Fruit Growers' Association.The regionGrade A · 1 independent source