Wisconsin, State Census, 1855

What is in This Collection?

The collection consists of an index & images to the Wisconsin state population census taken in 1855. This census only identifies the head of family by name. The rest of the census is statistical.

Population schedules consisted of large sheets with rows and columns. The schedules are arranged by county, then by political subdivision. The arrangement of families on a schedule is normally in the order in which the enumerator visited the households.

In 1855 the state legislature directed that a census be taken in June of that year and every 10 years thereafter. The completed forms were sent to the Secretary of State. The census covers approximately 90% of the population. Wisconsin census were conducted from 1855-1905. This information pertains to censuses taken in the year 1855. The state census of Wisconsin was taken in order to enumerate the population for representation purposes.

Additional records and/or images may be added to this collection in the future.

To Browse This Collection

What Can These Records Tell Me?

The following information may be found in these records:

• Name of head of family
• Number of white males and white females in each household
• Number of colored males and colored females in each household
• Number of individuals who are deaf and dumb, blind, or insane
• Number of individuals who are foreign born

Collection Content

Sample Image

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  1855 State Census