Wisconsin Genealogical Records

Wisconsin Birth & Baptism Records

Wisconsin Births and Christenings (1826-1926)

An index to birth and baptism records. The index may include name, gender, date and place of birth, race, parents' names and parents' places of birth. Searchable by a name index.

Wisconsin Birth Index (1820-1907)

An index to over 1 million births, including a reference to locate the original record.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Records (1875-1940)

An index to and images of Lutheran registers containing close to 3 million baptism, marriage and death records.

US Consular Reports of Births (1910-1945)

An index to and images of 36,000 birth records for children of US citizens registered abroad. Records contain child's name, date and place of birth, parents' names and ages, occupations, residence, passport numbers, consulate where registered, parents' naturalization dates, parents place of of birth and number of living children to the parents.

Foreign and Overseas Registers of British Subjects (1627-1965)

Registers of births/baptisms, marriages and deaths/burials containing over 160,000 entries from over 30 countries. These largely relate to British subjects.

Wisconsin Marriage & Divorce Records

Wisconsin Marriage Index (1973-1997)

An index to around 950,000 marriages, including the name of the bride and groom: their ages and residence; date and county of marriage and a reference to order a full marriage certificate.

Wisconsin Divorce Index (1965-1984)

An index to over 115,000 divorces filed in the state, including the names of both parties and the date and county the divorce was filed in.

Wisconsin Marriages (1820-1907)

An index to 1.3 million marriages recorded in the state.

Wisconsin Marriages (1836-1930)

An index to marriages recorded in the state, which may include the name of the bride and groom, date of marriages and parents' names. The index can be used to locate original records, which contain further details.

Instant Checkmate (1980-Present)

A collection of billions of records on American citizens and residents. Includes records for addresses, phone numbers, voting, foreclosure, criminal activity and arrests, business affiliations, dates of birth, property, tax, weapon and hunting permits, vehicle ownership, marriages, divorces and more.

Wisconsin Death & Burial Records

Wisconsin Death Index (1959-1997)

An index to over 1.6 million deaths recorded by the state government of Wisconsin. Entries include name, date and place of death, race, gender, age, residence and date of birth. The index can be used to order a death certificate, which will contain further details.

Wisconsin Death Records (1867-1907)

Transcripts of over 430,000 death records, which may list date and place of death, residence, gender, age, date and place of birth, burial place, parents' names and parents' birthplaces.

Wisconsin Deaths (1820-1907)

An index to almost 440,00 deaths with an options to order a full death record, which will contain further details.

Wisconsin Deaths and Burials (1835-1968)

An index to 35,000 death and burial records, which may list date and place of burial/and or death, age, date and place of birth, occupation, race, marital status and parents' names and birthplaces.

United States Social Security Death Index (1962-Present)

An index to over 93 million people whose death has been recorded by the Social Security Administration. It includes date of birth, date of death, last place of residence and other details. It can be used to located other records, such as death certificates, which will provide more information.

Wisconsin Census & Population Lists

1905 Wisconsin State Census (1905)

Images of schedules recording 2.25 million inhabitants of Wisconsin, including their name, relationships, colour, gender, age, marital status, place of birth, parents' places of birth, occupation, length of employment and habitation status. Searchable by a name index.

1895 Wisconsin State Census (1895)

Images recording just under 500,000 Wisconsin residents, their gender and nativity. Searchable by a name index.

1885 Wisconsin State Census (1885)

Digital images of schedules, recording over 400,000 inhabitants of the state, listing name, gender and nativity. Searchable by a name index.

1865 Wisconsin State Census (1865)

Name index and images of the 1865 State Census which names the head of household.

1855 Wisconsin State Census (1855)

An index to and images of registers recording over 130,000 heads of households and statistical information regarding their household.

Newspapers Covering Wisconsin

Newspaper Archive: US (1753-Present)

Text-searchable editions of over 7,500 newspaper titles from the United States, containing 2 billion articles and over 100 million obituaries.

Newspapers.com (1728-Present)

A growing collection of text-searchable, digitalised newspapers from the United States of America. Contains thousands of titles and over 100 million pages.

Genealogy Bank Newspapers (1690-Present)

Text-searchable editions of and over 250 million obituaries and death notices extracted from over 7,500 United States newspaper titles.

US Quaker Periodicals (1828-1929)

This database contains digitized volumes of more than 60 Quaker publications, including some foreign-language periodicals. Names have been indexed from a variety of articles including births, marriage notices, obituaries, officers, missionaries, committee members, names of people who have moved, and other references to members of the Society of Friends.

Name Card Index to AP Stories (1905-1990)

An index to over 2.1 million people mentioned in Associated Press stories, including name, subject, location, date and a reference to the article.

Wisconsin Wills & Probate Records

Wisconsin Wills & Probate Records (1800-1987)

An index to and images of 170,000 wills and probate documents. They typically record details of the deceased's relatives; and sometimes describe real and personal property, sentiments, convictions, intended places of burial and more.

British Inheritance Disputes Index (1574-1714)

An index to almost 78,000 wills that were disputed. The index can lead you to documents that may shed a great deal of genealogical information as disputes often arose between siblings and cousins.

Genealogical Gleanings in England Vol. I (1400-1650)

Abstracts of English wills that are connected to early American families. In addition, it contains genealogical notes and pedigrees, maps, tabular charts, illustrations, and an index of 30,000 names as well as a fifty-one page index of places, with details of where many of the early families settled.

Genealogical Gleanings in England Vol. II (1400-1650)

Abstracts of English wills that are connected to early American families. In addition, it contains genealogical notes and pedigrees, maps, tabular charts, illustrations, and an index of 30,000 names as well as a fifty-one page index of places, with details of where many of the early families settled.

Wisconsin Immigration & Travel Records

Milwaukee Naturalisation Index (1848-1990)

Cards recording the issuance of naturalisation certificates.

New York Passenger and Crew Lists (1909-1957)

Digital images of registers recording the arrival of passengers and crew at New York harbour. Varying details are included, such as name, age, gender, occupation, nationality, race, last place of residence, intended place of residence and more. The registers can be searched by a name index of over 28 million names.

Canada-US Border Crossings (1895-1956)

This database contains an index of aliens and citizens crossing into the U.S. from Canada via various ports of entry along the U.S.-Canadian border. It may include name, age, date and place of birth, gender, ethnicity/nationality, names of friends and relatives and more.

San Francisco Passenger Lists (1893-1953)

Name index and images from passenger lists of those arriving in San Francisco, California. Records details, such as place of birth and occupation of around 3 million people.

New York Passenger Arrival Lists (1892-Present)

Images of passenger and crew lists, searchable by an index of more than 51 million names. Lists may contain details such as age, gender, place of origin, occupation and much more.

Wisconsin Military Records

Registers of Deaths of Union Volunteers (1861-1865)

An index and digital images of registers listing the deaths of around 250,000 Union soldiers. The registers list name, rank, company, date and place of death, cause of death and miscellaneous notes.

US World War II Draft Registration Cards (1942)

Digital images of over 10 million registration cards, which record name, address, date and place of birth, next of kin, employer and more. Cards can be searched by a name index.

US WWII Old Man's Draft Registration (1942)

Records registering over 15 million men born between 1877 and 1897, including name, age, birth date and place, residence, employer, and physical description.

US Army WWII Enlistment Records (1942-1945)

Details of millions of American men and women who enlisted in the US Army, including serial number, residence, education, enlistment location and date, Army branch and grade, height and weight, military specialty, and other data.

US WWII First Draft Registration Cards (1940-1943)

Documents recording the draft of around 2 million men, including name, residence, age, place of birth, employer, physical characteristics, and other information.

US Passport Applications (1795-1925)

Digital images of applications for passports, which list name, date and place of birth, father's particulars, immigration and naturalisation details, residence, occupation, photograph and more. Searchable by a name index.

US Social Security Applications & Claims Index (1936-2007)

An index to 49 million applications and claims for social security. The index includes name, SSN, date and place of birth, nation of citizenship, gender, father's name, mother's maiden name and race.

FBI Case Files (1908-1922)

Over 2.3 million records from investigations of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

US Pension Office Correspondence (1889-1904)

Name index and images of the name and subject index to correspondence of the Records and Pension office. Searchable by an index of almost 800,000 names.

US Freed Slaves to Liberia Records (1817-1964)

An index to and images of correspondence, account books, annual reports, news clippings and other documents relating to freed slaves in the US who settled in Liberia.

Wisconsin Taxation Records

IRS Tax Assessment Lists (1862-1918)

An index to and digital images of registers recording 8.8 million instances of taxation. The records list the name of the person or business being taxed: their address and details tax assessed and paid.

Wisconsin Land & Property Records

US General Land Office Records (1796-1907)

An index to and digital images of 2.2 million land patents, primarily cash and homestead, from Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Ohio and Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Homestead & Cash Entry Patents (1770-1908)

Documents recording land transfers. The records contain names, acreages, signatures, dates, mineral rights, bounds, descriptions of land and more.

County Land Ownership Maps (1860-1918)

Various maps and documents listing and delineating around 7 million land plots and their owners. Searchable by a name index.

Historic Land Ownership and Reference Atlases (1507-2000)

This database is a collection of maps and atlases detailing land areas that comprise the present-day United States and Canada, as well as various other parts of the world.

Union Army Provost Marshals' Papers (1861-1867)

Over 235,000 documents relating to Union prisoners, legal proceedings, oaths, land forfeitures and more.

Wisconsin Directories & Gazetteers

Thom's Official Directory of Great Britain & Ireland (1914)

A directory of the court, parliament, aristocracy, mayors, civil service, military, militia and banks in the British Empire.

US City Directories (1821-1989)

An index to around 1.5 billion names found in books containing list of citizens & businesses: their addresses and occupation or business. The index is linked to scanned images of the books, which may also contain local history, details of government bodies, officials and more.

The American Gazetteer (1798)

One of the earliest attempt to form a comprehensive dictionary of places in The Americas.

US Phone & Address Directories (1993-2002)

Transcriptions of over 313 million entries from directories, which may list name, address, city, state and phone number.

United States Public Records (1970-2009)

A database containing 875 million entries, recording people, their date of birth and place of residence.

Wisconsin Cemeteries

Wisconsin Gravestones (1800-Present)

A growing database of over 100 gravestones, searchable by name and organised by cemetery.

US Veteran's Gravesites (1775-2008)

A database containing details of the burial of 7.6 million US military veterans. Entries may contain details of birth, next of kin and more.

Billion Graves (1200-Present)

Photographs and transcriptions of millions of gravestones from cemeteries around the world.

US Cemetery & Funeral Home Collection (1777-Present)

A growing collection of millions of funeral and cemetery record transcriptions, including obituaries and names of relatives.

US Cemetery Interment Control Forms (1928-1962)

This database contains cards recording details for members of the US Army interred in national cemeteries. May include details of next of kin, military service and other details.

Wisconsin Obituaries

Newspaper Archive: US (1753-Present)

Text-searchable editions of over 7,500 newspaper titles from the United States, containing 2 billion articles and over 100 million obituaries.

US Cemetery & Funeral Home Collection (1777-Present)

A growing collection of millions of funeral and cemetery record transcriptions, including obituaries and names of relatives.

US Obituary Collection (1700-Present)

A growing database containing 10s of millions of abstract obituaries with a reference to the publication it occurred in and a link to the full obituary if available online.

Genealogy Bank Newspapers (1690-Present)

Text-searchable editions of and over 250 million obituaries and death notices extracted from over 7,500 United States newspaper titles.

Daily Obituary Digest (1995-Present)

A growing index to more than 16 million obituaries, citing name, age, residence and source publication.

Wisconsin Histories & Books

US County and Regional Histories and Atlases (1804-1984)

A collection of 2,200 books recording history, biographical sketches, maps, business notices, statistics and population numbers, pictures, descriptions of industry and business, stories of early settlement and pioneers, colleges and universities, military history, geography etc. of localities in the US.

The American Gazetteer (1798)

One of the earliest attempt to form a comprehensive dictionary of places in The Americas.

Mary Evans Picture Library (2000 BC-Present)

A database of over 300,000 photos, etchings, engravings and other mediums depicting places and events in the British Isles and the rest of the world.

Ancestry Member Stories (6000 BC-Present)

Over 7 million remembrances and historic details submitted by Ancestry members. Useful for local historians.

Ancestry Member Photos & Documents (6000 BC-Present)

Over 60 million historic photographs and documents submitted to Ancestry. This rich collection contains many rare sources of interest to local historians and will be relevant to most genealogical research.

Wisconsin School & Education Records

US School Yearbooks (1880-2012)

A growing index to over 300 million entries in middle school, junior high, high school, and college yearbooks linked to digital images of the yearbook pages. Yearbooks usually include name and photo, but may include biographical data, such as family relations, academic achievements and hobbies.

US School Yearbooks (1880-2012)

An index to and digital images of over 20,000 year books, listing details of schools, students and staff. Many contain photographs.

US School Catalogues (1765-1935)

A variety of publications listing names of students, faculty, alumni, and others associated with US universities, seminaries and theological institutes, normal schools, medical schools, academies, military schools, etc. Records include catalogues, obituary records and necrologies, class histories, speeches and addresses, commencement exercises, class reports, registers, prospectus, circulars, proceedings, annual reports, magazines and other documents.

High School Student Lists (1821-1923)

Digital images of a variety of publications listing the names of students, faculty, alumni, and others associated primarily with preparatory and similar schools, including academies, high schools, seminaries, reform schools, institutes, industrial schools, military academies, dance schools, grammar schools, Latin schools and others. Searchable by an index of around 650,000 names.

US College Student Lists (1763-1924)

Digital images of a variety of publications listing the names of college students, faculty, alumni, and others associated with places of learning. They include catalouges of students and officers, histories, biographical sketches, retrospectives, memorials, registers, anniversary books, annual reports, addresses and commencement exercises, alumni lists, lists of lectures and courses, board proceedings, catalogues of fraternity members, and other items.

Wisconsin Occupation & Business Records

US Crew Lists and Manifests (1890-1963)

Digital images of crew lists for ships arriving in Maine, Washington, Massachusetts, Georgia, South Carolina, Illinois, Texas, South Carolina, Mississippi, Texas, Wisconsin, Alaska, Louisiana, Florida, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, California, Georgia and Puerto Rico.

Wisconsin Crew Lists (1925-1969)

An index to and images of records detailing close to 38,000 names of crew arriving in Wisconsin from foreign parts.

Chicago & North Western Railroad Employment Records (1935-1970)

An index to and images of records detailing around 10,000 employees of the line. Records may list name, occupation, address, SSNs, dates of birth, dates of death, parents' names and more.

FBI Case Files (1908-1922)

Over 2.3 million records from investigations of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

US Federal Census Non-Population Schedules (1850-1880)

An index and digital images of schedules recording statistical data concerning agriculture, industry, social and other areas. Includes many people and businesses.

Pedigrees & Family Trees Covering Wisconsin

Daughters of the American Revolution Lineage Books (1620-1938)

Pedigrees of women who were descendants of one or more servicemen of The American Revolutionary War. Contains 100,000s of names.

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

Colonial Families in the US (1600-1920)

Genealogical charts, and coats of arms where appropriate, of prominent families in America's early history.

Ancestry Member Family Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A compilation of lineage-linked family trees submitted by Ancestry users. The database contains over 2 billion individuals and is searchable by numerous metrics.

Spanish-American Family History Guide (1514-1990)

Detailed guides for researchers with Spanish-American ancestors. It includes biographies and genealogical charts for over 700 noted Spanish-American families.

Wisconsin Royalty, Nobility & Heraldry Records

FamilySearch Community Trees (6000 BC-Present)

A searchable database of linked genealogies compiled from thousands of reputable and not-so-reputable sources. Contains many details on European gentry & nobility, but covers many countries outside Europe and people from all walks of life.

History of England Society & Government (56 BC-1867)

A lengthy history of England detailing the country's connection to the U.S.A. Includes much detail on royalty, nobility and other historical figures of note.

Wisconsin Church Records

US Quaker Meeting Records (1681-1935)

An index to and digital images of documents recording almost 6 million names. They include registers of births, marriages and deaths; lists of members; movement of members between congregations; records of discipline; disownment; burials and more.

US Quaker Periodicals (1828-1929)

This database contains digitized volumes of more than 60 Quaker publications, including some foreign-language periodicals. Names have been indexed from a variety of articles including births, marriage notices, obituaries, officers, missionaries, committee members, names of people who have moved, and other references to members of the Society of Friends.

Index to Quaker Records (1680-1940)

An index to close to 900,000 names occurring in Quaker meeting records. These cover items such as discipline, admittance, movement between meetings, some vital events and much more.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of America Records (1875-1940)

An index to and images of Lutheran registers containing close to 3 million baptism, marriage and death records.

US & Canada Quaker Annual Reports (1808-1930)

Digital images of records from the highest bodies in the Quaker church. The minutes contain names of representatives and committee members, memorials and obituary notices, along with business news.

Biographical Directories Covering Wisconsin

US County and Regional Histories and Atlases (1804-1984)

A collection of 2,200 books recording history, biographical sketches, maps, business notices, statistics and population numbers, pictures, descriptions of industry and business, stories of early settlement and pioneers, colleges and universities, military history, geography etc. of localities in the US.

Biographical Dictionary of Notable Americans (1904)

A ten volume work containing close to 20,000 biographies of notable Americans.

American Biographical Library (1774-1949)

Over 75,000 biographies covering congressmen, women, military and other notable individuals.

Biography & Genealogy Master Index (1600-Present)

An index to millions of biographies, listing names, dates of birth and death and the biography's source publication.

Spanish-American Family History Guide (1514-1990)

Detailed guides for researchers with Spanish-American ancestors. It includes biographies and genealogical charts for over 700 noted Spanish-American families.

Wisconsin Maps

US County and Regional Histories and Atlases (1804-1984)

A collection of 2,200 books recording history, biographical sketches, maps, business notices, statistics and population numbers, pictures, descriptions of industry and business, stories of early settlement and pioneers, colleges and universities, military history, geography etc. of localities in the US.

US Enumeration District Maps & Descriptions (1940)

Maps recording districts used to allot areas in which census takers would operate. Searchable by street name and more.

County Land Ownership Maps (1860-1918)

Various maps and documents listing and delineating around 7 million land plots and their owners. Searchable by a name index.

Historic Land Ownership and Reference Atlases (1507-2000)

This database is a collection of maps and atlases detailing land areas that comprise the present-day United States and Canada, as well as various other parts of the world.

Old Maps Online (1497-2010)

An interactive index to thousands of maps covering the world, continents, countries and regions. The majority of maps cover Britain and Ireland.

Wisconsin Reference Works

Periodical Source Index (1825-Present)

An index to over 2.7 million articles published in various genealogical, historical and ethnographic publications.

US Free Genealogical Data Search Engine (1513-Present)

A search engine that covers over 2.5 million pages of vital records, family trees, biographies and other genealogical resources.

A Guide to the NARA Field Branches (1988)

Details of record collections held by numerous sub-branches of The National Archives.

Spanish-American Family History Guide (1514-1990)

Detailed guides for researchers with Spanish-American ancestors. It includes biographies and genealogical charts for over 700 noted Spanish-American families.

US Family Historian's Address Book (1997)

A directory of bodies that hold important collections of genealogical and historical records, ordered by state. As it was published in 1997, some contact details may be out of date, but the organizations' names can be used to locate updated information.

Historical Description

WISCONSIN (or Ouisconsin) was admitted by act of Congress, February 9,1847, as an independent state of the American Union. Portions of its original territory were settled by the French as early as 1670. It passed from French to British jurisdiction in 1763, and so remained until 1794. After being connected with, and successively disconnected from, the respective States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, and Michigan, it was organized as a distinct territory of the United States in 1836. In 1838, it was further diminished in size by the separation from its present south-western border of what now forms the State of Iowa; and, in 1849, still further lessened, by setting off the remainder of the region lying west of the Mississippi, now known as Minesota Territory.

Boundaries and Extent

The state, as now established, extends from the Illinois line, in latitude 42° 30' north, to latitude 45° 20', and reaches from Lake Michigan on the east to the Mississippi River on the west. Its extreme length, measured angularly, from north-east to south-west, is about 380 miles; its breadth, from east to west, varies from 150 to 200 miles; and its estimated area, as officially returned, is 53,924 square miles.

Government

Wisconsin is at present subdivided into 29 counties. The state government is vested in a governor, lieutenant governor, Senate, and House of Representatives, the latter to consist of not less than 60, nor more than 120 members; the number of senators not to exceed one third, nor be less than one fourth, of the number of representatives. The latter are elected by the people, annually; the senators and executive officers biennially. The annual sessions of the legislature commence on the second Thursday of January. All white male citizens, Indians recognized as citizens by any United States law, and civilized persons of Indian blood, not members of any tribe, are legal voters after a residence of one year within the state.

Judiciary

The judiciary power is vested in a Supreme Court, Circuit Court, County Courts, and justices of the peace. The Supreme Court is composed of at least four of the six judges of the Circuit Courts. Prior to the formation of the state government, the Supreme Court consisted of a chief justice and two associate justices. There are now five of the latter. During the continuance of the territorial organization, (some fourteen years,) Charles Dunn, of Elk Grove, held the office of chief justice: under the present state government, this office is held by Alexander H. Stow, of Taycheedah. The judges are elected by the people, each for the term of six years.

Education. The subject of education has received, as might be expected from the character and origin of the settlers, a due measure of attention. Ample provision has been made by law lor the establishment of a college; and corresponding means have been set aside in every township for the support of common schools, all by dint of bountiful grants of land. The value of the school fund thus created is estimated at $2,780,912. Annual proceeds $60,000.

Finances

The state has as yet incurred no public debt.

Surface, Soil, &c.—In its external features, this state exhibits considerable variety. The northern part having never been fully explored, excepting by traders and trappers, is consequently but little known. It is, however, represented as a rugged and mountainous wilderness, though frequently presenting large tracts of extraordinary fertility, and watered by numerous broad and rapid streams. The surface, in the southern part, consists mostly of prairie land, well timbered along the river sides; in the central part of the state, the face of the country is more diversified. The rough and hilly tracts at the north produce the white pine in great abundance. The entire region is bountifully supplied with navigable streams, by which it is penetrated in all directions; and although on its eastern border it has a lake coast of some 200 miles, very few safe or commodious harbors exist in that quarter. The soil is generally of an excellent quality, and varies from one to ten feet in depth. It is especially productive on the margins of the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers, where also are found extensive forests of ponderous timber; and the land throughout the state, so far as it has been surveyed, proves to be admirably adapted to agricultural purposes, particularly to the growth of corn and wheat. Indeed, every species of vegetable suited to the climate can be cultivated with perfect success; and multitudes of cattle may find ample pasturage upon the rich and almost boundless prairies.

Rivers

Its principal rivers, besides the great Mississippi, which flows along the western limits of the state, are the Wisconsin, a branch of the former, 500 miles in length; the Chippeway, a noble stream, emptying into the Mississippi north of the Wisconsin: Rock River, taking its rise within, and running partly through, the state; and Fox River, the proximity of which to the Wisconsin often causes an inundation of the intervening lands. There are likewise numerous lakes and ponds, some of great magnitude, in the northern section. Lake Winnebago, which connects with Green Bay, a branch of Lake Michigan, is 24 miles in length by 10 in width.

Internal Improvements

Numerous internal improvements are in progress. The most important yet undertaken is that for improving the navigation of Wisconsin and Fox Rivers. This work is prosecuted by authority of Congress, half a million acres of the public lands having been appropriated for the purpose. Steamboat navigation between Lake Michigan, via Green Bay and the Mississippi, is secured by the improvement of Fox River, and the completion of a canal to Lake Winnebago. A railroad connects Milwaukie with the Mississippi; and convenient plank roads run into the interior from many places on the lake.

By reason of its contact with Lake Michigan and the waters thereto adjacent, together with its extensive means of inland navigation, Wisconsin enjoys great commercial facilities. On the margin of the above lake lies Milwaukie, the most thriving and populous town in the state, which has sprung into being and importance, almost magically, within a very few years, and has rapidly become the centre of a vast amount of trade. Possessing the best harbor between Green Bay and Chicago, it is the chosen resort of most of the steamers from Buffalo and other ports on Lake Erie, thus commanding a controlling interest in the entire business of the state. Madison, the capital, is situated on a beautiful elevation, midway between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi, with both of which it has direct communication by means of a series of streams on either side.

Minerals

In mineral resources Wisconsin is peculiarly opulent. The south-western portion abounds with lead and copper ores. The lead mines, in particular, are noted for being the most productive in the United States; and many millions of pounds of this metal are annually extracted, wrought into proper form, and exported. Vast quantities of copper, also, are being constantly exhumed and sent to market; and in iron ore the country is not less prolific. Much interest in the mineral products of this state has for some time been manifested, and is still actively exercised among enterprising capitalists in the neighboring states.

Manufactures

Besides the smelting of ores, the business of manufacturing, in Wisconsin, is as yet inconsiderable; the greatest amount of capital invested in any one branch of public industry has been employed in the mining of lead, and preparing it for exportation.

Climate

In the upper or northern part of the state, the winters are frequently severe, occasioned probably by the proximity of Lake Superior, which lies on the north and northwest. The summers, however, axe temperate and pleasant. The winter is much more mild in the southern quarter, where the climate throughout the year is salubrious, and not unlike that of the northern portion of Missouri.

Indians

A large portion of the northern section of the state is still peopled by various Indian tribes, several of which are in a state of semi-civilization. Some of the tribes, especially the Winnebagoes, have long refused to recognize the treaty ceding their lands to the United States, and continue to resist all attempts to remove them to their allotted country beyond the Mississippi.

Population

The population of Wisconsin has multiplied prodigiously since the year 1830, when it numbered but about 4000. In 1847, it had reached over 200,000; and the census of 1850 states it at 305,191, including 626 free colored persons.

A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States (1854) by Thomas Baldwin

Most Common Surnames in Wisconsin

RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in United States
1Johnson46,2461:1302.11%2
2Smith31,3511:1911.09%1
3Anderson27,9681:2142.76%8
4Miller26,6241:2251.95%7
5Nelson19,4121:3093.62%39
6Olson19,3261:3108.97%135
7Brown18,5481:3231.05%4
8Peterson18,4631:3255.05%59
9Williams17,1131:3500.89%3
10Schmidt14,9791:4007.58%160
11Jones14,9241:4020.90%5
12Schultz14,0001:42810.01%262
13Thompson12,5601:4771.59%20
14Davis12,4331:4820.89%6
15Martin11,8401:5061.44%17
16Larson11,4661:5236.82%213
17Meyer11,3981:5265.45%142
18Krueger10,3521:57919.78%817
19Hanson10,1541:5906.81%242
20Mueller10,0311:59810.78%422
21Hansen9,7051:6185.16%174
22Lee9,6631:6201.15%15
23Thomas9,2421:6491.06%12
24Clark9,1161:6571.27%22
25Schroeder9,0651:6619.78%426
26Schneider8,8701:6766.25%258
27Wagner8,7651:6844.17%139
28Weber8,3701:7165.64%244
29Taylor8,3541:7170.93%11
30Jackson8,0691:7430.97%16
31White7,7901:7690.96%18
32Harris7,6411:7840.99%21
33Erickson7,0331:8526.23%327
34Jensen6,9751:8594.42%229
35Young6,9341:8641.16%31
36King6,7091:8931.20%32
37Becker6,6071:9075.25%287
38Allen6,5201:9191.04%28
39Robinson6,5071:9211.04%27
40Carlson6,3841:9393.77%207
41Fischer6,3071:9506.20%382
42Murphy6,1571:9731.60%58
43Lewis6,0331:9930.93%25
44Hill6,0161:9961.11%35
45Adams5,7281:1,0461.03%34
46Hoffman5,6591:1,0593.07%178
47Scott5,5781:1,0741.04%38
48Hall5,5051:1,0890.89%30
49Roberts5,4661:1,0971.15%43
50Bauer5,4591:1,0985.97%432
51Baker5,4241:1,1051.00%36
52Phillips5,3861:1,1131.23%47
53Peters5,2871:1,1343.02%198
54Campbell5,2241:1,1471.06%41
55Rodriguez5,1921:1,1540.61%14
56Green5,1631:1,1610.96%37
57Krause5,0081:1,19710.38%891
58Cook4,8871:1,2261.24%56
59Garcia4,8551:1,2350.54%10
60Wright4,8251:1,2420.87%33
61Zimmerman4,7871:1,2524.29%333
62Collins4,7181:1,2701.13%50
63Berg4,6551:1,2886.73%595
64Hernandez4,6391:1,2920.65%23
65Martinez4,5601:1,3140.57%19
66Mitchell4,5251:1,3250.99%45
67Turner4,4631:1,3431.04%48
68Evans4,3741:1,3700.96%46
69Wolf4,3421:1,3804.30%388
70Rogers4,2551:1,4091.10%57
71Yang4,2371:1,4154.39%404
72Schmitz4,2271:1,41812.95%1,373
73Reed4,2201:1,4201.21%66
74Jacobson4,2081:1,4246.41%640
75Schaefer4,1031:1,4617.06%721
76Ward4,0971:1,4631.24%71
77Kelly3,9511:1,5171.20%72
78Christensen3,9501:1,5173.82%372
79Sullivan3,9471:1,5191.35%83
80Edwards3,9281:1,5260.92%49
81Stewart3,8551:1,5550.96%54
82Klein3,8031:1,5763.24%310
83Carter3,7921:1,5810.78%42
84Wood3,6571:1,6391.09%69
85Frank3,6551:1,6403.87%419
86Vang3,6331:1,65014.03%1,742
87Hughes3,6221:1,6551.19%78
88Lopez3,6191:1,6560.54%24
89Fox3,6041:1,6631.76%147
90Schmitt3,5761:1,6767.29%876
91Schulz3,5741:1,67710.30%1,273
92Parker3,5711:1,6780.86%51
93Schwartz3,5571:1,6852.89%296
94Morgan3,5511:1,6880.97%60
95Xiong3,5491:1,68917.30%2,243
96Gonzalez3,5381:1,6940.57%29
97Gray3,5061:1,7101.09%75
98Swanson3,4611:1,7323.24%355
99Bennett3,4331:1,7461.06%74
100Ross3,4251:1,7501.16%80
101Koch3,4021:1,7624.94%600
102Ryan3,3621:1,7831.76%170
103Braun3,3601:1,7846.85%877
104Kramer3,2771:1,8293.64%441
105Rasmussen3,2511:1,8446.52%857
106Howard3,2021:1,8720.96%70
107Larsen3,1971:1,8754.06%512
108Keller3,1951:1,8762.39%274
109Perez3,1191:1,9220.58%40
110Brooks3,1131:1,9250.95%73
111Lange3,0951:1,9377.21%1,008
112Morris3,0801:1,9460.77%55
113Schumacher3,0621:1,9578.67%1,246
114Cooper3,0571:1,9610.84%61
115Petersen3,0551:1,9623.84%507
116Hayes3,0201:1,9851.23%114
117Price3,0101:1,9911.03%86
118Coleman2,9731:2,0161.06%92
119James2,9541:2,0290.98%79
120Lemke2,9421:2,03720.36%3,156
121Reynolds2,9341:2,0431.15%105
122Stevens2,9291:2,0461.24%119
123Sanders2,9031:2,0651.04%90
124Murray2,9001:2,0671.26%124
125Richardson2,8901:2,0740.92%77
126Mayer2,8751:2,0855.02%738
127Olsen2,8581:2,0973.51%497
128McDonald2,8411:2,1101.21%122
129Wallace2,8161:2,1281.11%110
130Long2,7971:2,1430.98%87
131Perry2,7941:2,1451.02%98
132Myers2,7921:2,1470.95%84
133Griffin2,7511:2,1791.09%111
134Shaw2,7431:2,1851.31%143
135Ellis2,7391:2,1881.12%115
136Kennedy2,7311:2,1951.20%129
137Knutson2,7201:2,20411.28%1,890
138Patterson2,7111:2,2111.06%107
139Cole2,7051:2,2161.07%109
140Wells2,7031:2,2171.21%130
141Marshall2,7021:2,2181.19%128
142Russell2,6911:2,2270.97%95
143Hamilton2,6691:2,2461.03%102
144Sanchez2,6641:2,2500.56%44
145Powell2,6541:2,2580.97%97
146Beck2,6431:2,2682.01%282
147Bailey2,6351:2,2750.74%64
148Brandt2,6231:2,2855.01%815
149Rice2,6191:2,2881.37%169
150Daniels2,6081:2,2981.41%179
151Walters2,6041:2,3021.90%268
152Watson2,5911:2,3130.81%76
153Meier2,5901:2,3146.99%1,185
154Lang2,5631:2,3383.06%480
155Hahn2,5621:2,3394.42%724
156Wendt2,5461:2,35414.28%2,567
157Rivera2,5401:2,3600.75%68
158Rose2,5341:2,3651.26%156
159West2,5271:2,3720.99%104
160Jordan2,5221:2,3770.99%108
160Weiss2,5221:2,3772.92%465
162Butler2,4821:2,4150.88%88
163Benson2,4701:2,4272.10%307
164Torres2,4661:2,4300.69%65
165Pierce2,4631:2,4331.41%199
166Ramirez2,4561:2,4400.60%52
167Werner2,4471:2,4495.02%886
168Nowak2,4351:2,4619.34%1,731
169Hart2,4341:2,4621.35%186
170Foster2,4321:2,4640.83%81
171Gordon2,4201:2,4771.13%136
172Nichols2,4141:2,4831.30%177
173Hagen2,4051:2,4927.37%1,374
174Snyder2,3931:2,5051.15%144
175Henderson2,3821:2,5160.87%99
176Cruz2,3761:2,5230.85%93
177Arndt2,3691:2,53012.35%2,376
178Otto2,3631:2,5367.85%1,497
179Paulson2,3581:2,5428.60%1,641
180Richter2,3521:2,5485.59%1,036
180Riley2,3521:2,5481.39%209
182Stone2,3421:2,5591.18%157
183Arnold2,3251:2,5781.24%175
184Barnes2,3241:2,5790.83%89
185Richards2,3111:2,5931.39%217
186Meyers2,2921:2,6152.89%510
187Haas2,2891:2,6184.59%858
188Holmes2,2851:2,6231.19%168
189Kaiser2,2761:2,6334.87%920
190Obrien2,2631:2,6491.95%315
191Carpenter2,2611:2,6511.34%212
192Lawrence2,2591:2,6531.41%227
193Paul2,2581:2,6542.25%390
194Gardner2,2561:2,6571.20%173
195Armstrong2,2491:2,6651.28%196
196Roth2,2481:2,6662.66%478
197Gilbertson2,2431:2,67219.02%3,825
198Walsh2,2421:2,6731.57%251
199Severson2,2381:2,67815.97%3,256
200Welch2,2331:2,6841.57%257
RankSurnameIncidenceFrequencyPercent of ParentRank in United States
1Johnson11,6721:1133.05%2
2Smith10,4311:1261.65%1
3Anderson6,3721:2074.36%17
4Miller6,2671:2102.24%6
5Jones5,0491:2611.59%5
6Olson4,9831:26425.20%275
7Brown4,8001:2741.35%3
8Peterson4,6441:2849.46%79
9Nelson4,5991:2866.64%47
10Williams4,2461:3101.33%4
11Hanson4,1651:31616.20%200
12Thompson3,8011:3462.41%13
13Larson3,4671:38022.36%381
14Clark3,2891:4001.97%10
15Oleson3,2031:41125.20%482
16Davis2,9911:4401.18%7
17Martin2,4941:5281.69%15
18Schmidt2,3021:5729.42%214
19Thomas2,2871:5761.56%16
20Murphy2,0951:6282.21%32
21Wilson2,0591:6391.10%8
22White1,9971:6591.24%11
23Meyer1,9621:6716.07%159
24Schultz1,9591:67214.57%452
25Taylor1,9271:6831.14%9
26Baker1,8861:6981.69%25
27Allen1,8181:7241.51%21
28Young1,7741:7421.54%24
29Wagner1,7481:7535.66%166
30Hall1,6921:7781.40%20
31Wright1,6851:7811.58%26
32Roberts1,6691:7892.09%39
33Wood1,5971:8242.00%38
34Mueller1,5841:83119.03%756
35Lewis1,5521:8481.31%22
36Fisher1,5421:8542.31%49
37Cook1,5391:8551.76%33
38Green1,5141:8701.24%19
39King1,5011:8771.42%27
40Hansen1,4341:91815.50%676
41Schneider1,4261:9239.68%407
42Moore1,3981:9420.88%12
43Robinson1,3781:9551.33%30
44Lee1,3601:9681.65%35
45Schroeder1,3421:98115.89%745
46Weber1,3391:9837.32%302
47McDonald1,3251:9942.54%72
48Rogers1,3221:9962.11%55
49Campbell1,3151:1,0011.53%34
50Ryan1,3101:1,0052.46%69
51Adams1,2971:1,0151.33%31
52Hill1,2861:1,0241.22%28
53Jackson1,2841:1,0250.87%14
54Walker1,2811:1,0281.09%23
55Wolf1,2711:1,0364.38%173
56Kelly1,2631:1,0421.73%44
57Ward1,2371:1,0641.85%50
58Hoffman1,2311:1,0703.80%158
59Rice1,2041:1,0942.61%91
60Harris1,2021:1,0950.94%18
61Welch1,1991:1,0982.97%115
62Scott1,1931:1,1041.14%29
62Evans1,1931:1,1041.62%43
64Sullivan1,1361:1,1591.69%48
64Burns1,1361:1,1592.21%74
66Kelley1,0981:1,1992.31%82
67Cole1,0971:1,2002.11%73
68Becker1,0851:1,2136.34%334
69Stevens1,0601:1,2422.27%85
70Morgan1,0481:1,2561.63%53
71Jacobson1,0471:1,25717.48%1,083
72Erickson1,0441:1,26112.80%775
73Olsen1,0431:1,26216.74%1,034
74Phillips1,0361:1,2711.73%59
75Collins1,0241:1,2861.35%41
76Richards1,0051:1,3103.12%160
77Krueger1,0031:1,31335.83%2,282
78Bennett1,0001:1,3171.88%70
79Pierce9971:1,3212.70%133
80Fox9911:1,3292.49%118
81Edwards9791:1,3451.50%52
82Reed9721:1,3551.29%42
83Peters9691:1,3593.55%191
84Hart9581:1,3742.34%112
85Palmer9511:1,3842.29%110
86Fuller9471:1,3902.85%157
87Hughes9191:1,4331.98%89
88Stewart9171:1,4361.28%45
89Dunn9091:1,4482.16%109
89O'Brien9091:1,4482.31%119
91Parker9081:1,4501.13%37
92Turner8901:1,4791.13%40
93Powers8881:1,4833.13%183
94Wells8841:1,4891.92%92
95Foster8771:1,5011.48%62
96Carpenter8691:1,5152.33%130
97Knudson8641:1,52433.99%2,492
98Howard8391:1,5691.35%56
98Warner8391:1,5692.90%175
100Morris8381:1,5711.20%46
101Gray8371:1,5731.41%61
102Schulz8341:1,57924.81%1,912
103Riley8311:1,5841.93%104
104Bailey8301:1,5861.51%66
105Bell8241:1,5981.24%51
106Richardson8111:1,6231.38%64
107Fischer7991:1,64810.45%823
108James7931:1,6601.60%78
109Ross7881:1,6711.57%76
110Berg7821:1,68415.12%1,239
110Gunderson7821:1,68433.40%2,704
112Wheeler7751:1,6991.97%120
113Russell7721:1,7051.65%86
114Zimmerman7711:1,7084.72%356
115Myers7621:1,7281.32%65
116Krause7561:1,74218.70%1,609
117Lynch7531:1,7482.06%137
118Hamilton7501:1,7551.54%80
119Mason7391:1,7821.70%101
120Sherman7371:1,7863.51%252
121Christianson7351:1,79125.71%2,240
122West7321:1,7991.58%90
123Koch7271:1,8116.80%578
124Muller7211:1,8267.85%684
124Reynolds7211:1,8261.49%81
126Perry7201:1,8291.55%87
127Austin7161:1,8392.52%182
128Wilcox7141:1,8443.70%283
129Brooks7111:1,8521.30%68
130Long7101:1,8541.18%58
131Mitchell7051:1,8681.10%54
132Chase7031:1,8733.02%228
133Curtis7021:1,8752.45%179
134Porter6991:1,8841.55%95
135Shaw6971:1,8891.61%103
136Ellis6961:1,8921.54%94
137Butler6931:1,9001.32%71
137Stone6931:1,9001.73%116
139Frank6901:1,9084.02%332
140Henry6851:1,9221.61%107
141Gilbert6781:1,9422.35%176
142Patterson6631:1,9861.32%75
143Halverson6611:1,99234.43%3,218
144Owens6591:1,9981.91%150
145Doyle6581:2,0012.69%215
146Snyder6551:2,0101.39%84
147Keller6511:2,0222.79%227
148Kennedy6401:2,0571.58%114
149Murray6361:2,0701.68%128
150Marshall6301:2,0901.64%125
150Cooper6301:2,0901.06%60
152Nichols6231:2,1131.78%146
153Hayes6221:2,1171.98%164
154Carter6201:2,1240.75%36
155Jenson6191:2,12725.18%2,587
156Peck6151:2,1413.49%320
157Andrews6131:2,1481.81%154
158Hunt6111:2,1551.41%102
158Chapman6111:2,1551.78%151
160Perkins6101:2,1581.67%139
161Graham6091:2,1621.31%88
162Watson6071:2,1691.03%63
163Barnes5991:2,1981.27%83
163Briggs5991:2,1982.95%260
165Larsen5981:2,20215.67%1,691
166Cox5971:2,2051.00%57
167Potter5961:2,2092.51%221
168Price5881:2,2391.07%67
169Gibson5831:2,2581.41%111
169Pratt5831:2,2582.70%245
171Gardner5821:2,2621.59%136
171Grant5821:2,2621.83%161
173Quinn5781:2,2782.44%223
174Jacobs5761:2,2862.32%210
175Mills5741:2,2941.57%138
176Hahn5731:2,2986.19%675
177Rose5711:2,3061.86%167
178Beck5701:2,3102.55%238
179Arnold5691:2,3141.57%140
180McCarty5681:2,3182.24%205
181Day5671:2,3221.80%163
181Pederson5671:2,32233.31%3,591
183Harrington5651:2,3302.88%277
184Burke5601:2,3512.00%187
185Conrad5581:2,3595.51%623
186Holmes5561:2,3681.50%132
187Shultz5541:2,3775.71%651
188Hogan5471:2,4072.62%253
189Lawrence5461:2,4112.13%201
190Ford5451:2,4161.21%96
191Benson5441:2,4203.02%315
191Webb5441:2,4201.50%141
193Norton5391:2,4432.45%242
193Klein5391:2,4436.03%703
195Dodge5361:2,4564.79%558
196Bishop5351:2,4611.91%184
197Spencer5311:2,4791.57%155
198Kruger5301:2,48417.42%2,097
199Otto5261:2,5039.77%1,188
200Morrison5241:2,5131.81%174