Walworth County Genealogical Society

P.O. Box 159
Delavan, WI 53115

Contact WCGS: Walworth Genealogy

An Affiliate member of the
Wisconsin State Genealogical Society

City of Delavan

Colonel Phoenix, along with his brother and cousin, platted their village and settled it in 1837. Among the earlier business men were: James ARAM, W Wallace BRADLEY, Col Caleb and Edwin CROSWELL, Nicholas M HARRINGTON, Joseph D MONELL, Jr, George PASSAGE, Aaron H TAGGART, Thomas TOPPING, and Hezekiah WEEKS.

The newspapers of Delavan began in 1852 with the Walworth County Journal. In 1855 was the Delavan Messenger which was renamed to Delavan Northron in 1857 and then in 1862 was changed to the Delavan Republican. 1861 brought the Patriot which shortly merged with the Republican. 1859 had the Walworth County Sovereign which ended in a fire. 1898 began the Delavan Tribune. The Delavan Enterprise began in 1878 and is still alive today. (1999).

Several religious societies were in Delavan including the Baptist society of 1839, St Andrew's Parish 1851, Congregational society 1841, Christ church parish 1844, Methodist Episcopal 1841.

The first burying ground was soon surrounded by the city. Colonel Phoenix and his family was buried there. Spring Grove Cemetery was eventually laid out on high ground. A mausoleum was built at the gateway in 1911-12 containing 150 crypts.

The post office was established in 1837.

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