1885 is a year mentioned in the series. Events of the year include:
- Mabel Thompson is born in May 6. ("A Return to Normalcy")
- A tornado passes over Washington Court House, Ohio in September, killing 10 people. Among the deceased is Mary Shakleford, age 10. Harry Daugherty and Jess Smith, then 25 and 14, survive hiding in the house of Daugehrty's parents. ("A Man, A Plan...")