This township was first set off as a part of Ocheyedan township and was called East Ocheyedan. It was later organized into a separate township with the following officers: Trustees—John Logan, J. C. Wilmarth and James Hall; clerk—M. A, Benson; assessor—J. W. Luke; justices of the peace—J. C. Stewart and C. E. Benson; constables—James Kilpatrick and James Mercer. The present officers are as follows: Trustees—Earl Beck, W. J. Burley and J. L. Timmons; clerk—C. C. Wilmarth; assessor—C. M. Lamb.
This township has no town, railroad, or churches. The most of the government land in this township was secured by patent, by the use of land scrip or railroad indemnity land in 1870, before the rush of homesteaders came into the county.
Section 2. This section was at first taken by speculators. Later Martin Ziehr bought on section 2 and by industry and good judgment has built up a fine improved farm.
Section 3. On section 3 is A. Miller, a thrifty German farmer, who is doing well.
Section 4. On section 4 we find George Forbes, who is happy and prosperous.
Section 6. Samuel B. Everett, Robert S. Hall, Albert B. March, Henry C. March and Fred H. Hunt constituted a part of what was known as the New England settlement. Robert S. Hall was elected county treasurer, held the office three terms and made a good and efficient officer. He moved from here to Long Pine, Nebraska, where he engaged in the lumber business and later in the banking business and made some money. He is now retired and living in LaMesa, California. He and his wife visited in Sibley and vicinity recently and are in good health for people of their age. H. C. March is dead and Albert March recently sold his holdings here and moved to Missouri. Fred Hunt and his son are still living on the original claim and are among the prosperous farmers of the county. Fred Hunt was at one time county supervisor. Mrs. Hunt, who was a March, died last year. She was a leading spirit in the east end of the county and is greatly missed.
Section 9. Benson and son are prosperous farmers who came from the east. Father Benson lost his wife here and later married again arid moved to eastern Iowa, leaving his son to attend to the farm.
Section 10. C. W. Worrick bought a fine three-hundred-and-twenty-acre improved farm and makes a specialty of stock.
Section 14. Among other early settlers, not homesteaders, appears the name of George Thomas on section 14. He later moved to Harris and engaged in the mercantile business and was the first mayor of that town; later, he was elected county auditor and served with credit three terms. He is now living in California. Another early settler on section 14 was James Hall, whose wife was a sister of George Thomas. Mr. Hall sold and moved to northern Minnesota, where he died a few years ago. His wife survives him. The Hall farm is now owned by O. A. Metz, the present county recorder.
Section 17. Charles Waters on section 17 is another good example of what industry will accomplish in this country.
Section 24. Earl Beck came to this section a few years ago with little or nothing and now owns a two-hundred-and-forty-acre farm.
Section 33. Joseph Smith is a substantial farmer on this section.
This township supports nine public schools, but no church within its borders. The people worship in Ocheyedan, Harris, or in a country church just across the line in Dickinson county. The whole township is now cut up into well improved farms and is a very prosperous community.