Grand Meadow Township, so
named by Judge E.H. Williams because of the great
beauty of the wild prairie. It is township 95 north,
range 6 west, and is the northwest corner township of
the county. It is principally high, rich rolling
prairie, with here and there fine groves of timber,
principally hard wood - oak, elm, hickory, ash and
considerable black-walnut, with some basswood and
poplar; there is plenty of timber for the use of the
farms. The township is finely watered by springs, of
which there are many of excellent water; besides
these there are numerous creeks. Roberts Creek is the
largest, and runs from the northwest corner to the
southeastern portion of the township, commencing on
section 18, and leaving the town on section 36. Deer
Creek runs from west to east, beginning on section
22, and emptying into Roberts Creek on section 35.
Besides these are many small streams not named. Grand
Meadow Township is perhaps the most desirable for all
purposes of residence of any in the county. Mr. Caton
was the first settler of this township; he died a few
years since. Mr. Wheler, Hardy Barnes, Mr. Henry
Fewel, Mr. Rowe, and Mr. and Mrs. Post are among the
early settlers, most of whom are dead.
The first religious services were held at Mrs.
Post's, just over the line, where many of the Grand
Meadowites came and worshiped.
Mr. Michael Croter was the first person who died
in this township. His death occurred in 1852.
The present township officers are: Carl Knodt,
John F. McKinley, W. I. Chase, Trustees; John Welzel,
Clerk; R. G. McLelland and David Riley, Justices of
the Peace; A. F. Marston, Joseph Sybert, Constables;
Thomas Fleming, Assessor.
There are seven school-houses in the township, the
value of which is about $5,000. There are about 225
chidlren of school age in the township. There is only
one church in the township, Norwegian Lutheran.
