History of Lincoln Township 1884 Portrait & Bio Album

Lincoln Township was organized under special act of the Legislature passed March, 1867. The meeting was held at the residence of T.M. Martin. James R. Carlisle was Chairman, C.A. Warren, Clerk, and James S. Donnelly, Moderator. Fifteen votes were cast at this election which resulted in the choice of James R. Carlisle for Supervisor, Martin Horan for Clerk, and Oswald Esner for Treasurer. James S. Donnelly, W.C. Burgess, James F. Denton and James R. Carlisle were elected Justices of the Peace; W.C. Burgess, James S. Donnelly and George Reed, Commissioners of the Highway; W.C. Burgess and T.J. Wilhelm, School Inspectors; Martin Horan, Asa L. Rice and Fred Media, for Constables. The township is divided up into eight school districts, with school buildings located on the following sections: No. 1, on section 26; No. 2 on section 27; No. 3, on section 8; No. 4, on section 2; No. 5 on section 10; No. 6, on section 16; No. 7, on section 20; No. 8 on section 21. They are all good frame houses, averaging in cost $600. School District No. 1 has on the rols 26 pupils; No. 2, 54; No. 3, 61; No. 4, 33; No. 5, 74; No. 6, 94; No. 7, 52 and No. 8, 57 pupils. William and Frederick Media, James Donnelly, Gardam Willson, Oswald Esner and J. W. Ash were the first settlers in this township.

It has for its northern boundary Le Roy; eastern, Cedar; southern, Richmond Township; and on the west lies Lake County. It is number 18 north, of range 10 east. The township fo Lincoln is exceedingly well watered, having the Hersey River with its numerous branches, which meander through it; also by several small lakes. It was once very heavily timbered with pine, hemlock and the hard-woods; the the great raid made upon its forests by the lumbermen has made them look thin. The surface of the land is rolling, with a clay loam and a sandy soil. It is regarded good for farming purposes, and the township contains many fine farms, with good farm buildings. The Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad runs north and southnearly through the center of the township, with a branch road starting from the junction and running northwest through it to Luther, which have done much towards its development. It has three stations within its limits - Ashton, Milton Junction and Orono. These stations constitute the trading places for the people of Lincoln and furnish them the means of transportation. In 1884 there were 1,269 inhabitants. It is estimated there are 3,539 acres under improvement, with 157 farms, each averaging about 68 acres. In live stock Lincoln Township makes, in comparison with the others, a very good showing. Horses, 168; horned cattle, 571; hogs, 347; sheep, 334. At MIlton Junction, George Reed and William Tuttle keep a general line of merchandise. At Orono, about a mile south of Milton Junction, C.A. Warren has a general store.

Below are the names of the Supervisors who have represented the township since its organization: SUPERVISORS.

James R. Carlisle 1867-8
J.W. Ash 1869-70
B.E. Westfall 1871-2
J.W. Ash 1873
Frayer Halladay 1874
J.W. Ash 1875-7
Frayer Halladay 1878-80
J.W. Ash 1881-2
G. Willson 1883
Frayer Halladay 1884