History of Sherman Township 1884 Portrait & Bio Album

Sherman came into the union of townships in 1868, with H. Wiest as Supervisor. Isaac Reems, George and J. E. Grove were the first settlers in the township, which was in the year 1866. Isaac Reems located on section 26, and the Groves on section 12. Amos Bell came soon after them and settled on section 24. Oliver Platt located in 1868. He was a trapper and devoted his time to this business, catching mink, marten, fishers, etc. Sherman is situated in the northern tier of townships, and is numbered 20 north, of range 9 west. Wexford County lies on the north, Highland on the east, Rose Lake on the south, and BUrdell Township on the west.

It is watered by several little lakes, and two branches of Pine River, one of them sometimes called "Rose Lake Outlet." The timber mostly is the hard-woods, such as maple, beech, elm and cherry, with but little of the soft woods. IN the eastern part the soil is sandy loam and gravel, and in the western, clay loam. The surface of the country is quite uneven.

Sherman has six school districts, all of which have organized schools and school buildings. Three of these buildings are frame and three log, and are located respectively on sections 11, 25, 7, 5, and 20. The first school taught in Sherman was by Esau Deffenbaugh, on section 14.

About one eigth of the land is under cultivation, which is divided into about 120 farms. In wheat production this township ranks the fifth, and in potatoes the second; in hay the third. The average yield of wheat per acre is 14.14, and the highest yield is 42 bushels. Stock-raising is receiving some attention from the people. In 1884 there were 200 milch cows and some 300 of cattle of other kinds. Fruit culture is increasing, and it does well, especially in the line of apples.

The early settlers had to cut their way into the township, by making their own roads through the wilderness as their settlements advanced. Now they have pretty good roads connecting with all the sections, and running on the sections lines. It ranks the sixth in population, with a steady increase. The gentian plant grows quite plentifully in the woods, which is gathered by the people in large quantities and sent to the markets.

The trading place for the people is Tustin, in Burdell Township, and here most of them get their mails. They have one postoffice in the township, called Dighton, which was established in the spring of 1884, and is located about four miles northeast of Tustin, on section 22.

There are some very good farms and farm buildings in the township. It is growing steadily, is in a prosperous condition and has an estimated population of 850.

The Methodist Church has an organization in the township, with a church building on section 14. It was erected in 1882 and dedicated the same year. Rev. Mr. Green is the Pastor. Services are generally held every Sabbath, with a good attendance.

This township has honored the following named citizens as

SUPERVISORS:

H. Wiest 1868-9
Joseph Shank 1870
R. H. Jones 1871-2
C.O. Edwards 1873
B. H Jones 1874-5
Oliver Platt 1876-7
Wm. W. Convis 1878-84