History of Cedar Township, Osceola County, Michigan

Contributed 2004 by  Jan Cortez for use in the USGenWeb 
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CEDAR TOWNSHIP

Cedar Township is number 18 north, of range 9 west, and is surrounded by 
the following named townships:  Rose Lake, on the north; Osceola, on the 
east; Hersey, on the south; and Lincoln on the west.  It assumed the 
responsibility of self-government in 1871, under an order of the Board of 
Supervisors made in January, of the same year.  The meeting was held the 
first Monday in April, at the residence of T.H. Slaybough.  S.S. Reed, G.H. 
and S. Slaybough were the Inspectors.  The following officers were chosen:  
G.H. Slaybough for Supervisor, S. Slaybough for Clerk, and Elisha Parker 
for Treasurer; for Highway Commissioners, S. Slaybough, S. S. Reed and E.W. 
Hayes; Constables, J.A. Worth and H.C. Parker.

G.H. Slaybough, Elisha Parker, Jacob Thomas and S.S. Reed are the first 
settlers in this township.

The township is watered by Cat Creek and branches, numerous other creeks 
and several little lakes.  The surface of the land is rolling, with a clay 
and sandy soil.  The principal timber is pine, which is interspersed with 
hard-woods.  For many years after the first settlement of this township the population consisted chiefly of those engaged in the lumber business.  This 
business has somewhat diminished during the last few years, on account of 
the thinning out of the great forests, and consequently the population has 
decreased, being estimated at about 250.  The farming lands are mostly 
stump lands.  Number of farms in the township, 18, with about 500 acres 
improved.  Average number of acres in each farm, 88.

Cedar has four school districts, which contain 103 pupils.  District No. 1 
has a log school-house, costing $150, and located on section 18 and has 22 
pupils on the list.  District No. 2 has a frame house, costing $450, 
located on section 6, and has 32 pupils on the list.  District No. 3 has a 
log house, which is located on section 31, and cost $150, with 16 pupils. 
 District No. 4 has a frame building, costing $250, is located on section 
14, and has 13 pupils.

The Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, running east and west, and the Grand 
Rapids & INdiana Railroad, running north and south, pass within a few miles 
of the south and west lines of the township.

On section 29, Beardsley & Davis have a shingle-mill, with a capacity of 
40,000 per day.  These shingles are hauled to Evart and are handled by C.L. 
Gray & Co.

At Strawberry Lake, A. Richardson has a saw-mill, single-mill and a box 
factory.  Capacity for lumber, about 25,000, and shingles, 40,000.  Mr. 
Richardson has also a saw-mill on section 26.

Cedar Township has been governed by the following named Supervisors:


SUPERVISORS.

G.H. Slaybough,     1871-3
Jacob Thomas,       1874-82
L.W. June,          1883
Jacob Thomas,       1884