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This is in the western tier of townships comprising Congressional township 83, range 16, west of the fifth principal meridian. It derived its name from the large number of Indians living in the vicinity, at, and before its organization. It is among the wealthiest townships of the county. The Iowa river enters on section 6 and flowing toward the southwest traverses sections 7, 8, 9, a part of 16 and 15, then 22, the southwest corner of 23, then 26, and makes exit on 25. Raven creek, having source in the south in Marshall county, flows toward the northeast, making confluence with the Iowa river on section 25. Sugar creek enters from the north on section 5, and empties into the river on section 9. Indian creek flows into the river at Montour; so the township is abundantly watered. Along these streams is found a bountiful supply of timber, although it has been diminished considerably since settlement began. However, in localities where the land has not been put

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found in the chapter on County Government, until it assumed its present boundaries in 1855, and the following officers were elected: J. H. Voorhies and William Taylor, Trustees; Allen Dingee, Clerk. The following are the officers for 1882: A. B. Toplin, A. B. Gage and J. M. Mills, Trustees: C. A. Stevens, Clerk; G. W. Paxton, Assessor; 1883—A. B. Gage, A. B. Toplin and J. M. Mills, Trustees; R. E. Everett, Clerk; George W. Paxton, Assessor.

HISTORICAL ITEMS

The first marriage of residents of this township was that of Miss ANNA ASHER, daughter of Isaac Asher, to SAMUEL DAVIDSON, of Marshall county. The ceremony was performed by Esq. Furguson, and took place at the home of Mr. Davidson, on the 18th of July, 1850.

The first death was that of MARIA BLODGETT, in 1853.

The first birth was MARY M. BLODGETT, March 4, 1853.

The first marriage in the township was that of MYRON BLODGETT and SARAH CRONK, The ceremony was performed by Judge J. C. Vermilya on the 14th of August, 1853. They now reside in Dakota.

The first school was taught by CHAUNCY J. STEVENS during the spring of 1856, in a small building erected for that purpose in Indiantown. He taught a term of three months at a salary of $35 per month. There were about sixty pupils enrolled during the term. The following residents of the county were numbered among the pupils: Mrs. J. G. CRONK, Mrs. J. D. HAYWOOD, Mrs. T. P. SMITH and E. B. ASHER.

The first sawmill in the township was erected at Indiantown, in 1855. It was propelled by steam power and was owned by JONAS DUNHAM and JOSEPH JACK, but was first operated by P. M. FISK and WOODHULL HELM. It was subsequently run by various parties and finally sold to GEORGE KNOX and A. C. TENNY, when it was moved across the river to section 9, where it still remains.

The first religious service held in the township and probably the county was in 1852, when REV. SOLOMON DUNTON, of Iowa City, established a Methodist Episcopal Mission at the hose of WASHINGTON ABBOTT.

The first orchard in Tama county was set out at Indiantown in the spring of 1852, by WM. TAYLOR. It contained about sixty apple, some cherry and other fruit trees. The trees lived to bear fruit, but as they were neglected they have since died.

Mr. TAYLOR is a native of Ohio. He emigrated with his parents to Illinois, where he married Miss Betsy Chase, then came to Iowa, and in May, 1851, became one of the pioneers of Indiantown. Here he purchased some land and engaged in farming. When Indiantown became in need of a hotel, he formed a partnership with E. B. COFFIN, and erected a large building, but the cost was so great that he became financially embarrassed, and has never regained his footing. His wife died in the fall of 1880. She reared a family of fourteen children, nine of whom are now living. Mr. Taylor still resides in Indiantown, but usually spends the winter season on the frontier in hunting and trapping, which sport he has always admired.