CHAPTER XI.
BENTON TOWNSHIP.

In 1850 Turkey Grove township was organized in the northeastern part of the county. Two years afterward Lura township was created, farther to the east and south, and in 1865 the name of the township was changed to Grant. The subdivision known as Benton township was consituted June 11, 1870, from Turkey Grove and portions of Grant and Pymosa townships, and is co-extensive with the Congressional township 77 north, range 35 west.

WELL WATERED AND BEAUTIFUL.

Every section of the township has its stream, large or small, for drainage and irrigation. The Troublesome creek flows diagonally through its territory from northeast to southwest, entering from the north at sections 1, 2 and 3, and passing into Pymosa from the southwest quarter of section 31. Crooked creek enters from the east on section 12, and flowing west joins the Troublesome about the northwest corner of section 15. These streams and their tributaries afford water for every farm in the township.

The country is a beautiful undulating prairie, varied by gentle hills and small patches of timber, and the improvements are worthy of the soil, which is equal to any in the county. Highland Grove is located in the northeast corner of the township and Hamlin's Grove on sections 2 and 3.

For the most part the township roads intersect each other at right angles, and follow the section lines. The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad passes through the southern and southeastern portions of the township, touching only section 35 and 36, but as there are yet no organized towns in its territory railway facilities are not so necessary.

POLITICAL ORGANIZATION.

Benton township was organized politically at an election held at Cannon's school house, in October, 1870, when the following officers were chosen: L. D. Pearson, Orson Brown, and William Gingery, trustees; Samuel Howlett, clerk; James Jordan and Joseph Clure, constables; H. Parker, justice; Chauncey Slater, T. J. Roberts, J. B. McGill, D. G. Hatfield, Henry McDermott and James McDermott, road supervisors.

"Compendium and History of Cass County, Iowa." Chicago: Henry and Taylor & Co., 1906, pg. 142-143.
Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass, July, 2018.