CHAPTER XIV.
FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP.

Franklin township was a part of the townships of Grant and Turkey Grove until 1870, when, under the State law, the Board of Supervisors reorganized the townships of the county so that they should conform to the Congressional divisions. Its description thus became: township 76 north, range 35, west of the fifth principal meridian.

FIRST ELECTION.

The first election, which was for township officers, was held at McClure's school house, on the 11th of October, 1870. James Morgan, the organizing officer, was chosen trustee, with W. W. McClure and Joseph Turner; James Turner, clerk; R. L. Jameson and William Judd, justices of the peace; Thomas Whitmore, assessor, and D. M. Lyons and WIlliam Wood, constables. H. G. Smith and Thomas Whitmore acted as clerks of election.

PHYSICAL FEATURES.

Franklin township lies in the second tier from the north line of the county and is the second from the east line. It is bounded on the north by Benton, on the east by Lincoln, on the south by Union and on the west by Grove. The main stream of Turkey creek enters the township on the north line of section 2, and crosses that and sections 3, 9, 8, 7 and 18, on the southwesterly course, and makes its exit on the west line of the latter section. The Eller branch takes its rise in the eastern part of the township, and flowing almost due west, crosses sections 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18, in the northwestern portion of the last named making a confluence with the parent stream. Jim branch flows through sections 25, 26, 27, 21, 22, 20 and 10, leaving the township on section 19. These streams, with numerous small tributaries, spread over the entire surface of the township, so that no section is without its running water.

BEAUTIFULLY DIVERSIFIED AND FERTILE.

Hill and valley, level and rolling prairie, plain and timber, make a beautifully diversified surface, and furnish the agriculturist with a wide choice of lands for general farming, the raising of live-stock, or any other object which he may have in mind. While some parts of the township are hilly and somewhat rough, still but a small portion of it is unavailable for tillage or pasture, and most of it is now in a high state of cultivation. The soil is of a wonderful fertility. Wheat and oats do exceedingly well, while corn, the great staple of the county, is magnificent in its growth and wonderful in its yield. The rich, succulent grasses, both on wild lands and cultivated pastures, are most luxuriant, and their practical value is manifest in the sleek hides and the well rounded forms of the cattle which feed on them.

The township is traversed by the main line of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, which enters its territory on the northeast quarter of section 2, and crosses that section, as well as sections 3, 4, 9, 7 and 8, leaving the township on the west line of the latter. The town of Wiota, lying in the northern portion of Franklin township, is the principal shipping point.

"Compendium and History of Cass County, Iowa." Chicago: Henry and Taylor & Co., 1906, pg. 163-164.
Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass, July, 2018.