CHAPTER XXI.
GROVE TOWNSHIP.

Grove is in the second tier of townships, both from the north and west, and is bounded north by Pymosa, east by Franklin, south by Bear Grove and west by Washington. Atlantic, the county seat, is situated in the extreme northwestern part of the township, and is the most important city between Des Moines and Council Bluffs. As Grove City has ceased to exist, except on the map, it is also the only center of population in the township.

RAILWAY FACILITIES.

The railway facilities of Grove are therefore confined to the connections of the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad with Atlantic, from all points of the compass. The main line, east and west, was put through in 1868, and the southern extension to Lewis and Griswold in 1880, so that now Atlantic is an admirable center either for business or political purposes.

Tracing the railroad lines through the township more in detail, it may be stated that the main east and west line crosses sections 12, 11, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6, while the southern branch starts from the city of Atlantic and crosses parts of sections 5, 6, and 7, leaving the township at its southwest corner. The northern bran ch, which cuts diagonally across Pymosa township into Audubon, starts a short distance northwest of Atlantic very near the township line.

STREAMS.

The surface of Grove township is a beautiful succession of rolling hillocks and undulating prairies, dotted with fine groves of natural and cultivated timber. It is principally watered by the Nishnabotna river, Turkey and Troublesome creeks, and their numerous tributaries. Only a small part of the 'Botna is in the township, its entrance being from the northeast corner of section 6, which it crosses, as well as a part of section 7, and makes its exit into Washington township near the half section line on the west of section 7. Near this place, just before it leaves Grove, it receives the waters of Buck creek from the north. Turkey creek makes its entrance on the northeast quarter of section 13, through which it passes, and then crosses sections 14, 22, 27, 28, 33, 32 and 31, leaving the township at the southwest quarter of the last named and flowing into Bear Grove. Troublesome creek enters from the north on the east half of section 1, and, making a loop, passes back into Pymosa on the west half. It reenters Grove on the north line of the northeast quarter of section 3, and crosses that section, with 4 and a part of 5, and again turns to the north to join the Nishnabotna. Numerous small streams meander through the township, and all help to drain the land and provide a liberal supply of running water on nearly every section.

GROVES, SOIL AND PRODUCTS.

Grove township has still a good supply of timber, the main groves following the courses of the streams. Turkey grove, one of the largest in the county, covers a greater part of sections 13, 14, 23 and 24, and bears several varieties of hard wood. A fine grove is also at the site of old Grove City, on section 11, and another lies south and west of Atlantic, on sections 6, 7, 8, 17 and 18. Smaller groves are scattered throughout the township, so that the changing of the name from Atlantic to Grove, in 1885, was most appropriate.

The soil of grove township consists of both the black loam of the alluvial and the warm mulatto variety of the bluff deposits, both of which are noted for their quick productive qualities. Small grain does excellently, but the great cereal is corn. Fruits, berries and vegetables also flourish, so the farmer is not only assured of the proceeds of the standard cereals, but of an abundant supply of household provisions.

With so important a market as Atlantic near at hand, the advantages of the situation are further enhanced. The natural result is that the agriculturists of Grove township are noted for their enterprise and their general prosperity, as evinced by handsome residences, substantial outbuildings, modern machinery and implements, and up-to-date conveniences and improvements of every kind.

"Compendium and History of Cass County, Iowa." Chicago: Henry and Taylor & Co., 1906, pg. 218-220.
Transcribed by Cheryl Siebrass, July, 2018.