Early Township History, Continued

1837 Survey Map of Chester Township - Indian Settlement Shown Inside of Red Circle

White settlement actually began in late 1845 when several families purchased land in the township. Among those who bought land during that year, in order of date of purchase, were: Zerial Waterman, John Pintler, Phillip Fahling, Conrad Kritzer, Adam Lachmann, John S. McClain, Sylvestor B. Taft, Reuben Woodman, Joel French, Edward Gardner, and George Irish.

In 1846, several more families purchased land in the township. Among them were William Bradbury, Aaron Batson, Oliver H. Merrick, and James Rowlinson. Not all of the new land owners built homes immediately. Some waited a year or more before building a house and moving their families to the township. It is known that John Pintler and Phillip Fahling built homes and lived in the township by the spring of 1846. In fact, Phillip Fahling’s daughter, Margaret E., was the first white child born in the township on April 24, 1846.

The area comprising Chester Township was part of Tallmadge Township from 1838 to 1847. Then from 1847 to 1848, it was included with Wright Township. The bill establishing Chester as a separate township was dated March 11, 1848. The portion of the bill pertaining to Chester Township is found in Section 5, Act 60, Public Acts of 1848. It reads as follows: “That town number nine north, range number thirteen west, in the County of Ottawa, be, and the same is hereby set off from the township of Wright, and organized into a separate township by the name of Chester, and the first township meeting therein, shall be held at the house of John S. McLain*, in said township.”

It is said that the township was named “Chester” after one of John McClain’s son’s who had been born in Lenawee County shortly before the family moved here. Although John had purchased land here in 1845, the family did not move here until 1846.

The first town meeting was held in 1848, with nine voters attending. John McClain* was elected the first Supervisor of Chester Township. O. H. Merrick was the township clerk and Justice of the Peace. George Irish was the Assessor. Just two years later, in 1850, at the state election, fifty-three votes were cast in the gubernatorial race.

As the population in Michigan pushed northward, Chester Township was expanded in 1850 to include what is now Casnovia Township. In 1852, Casnovia Township was separated from Chester and became an independent township.

John McClain served as Supervisor for several years. Among the Supervisors prior to 1880 were W. H. Harrison and George F. Porter. Mr. Porter was elected State Senator in 1890 on the Democratic ticket.

In 1881 Chester Township’s assessed valuation equaled $424,864. The township’s entire share of the Ottawa County tax totaled $1,298.17; Michigan State tax totaled $807.24; the Chester Township tax amounted to $300.00; and the highway tax equaled $311.00.