Bethel Township
Organized as an independent township by the Michigan
Legislature in 1837, under the name of Elizabeth Township. It is believed that this name
was selected by Moses Olmstead, as he was from Elizabeth, New Jersey. The first
township meeting and election were held at the Olmstead house on April 3, 1837. Elijah
Thomas was appointed Moderator, David M. Clark and Silas S. Green as Clerks; and
Isaac Freeman and David Cummings as Assistant Judges of Election. The Legislature in
1839 changed the name to the biblical one of Bethel; the new name was suggested by
David M. Clark.
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