California Township
The last township organized in Branch County, until June 29, 1832,
formed a part of Green Township. It then became a part of Coldwater Township until
March 23, 1836, when it became a part of Quincy Township. On April 2, 1838 it became
part of Algansee Township. Finally on March 25, 1846, the State Legislature set off
"Township 8 South Range 5 West" as an independent township. At this time the great
migration to the former Spanish colony of California was beginning, and the unusual
name struck the public fancy, and so the new township was given a "Spanish" name
where no one could speak the language. The first township meeting and election were
held at the school house of district 3 on May 4, 1846. Samuel Beach was named
Moderator; Cephas B. Dresser as Clerk; and Isaac N. Miner, Talcott Merwin, Lyra
Moltroup, and Joseph W. Lawrence, Sr. as Inspectors of the election.
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