Gilead Township
Organized as an independent township in the spring of 1837. Here
exists much evidence of a prehistoric race, in the usual form of "mounds" of varied sizes.
Another natural curiosity, possibly connected with the history of this past race, is what
has been known as the "Gilead - Sugard Woods." First noted in 1830 as a grove of maples
arranged in a circle about three quarters of a mile in diameter. The Indians tapped the trees
for sugar and taught the white settlers the method. It appears, however, that this
arrangement is somewhat older than the Indian history of the area. The arrangement of
plantings and buildings in circular form is traced clearly to the ancient Vikings who were
"Sun worshipers." One of the first township constructive efforts was the East Gilead
Canal, which drained the marshes, thus adding productive land, plus improving the health
of the population, which was constructed in the early 1870's. There was, however,
considerable opposition to the canal as evidenced by the poem by Samuel Arnold.
"1st. The East Gilead Canal, you will please understand,
Is a wonderful work, my brave boys!
For it drains the foul water from all our low land,
And our idle young men it employs.
"2d. But this great Canal, though a wonderful thing,
Is still but a foolish affair,
'Twas planned by the mighty East Gilead King,
To favor the gray-headed Squire.
"3d. But this gray-headed Squire will now have work,
To keep out the dirt and quicksand,
As along the Canal he walks to and fro,
His long-handled hoe in his hand.
"4th. A very wise man made this statement of late,
Speaking like some honest Quaker,
'The land the ditch drains, at a fair estimate,
Is worth sixty dollars per acre.
"5th. But, if this swampy land has risen so high
Since this wonderful ditch was completed,
'Tis plain to be seen, if they sell, swap, or buy,
Our farmers are bound to be cheated.
"6th. Who so travels this way, whether woman or man,
Or gallant young 'beau' with his 'gal,'
Should make a short stop, and the wide landscape scan,
And view the East Gilead Canal."
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