1878 History of Jewell County, Kansas

Erving Township

was originally a portion of Limestone. It is situated in the southwest corner of Jewell county, and comprises Township 5 south, Range 10 west. It was organized November 10, 1872, and named in honor of Dr. Erving, of Hiawatha, Kansas, from which place quite a number of the first settlers emigrated.

The First Election

took place April 3, 1873, at which Fred J. Vosburg was elected Trustee. The records fail to show the election of any other officers. Perhaps the people were just as well off without them.

The First Settlers

Fred J. Vosburg took the first claim in the township in June 1870. He was followed in the spring of 1871 by Wm. Babcock, Frank Clark, R. Snider, Al. Chandler, George Engleheart, F.J. Heller, Peter De Young, George Schoonmaker, Henry Van Tilborg and a great many others. In fact so great was the rush of emigration that spring that before the close of 1871, all the land in the Township was taken up. The township is well watered by Oak creek and its tributaries, along the banks of which an abundance of excellent timber is found. The soil is rich and productive.

Schools and Churches

There are three School Districts in two of which are good substantial school houses, in which regular terms of school are taught. The other district contemplates building this fall. The church organizations are -- the Dutch Reformed Church, who have a commodious church building and parsonage; the Advents and the Congregationalists. The two latter have no church buildings, but all have regular preaching. The majority of the inhabitants are Hollanders. They are honest, industrious, hardworking people, and make good citizens.

The Present Township Officers,

elected November 6, 1877, are: Henry Van Tilberg, Trustee; R.W. Mayrihugh, Clerk; George Schoonmaker, Treasurer; Fred J. Vosburg and F.J. Heller, Justices of the Peace, and William Orchard and Geo. M. Stanton, Constables.