Liberty Township, Tipton County, Indiana

Liberty Township is one of six townships in Tipton County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2010 census, its population was 2,471 and it contained 1,014 housing units.[2]

Liberty Township
Township
Location in Tipton County
Location in Tipton County
Coordinates: 40°22′08″N 86°03′48″W
Country United States
State Indiana
CountyTipton
Government
 • TypeIndiana township
Area
 • Total34.89 sq mi (90.4 km2)
 • Land34.89 sq mi (90.4 km2)
 • Water0 sq mi (0 km2)  0%
Elevation
[1]
876 ft (267 m)
Population
 (2010)
 • Total2,471
 • Density70.8/sq mi (27.3/km2)
Time zoneUTC-5 (Eastern (EST))
 • Summer (DST)UTC-4 (EDT)
ZIP codes
46068, 46072, 46076, 46902
Area code765
GNIS feature ID0453562

History

A man with the surname of Kaywood was the first white settler in what is now Liberty Township. He built the first known log cabin in the township. The next known settler was William Riggs, who came from Madison County, Indiana in 1853.[3] During the years of early settlement, settlers had to travel to New London, Lafayette, or Perkinsville.[4]

Prior to its founding, Liberty Township was a part of Prairie Township and Wildcat Township. After June 1849, county officials decided to create "a new township organized out of the west part of Wildcat Township, to be called Liberty Township..." In September 1851, a two-mile piece of Prairie Township was added to Liberty Township. Sharpsville was considered for the county seat that same year, but Tipton would end up having that role.[5]

Geography

According to the 2010 census, the township has a total area of 34.89 square miles (90.4 km2), all land.[2]

Natural environment

Historically, the township had rich soil which was valuable for agriculture. Timber was plentiful and included walnut, poplar, oak, sycamore, elm, beech, maple, hickory and ash.[6]

Cities, towns, villages

Unincorporated towns

(This list is based on USGS data and may include former settlements.)

Adjacent townships

Economy

Historically, Liberty Township was known for agriculture, with corn being the most popular crop. Oats, wheat, hay, tomatoes, peas, and beans were also commonly farmed, the latter three primarily for canning.[5]

Government

Political districts

Education

Early history

The first school in the township was built in Sharpsville and began operation in 1852. Martha Ann Grishaw was the teacher. A second school was built, right downtown, just after the first school. All schools were operated on the subscription model. Public schools became available in 1852.[7]

Today

Students in Liberty Township attend Tri-Central Community Schools.

Infrastructure

Cemeteries

The township contains these four cemeteries: Jackson, Barlow (aka Mudcreek), Sharp, and Turner.

References
  1. "US Board on Geographic Names". United States Geological Survey. October 25, 2007. Retrieved May 9, 2017.
  2. "Population, Housing Units, Area, and Density: 2010 - County -- County Subdivision and Place -- 2010 Census Summary File 1". United States Census. Archived from the original on February 10, 2020. Retrieved May 10, 2013.
  3. Pershing, p. 124
  4. Pershing, p. 125
  5. Pershing, p. 126
  6. Pershing, p. 123
  7. Pershing, p. 192-193

Sources
  • Pershing, Marvin W. "History of Tipton County, Indiana: Her People, Industries and Institutions". Indianapolis: B.F. Bowen (1914).
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