Grand River Township Sedgwick County Kansas Genealogy Trails

Grand River

Grand River is located in Range 4, on the western line of the county. It is abundantly watered by the Ninnescah River with its several branches, besides numerous tributaries. It is a paradise for stock raising, while its bottom lands produce as good crops as the Arkansas River bottom lands. Sheep, naturally, do well in this township. David Moore was the first white settler. He located with his family at what was known as "Lone Tree Ranch," an ofttime halting place for freighters, hunters and frontiersmen. The township was organized by A. A. Barlow, whose farm lies joining Marshall, quite a flourishing little village. Marshall boasts of several good stores, carrying stocks of general merchandise, besides a good water flour mill, blacksmith and wagon shop, broom factory, livery stable and hotel. Among the oldest and best know of its settlers, are J. E. Williams, Dr. Shannon, Ira Lamphere, R. Saunders, S. S. Casad, and the Richey brothers. The Methodist, Baptist and Disciple churches have each a fine organization. There are four school districts, each with a substantial building, arranged so as to be easily accessible to the greatest number. The township was organized in 1876. Population, 396; valuation of property, $98,345. (William G. Cutler's History of the State of Kansas, Sedgwick County, Part 2, Township Sketches)