The first annual meeting of the township of Ashland was held at the house of Sullivan Armstrong on April 2 1855. The following officers were; Sullivan Armstrong, Ezra Burrill,George Fuller,Joseph Cady, Joseph Henderson,and Joseph Shippy. Nathanial Brown, Henry Herrington, AFArmstrong, EA Simmons and NA Markham. Overseers of the poor; David Thurston, AF Armstrong, James Smith, and William McCune. At a meeting it was resolved to raise 150 dollars for township puposes, and 250 dollars to be expanded on road improvements. By 1856 the township had set up records for artifical marks on domestic animals in the town of Ashland. Nathanial Brown marked his animals with a hole in the left ear and a crop off the right. His and others recorded there marks in the township record book, among them was William Dougan. The last recorded mark was September 14 1885, by Sherman Tufts. Ashland Center was named precinct one. After voting became heaver, a second precinct was formed and that was number two in Grant.

Before towns were incorporated there welfare was shaped and there growth controlled by township government. After they were incorporated decision making was up to the township board. The Ashland township books show the steps that were taken to insure economic growth in the area. Through the board roads were laid, bridges built, cemeteries were bought, farmers were compensated for sheep slaughtered by wild dogs and the poor were given a helping hand. The overseer would sometimes traveled by foot, or by horse to assess the damage and often the amount paid out in a month was 150 dollars, he was also paid a fee for his services. It was the towns justice of the peace who also was the person to determine damage.