James Burnips was a local landowner and built the first store there in 1856.

Diamond Springs is an unincorporated locale in the southwest corner of the township on the Rabbit River at 42°40′50″N 85°53′49″W / 42.68056°N 85.89694°W / 42.68056; -85.89694.

New Salem is an unincorporated community in the northeast corner of the township at 42°45′14″N 85°48′07″W / 42.75389°N 85.80194°W / 42.75389; -85.80194.

New Salem is the home of St. Mary's Visitation Catholic Church which celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2016.

[3] As of the census[1] of 2000, there were 3,486 people, 1,151 households, and 941 families residing in the township.

14.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.