[5] Johnson and Alexander Dean settled the community of Courtland Center in 1839.

The community was given its own post office named Courtland from January 30, 1841 to November 10, 1860.

Another post office named Courtland Center was in operation from October 24, 1856 until February 15, 1901.

[6] The community of Sheffield was also a station on the Toledo, Saginaw & Muskegon Railroad that was established in 1888.

12.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.

The northern portion of the township is served by Cedar Springs Public Schools, while the southern portion is served by Rockford Public Schools.