In 1849 a different crew marked all the section corners of the township, walking through the woods and swamps, measuring with chain and compass.

[4][5] When done, the deputy surveyor filed this general description of the 6-by-6-mile (9.7 by 9.7 km) square which became the east half of Arthur and the west part of Colburn: The Surface in this Township is generally level, the Soil cold and wet.

The currents of the two principal Streams in the South and West are swift - and rocky bottoms - the banks low, and Subject to frequent overflows.

It is heavily timbered with Birch, Sugar, Pine, Ash Oak & e. There is a Small Lake in the Eastern part of the Township, the shores of which are low and marshy the water clear and bottom gravel.

[6]A different crew, surveying the 6-mile (9.7 km) square that includes the west end of today's town of Arthur, found some settlers: There are six dwelling Houses in this Township, one on the N.W.

[7]Founded January 27, 1885, the town was named after Chester A. Arthur, the 21st president of the United States.

The racial makeup of the town was 98.73% White, 0.14% African American, and 1.13% from two or more races.