It was named for the large unforested areas naturally occurring there which were ideal for growing wheat.

It includes the communities of Boltz, Cramer, Gas Center, Ninevah, Robindale, Shoupstown, Virginia, and Wheatfield.

[4] As of the census[6] of 2000, there were 2,607 people, 1,026 households, and 774 families residing in the township.

There were 1,115 housing units at an average density of 41.5 per square mile (16.0/km2).

21.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older.