[2] The earliest known pioneer to settle in Harp Township was Solomon Cross who erected a log cabin deep in a forest of oak trees in 1830.

Mulkey and Malone's stay in the area would be short, abandoning their cabin after just over a year's time.

Soon however, Felix Jones took possession of the old Mulkey cabin and constructed the first orchard in the township.

Mulkey's Point also contained significant evidence of Indian camps and hunting grounds.

Many of the trinkets and items found were shown to visitors of another early township resident, J. W.

Mary Cross accepted the proposal of Martin Dale despite her parents opposition, and the couple were married in 1832.

The following year, Tyre Harp, Pleasant Smith and Dudley Richards contributed $110 towards paying for a six months school and erected the first schoolhouse, a 16 ft (4.9 m) x18ft foot cabin where Edom Shugert from Tennessee (who had also taught in Tyre Harp's home) took charge of the school.

They are also credited with being one of the few families of the early settlers to remain permanent residents of the township.

[3] The first land entries recorded in the township are as follows:[3] April 6, 1831, John Norfleet, entered W 1/2, N.W 1/4 Section 23, 80 acres.

A platform constructed for the preachers and benches arranged of partially hewn logs helped to offer good cheer and spiritual inspiration.

Despain built his smithy on land owned by William Garrison Wright who had married Tyre Harp's daughter Leah in 1834.

[3] The first road in the township led from Clinton, IL to Marion and was cut by Hugh L. Davenport.

By this time the U.S. mail delivered to Clinton where township residents would commute, which was preferable to the longer trip to Bloomington, Illinois to the north.

William Harp, Charles Harp, Calvin Paine, Isaac M'Cuddy, David Beebe, Isaac Strain and Joshua Jackson all served in the Mexican War and William Garrison Wright served in the Black Hawk War.