[3] The township was named for Harvey Heth, who surveyed much of Southern Indiana.

He is buried in the western part of the township and was a major landholder in the area during the early 19th century.

In the early 19th century, the township was also home to Isiah and James Boone.

Mail is delivered from a post office in Mauckport; the township's ZIP codes are 47142 and 47143.

The township is part of the South Harrison School District and its children attend Heth-Washington Elementary, which is also attended by Washington Township children.