Named after James Madison, the fourth President of the United States, it is one of twenty Madison Townships statewide.

[4][5] Madison Township was settled as early as 1797 and was organized in 1810.

[5] In 1833, Madison Township had one gristmill propelled by horses, and two tanyards.

[6] The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1.

There is also an elected township fiscal officer,[7] who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election.