At the time, it also included the southern tier of modern Shelby Township running from an east–west line between sections 33 and 33 Twp.

It is an overwhelmingly rural area and the cultivation of Burley tobacco has been a major cash crop since the late 1800s.

The McKendree Methodist Church was founded on Greenbriar Ridge in 1840 and disbanded in 1880, with most members joining Home Chapel.

Otterbein Chapel, a congregation of the United Brethren, formed in 1867 and a stone building was constructed for its use by November 9, 1869, when its upcoming dedicated was mentioned in the Madison Courier.

However, the church apparently lost ownership of the building and on March 18, 1873, its trustees voted to buy the Eagle Hollow School House in nearby Madison.

Several post offices have operated in the township: Doe Run (June 28, 1892 – November 30, 1895; Home (January 18, 1830 – August 15, 1896); Manville (December 22, 1858 – April 30, 1907); Sugan (July 26, 1883 – February 15, 1904).

The East and West Forks of the Indian-Kentuck (more often called Indian-Kentucky in the 19th century), join at Manville.