[4] Emma Hale Smith, wife of Latter-day Saint Movement founder Joseph Smith, grew up in Oakland Township when it was still part of Harmony Township.

During the same time, Joseph lived in Oakland Township and boarded with Emma's family while he was employed by Josiah Stowell.

The Aaronic Priesthood Restoration Site preserves the location of their home.

At the 2000 census there were 550 people, 227 households, and 153 families living in the township.

[6] Of the 227 households 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 53.7% were married couples living together, 7.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.2% were non-families.

As of the census[7] of 2010, there were 564 people, 232 households, and 161 families living in the township.

The racial makeup of the township was 96.3% White, 0.5% Black, 0.5% American Indian, 1.2% Asian, 0.2% Pacific Islander, and 1.2% from two or more races.