[6] The first white settlement in the area was where Dickinson Creek flows into the Flat River northeast of Belding.

George W. Dickinson, in company with Thomas Cornell, both of New York, built a saw mill there in 1836.

The settlement became known as Dicksonsonville, though when a post office was opened in June 1838, it was named "Otisco", after the township.

Dickinson sold the mill to James M. Kidd in 1845, who platted the village as Kiddville and a post office reopened there with that name in February 1855.

In 1829, Rufus R. Cook, had led to the area a group of men from New York looking for prospective land for purchase.

He built a tavern there in 1846, which proved to be a popular area attraction, and a general store in 1850.

[7] A significant number of German immigrants settled in the southern portion of the township, centered on section 33.

Soon after, George Dickson, seeking to expand his business, purchased land in the area to build a gristmill at the mouth of the Seely Creek.

The village was also called "Mount Vernon Mills", but the post office was always Smyrna.