The township was organized as early as 1837, but few records are available today. On the 1837 Henry County tax list were eleven names: John Rowland, James Rowland, Robert Rowland, Jacob Sours, and John Sturgeon.
The first schoolhouse in the township was built in 1845. There were no churches in the township at that time.
By 1880 there was a population in the township of 857 persons. When the Clover Leaf Railroad came through the township, the township started to grow and develop. By 1885 there were eight school districts and one church, the United Brethren.
West Hope’s original name was Richfield Center, which sprung up in the late 1890’s. In those days merchandise was shipped to McClure or to another area town, and then hauled by dray wagons to West Hope.
Grelton
Grelton was founded in 1881. The timber in the area created an industry and the Clover Leaf Railroad was completed in 1881. Prior to this Eli Clay and Anthony Millford operated small saw mills. The Dewey Stave Company was located here, and it afforded employment to many persons; hence, the founding of Grelton. It was named for Alexander Grelle and at first was spelled “Grellton” but later one of the l’s was dropped. At one time, Grelton had a depot, hotel, church, school, restaurant, two stores and a K. of P. Lodge Hall. Grelton retains its post office, church, elevator and a garage. The school became past history when it was consolidated with Patrick Henry School.
Reprinted from Henry County, Ohio. A Collection of Historical Sketches and Family Histories Compiled by Members and Friends of The Henry County Historical Society, Volume I. Taylor Publishing Company, Dallas, TX, 1976.