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The first settlement made in this town
was in 1842, by Mrs. Gunale, a Norwegian widow lady. It is said
that she erected the first log cabin in the town of Newark; during
the next year she was joined by several of her own countrymen.
In 1844 Messrs. N. Strong, J. B. Smith, John Stephens, P. McVain,
A. G. Felt, P. P. Chase, and others made home in the township.
These gentlemen afterwards became prominent and influential citizens.
The soil of the town is what is termed a sandy loam. It is pretty
evenly divided between burr-oak openings and prairie. The only
stream passing through the town is Coon Creek, on which is a
very good water-power,--at present used to propel a flouring-mill
known as "How's Mill." The town is well watered by
smaller streams, and for the growing of stock will compare very
favorably with any other town in the county. |