The State of Ohio is divided into 88 counties and each county is again divided Into townships, a local unit of government found in Ohio and 16 other states. The township began as a geographic unit under the Ordinance of 1785 which provided that surveyors "proceed to divide the said territory into townships of six miles square..." When created in Ohio the township unit was to contain a minimum of 22 square miles each. Then these plats were subdivided into lots one mile square of 640 acres, which was called a section. A typical farm in Ohio was a quarter section. Territory, thought that these townships made a good unit for civil government. He appointed township clerks, and constables to preserve peace. When Ohio became a state, the General Assembly set up the township as the official local unit of government.

Madison Township became one of the 13 townships in Butler County. The county was named for Gen. Richard Butler, a hero of the Revolutionary War, and the township for James Madison, who was president at the time the township was created, May 7, 1810. Just after its organization the Census of 1810 revealed 1228 residents in the township, a figure which increased to 1826 in 1820, and 2229 in 1830. After another 110 years in 1940 the population had reached 3697 which rose to 4498 in 1950, showing the beginning of urbanization. Up to that time the township had remained essentially rural. By 1980 the figure stood at 8596, with a small drop to 8547 in 1990, due to annexation. The figures do not include Trenton which had grown into a city, which in Ohio indicates a population above 5,000.

While originally in the township Trenton withdrew from it and established its own government. It was incorporated as a village Feb. 6, 1896, and following this action local officials were elected. On Feb. 13, 1971, Trenton became a city under the Council-Manager plan. As noted previously, information on Trenton is contained in two excellent books in the library.

Before modern means of transportation and communication, the early settlers could not travel far. Most of their business was cared for in the township. The township took over the building and maintenance of country roads, with the county and state planning and maintaining the major highways. The township supervised park areas, maintained public cemeteries, and tended to other needs of its citizens, such as care for the poor. As the people left the country for the cities, it appeared the township might lose some of its importance, but then its officials stepped into zoning of land and providing fire protection and rescue squads for its people. The township found itself providing more and more services as its population grew. The townships thus remain an important unit of government. although some have disappeared due to annexation of land into cities and villages. There are still over 1300 townships in Ohio.

Three township trustees make up the main governing force in the unit. Township officials are elected on Election day. Terms are set up so there will always be an experienced member on the Board of Trustees. The term of office is four years. The three trustees oversee township affairs. A major duty is to prepare an annual budget for the township covering the operation costs of their programs. The township clerk is Secretary of the Board of Trustees and handles all records and documents belonging to the township and also serves as township treasurer.

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