In the winter of 1851–1852 a crew working for the U.S. government surveyed all the section corners of the six mile square that would become the east half of the town, walking through the woods and probably crossing the marshes on the ice, measuring with chain and compass. When done, the deputy surveyor filed this general description of the east half of the town: The surface of this Township is level, swamp excepting a narrow strip of land of about 40 Chains in width on either bank of the Yellow river which is gently(?) raised(?), and dry(?) being drained(?) by small Brooks leading from the swamps in the area(?) of River, South of Hemlock Creek, and East of Yellow River the principal part of the land is open Marsh. North of Hemlock Creek, and East of River low and Wet land and might be rendered fit for cultivation, by clearing off the Timber and very thick crop of underbrush. West of Yellow River the land is principally Tamarack swamp and no one section could be made cultivable without draining(?). Timber. North of Hemlock creek and West of Yellow River is principally 2d rate Pine & Tamarack. Stand(?) thick, underbrush, very thick with alders(?), small Pine and Witch-hazel. Wards Mill & improvements near center of Sec. 27.
In the winter of 1851–1852 a crew working for the U.S. government surveyed all the section corners of the six mile square that would become the east half of the town, walking through the woods and probably crossing the marshes on the ice, measuring with chain and compass. When done, the deputy surveyor filed this general description of the east half of the town: The surface of this Township is level, swamp excepting a narrow strip of land of about 40 Chains in width on either bank of the Yellow river which is gently(?) raised(?), and dry(?) being drained(?) by small Brooks leading from the swamps in the area(?) of River, South of Hemlock Creek, and East of Yellow River the principal part of the land is open Marsh. North of Hemlock Creek and East of River low and Wet land and might be rendered fit for cultivation, by clearing off the Timber and very thick ,crop of underbrush. West of Yellow River the land is principally Tamarack swamp and no one section could be made cultivable without draining(?). Timber. North of Hemlock creek and West of Yellow River is principally 2d rate Pine & Tamarack. Stand(?) thick, underbrush, very thick with alders(?), small Pine and Witch-hazel. Wards Mill & improvements near center of Sec. 27.