Miller County Townships

By Kelly Warman-Stallings

Published to "Window to the Past" website on 8 February 2022

Miller County

Townships

Saline

Franklin

Equality

Glaze

Osage

Richwoods

Jim Henry

When Miller County was newly formed, four townships were established: Equality, Osage, Richwoods and Saline. Three more townships were added later: Franklin, Jim Henry and Glaze/Glaize.

The county was organized February 6, 1837 and named for John Miller, former U.S. Representative and Governor of Missouri.

Tuscumbia was chosen as the county seat of government. The first post office was located at Tuscumbia (in 1837) and the first marriage license was issued to Sims Brockman and Rachel Gartin on February 27, 1837. This all took place in Equality Township.

A township is a widely used unit of local government in the United States, subordinate to a county. Specific responsibilities and the degree of autonomy vary based on each state. In many states, townships are organized and operate under the authority of state statutes, similar to counties. In others, townships operate as municipal corporations—chartered entities with a degree of home rule.

THE TOWNSHIPS

Equality Township was established in 1837 and named for the virtue of equality. During the latter portion of 1837, Equality was divided and Reed Township created, but it was soon abolished.

Current Town: Tuscumbia

Historic Towns & Villages: Flatwoods, White House

Unified School Districts: Eldon R-I, Miller County R-III, School of The Osage

Franklin Township was established in1860 and named after the local Franklin family. This township was carved from parts of Equality and Saline Townships. The township was changed slightly in 1872.

Current City: Eldon

Current Town: Bagnell

Historic Towns & Villages: Adelaide, Aurora Springs, Dam Site, Rocky Mount

Unified School Districts: Eldon R-I, School of The Osage

Glaze/Glaize Township was established in 1838, taking its name from the Grand Auglaize Creek. This township was carved out of Equality Township.

Current Cities: Lake Ozark, Lakeside, Osage Beach

Current Towns: Brumley, Kaiser, Ulman

Historic Towns & Villages: Bentown/Keethtown, Blackmer, Lakeland

Unified School Districts: Eldon R-I, Iberia R-V, Miller County R-III, School of The Osage

Jim Henry Township was established in 1838 and named after a local Native American tribal leader. This township was carved from Saline Township.

Current Town: Marys Home

Historic Towns & Villages: Fair Play, Gageville, Hoecker, Old St. Elizabeth

Unified School Districts: Cole County R-V, Miller County R-III

Osage Township was established in 1837 and took its name from the Osage River.

Current Town: St. Elizabeth

Historic Towns & Villages: Caenby, Capps, Claxby, Pleasant Farm, Ramsey

Unified School Districts: Iberia R-V, Miller County R-III, Osage County R-III, St. Elizabeth R-IV

Richwoods Township was established in 1837 and was named for the forest and fertile soil within its borders.

Current City: Iberia

Current Town: St. Anthony

Historic Towns & Villages: Atwell, Brays Mill, Faith, Sudheimer, Watkins

Unified School Districts: Iberia R-V, Miller County R-III, St. Elizabeth R-IV

Saline Township was established in 1837 and took its name from the Saline Creek. The city of Eldon is divided between two townships - Franklin and Saline.

Current City: Eldon

Current Town: Olean

Historic Towns & Villages: Etterville, Locust Mound, Spring Garden, Pleasant Mount

Unified School Districts: Cole County R-V, Eldon R-I, Miller County R-III