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Referendums in Canada

National referendums are seldom used in Canada. The first two referendums in 1898 and 1942 saw voters in Quebec and the remainder of Canada take dramatically-opposing stands, and the third in 1992 saw most of the voters take a stand dramatically opposed to that of the politicians in power.

Plebiscite on prohibition
The question: French: Êtes-vous favorable à la passation d'une loi défendant l'importation, la fabrication ou la vente de spiritueux, vins, bière, ale, cidre et de toutes autres liqueurs alcooliques comme breuvages ?
 * Are you in favor of the passing of an Act prohibiting the importation, manufacture of sale of spirits, wine, ale, beer, cider and all other alcoholic liquors for use as beverages?

! colspan="5" |Canadian plebiscite on prohibition September 29, 1898 ! rowspan="2" style="text-align:left;" |Jurisdiction ! colspan="2" | Yes ! colspan="2" |No ! Votes !! % !! Votes !! % ! align="left" | Canada !!278,526!!style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" | 51.3 !!264,547!!48.7
 * - bgcolor="#eeeeee"
 * - align="center"
 * align="left" | British Columbia|| 5,731|| style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" | 54.6 || 4,756 || 45.4
 * - align="center"
 * align="left" | Manitoba|| 12,419|| style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" | 80.7 || 2,978 ||19.3
 * - align="center"
 * align="left" | New Brunswick|| 26,919|| style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" | 73.8 || 9,575 ||26.2
 * - align="center"
 * align="left" | Northwest Territories || 6,238|| style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" | 68.8 || 2,824 || 31.2
 * - align="center"
 * align="left" | Nova Scotia||34,678|| style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" | 86.6 || 5,370 ||13.4
 * - align="center"
 * align="left" | Ontario|| 154,498|| style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" | 57.3 || 115,284 || 42.7
 * - align="center"
 * align="left" | Prince Edward Island|| 9,461|| style="background:rgb(69, 115, 159); width:30px;" | 89.2 || 1,146 || 10.8
 * - align="center"
 * align="left" | Quebec ||28,582||18.9||122,614|| style="background:rgb(140, 140, 83); width:30px;" | 81.1
 * - align="center"
 * }

The majority in favour of Prohibition was so slight and turn-out so low that the government said it did not think it right to adopt the measure.

Plebiscite on conscription
The Question: French: Consentez-vous à libérer le gouvernement de toute obligation résultant d'engagements antérieurs restreignant les méthodes de mobilisation pour le service militaire ?
 * Are you in favour of releasing the Government from any obligations arising out of any past commitments restricting the methods of raising men for military service?

Based on the result, the government adopted conscription but with a light touch, adopting the initial policy that those conscripted would not be sent overseas to active fighting.

Referendum on the Charlottetown Accord
The Question: French: Acceptez-vous que la Constitution du Canada soit renouvelée sur la base de l'entente conclue le 28 août 1992 ?
 * Do you agree that the Constitution of Canada should be renewed on the basis of the agreement reached on August 28, 1992?

! colspan="5" |National Referendum on the Charlottetown Accord (October 26, 1992) ! rowspan="2" style="text-align:left;" |Jurisdiction ! colspan="2" |Yes ! colspan="2" |No ! Votes !! % !! Votes !! % ! align="left" | Canada !! 6,185,902 !! 45.0 !! 7,550,732 !! 55.0
 * - bgcolor="#eeeeee"
 * - align="right"
 * align="left" | Alberta|| 483,275 || 39.8 || 731,975|| 60.2
 * - align="right"
 * align="left" | British Columbia|| 525,188 || 31.8 || 1,126,761|||68.2
 * - align="right"
 * align="left" | Manitoba|| 198,230 || 38.0 || 322,971|| 62.0
 * - align="right"
 * align="left" | New Brunswick|| 230,010|| 61.7 || 145,096 || 38.3
 * - align="right"
 * align="left" | Newfoundland|| 133,193|| 63.1 || 77,881 || 36.9
 * - align="right"
 * align="left" | Northwest Territories|| 14,750|| 61.0 || 9,416 || 39.0
 * - align="right"
 * align="left" | Nova Scotia|| 218,618 || 48.7 || 230,182|| 51.3
 * - align="right"
 * align="left" | Ontario|| 2,410,119|| 50.1 || 2,397,665 || 49.9
 * - align="right"
 * align="left" | Prince Edward Island|| 48,687|| 74.0 || 17,124 || 26.0
 * - align="center"
 * align="left" | Quebec|| 1,710,117 || 43.4 || 2,232,280|| 56.6
 * - align="right"
 * align="left" | Saskatchewan|| 203,361 || 44.6 || 252,459|| 55.4
 * - align="right"
 * align="left" | Yukon|| 5,354 || 43.6 || 6,922|| 56.4
 * - align="right"
 * }

Proposed referendums
During the 2004 federal election, the NDP stated that it would require the federal government to hold a national referendum on electoral reform (specifically proportional representation) for support from the NDP should the Liberals win a minority government. The Liberals won a minority, and the NDP announced they would press for electoral reform through a referendum. The possibility of a national referendum on electoral reform was made more likely through the Throne speech that opened Parliament in October 2004, in which former Liberal Prime Minister Paul Martin included electoral reform in his plan for the next Parliament. However, after Conservative Leader Stephen Harper became Prime Minister as a result of the 2006 federal election, no moves toward reform of the electoral system were taken until Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau became Prime Minister after the 2015 federal election, in which Trudeau promised to eliminate the current "first-past-the-post" single-member plurality voting system. While Trudeau has said that he advocates a system where the distribution of seats is more in line with the popular vote on a Canada-wide basis, to be achieved by a new type of ballot that allows voters to rank the candidates in order of preference, his government announced in December 2015 that an all-party parliamentary committee would be formed in early 2016 to consider other options too, such as those based on proportional representation. During a discussion of the plan, Democratic Institutions Minister Maryam Monsef referred to it as “an open and robust process of consultation”. However, she refused to commit to the Conservative Party's demand for a public referendum that would allow Canadians to vote on their preferred electoral system, indicating that she does not want to "prejudice the outcome of that consultation process".

There had been discussion regarding a national referendum over the issue of same-sex marriage, which was a highly divisive issue in Canada. A national plebiscite had been suggested by Alberta Premier Ralph Klein and some Conservatives and Liberal backbenchers. However, Paul Martin's Liberal government, with the support of the NDP and Bloc Québécois, passed the Civil Marriage Act, legalizing same-sex marriage through Parliament in July 2005 without holding a plebiscite. In December 2006, Stephen Harper's government introduced a motion to re-open the marriage debate, which lost. Notably, members of all parties, including some Conservative cabinet members, voted it down.

Alberta
Alberta has held several referendums during its history.

Three concerned the adoption, retention and abandonment of Prohibition on the private sale of liquor (1915, 1920 and 1923).

Another was on the government take-over of the electrical generation and distribution system, at the time a mixed system of municipal and private corporate ownership, and the preferred method of rural electrification - private or provincial government.

British Columbia
In British Columbia, a Treaty Referendum was held on First Nations treaty rights in 2002. The referendum proposed eight questions that voters were asked to either support or oppose. Critics claimed the phrasing was flawed or biased toward a predetermined response. Critics, especially First Nations and religious groups, called for a boycott of the referendum, and only about one third of ballots were returned, significantly less than the usual turnout in provincial general elections. The ballots that were returned showed enthusiastic support, with over 80 per cent of participating voters agreeing to all eight proposed principles.

A referendum on electoral reform on May 17, 2005, was held in conjunction with the provincial election that year. British Columbian voters were asked to approve a new electoral system based on the Single Transferable Vote called BC STV. It passed with the support of a majority of voters (57%), but failed to meet the required "supermajority" threshold of 60%. Premier Gordon Campbell announced due to the large support shown for electoral reform a second referendum would be held in correspondence with the 2009 British Columbia general election. This referendum would also have required approval by 60% of those voting.

The second referendum was held on May 12, 2009, in conjunction with the provincial election. The results were a "supermajority" of 60.92% voting for retaining the current "first past the post" electoral system and 39.8% voting for the proposed Single Transferable Vote.

A mail-in referendum was held from June 13 to August 5, 2011, on the fate of the province's harmonized sales tax. The government pledged to discontinue the tax if more than 50% of the voters opt to have the tax discontinued. It was passed, with 55% in favour.

The province held another referendum on proportional representation in late 2018. With 42% turnout, proportional representation was defeated by 61% of the vote.

Manitoba
Manitoba held a referendum on Prohibition in 1902. A majority voted against prohibition.

Newfoundland and Labrador
The island of Newfoundland, then a British colony, held two referendums in 1948 to determine its future. An initial referendum was held on June 3, 1948, to decide between continuing with the British appointed Commission of Government that had ruled the island since the 1930s, revert to dominion status with responsible government, or join Canadian Confederation. The result was inconclusive, with 44.6% supporting the restoration of dominion status, 41.1% for confederation with Canada, and 14.3% for continuing the Commission of Government. A second referendum on July 22, 1948, which asked Newfoundlanders to choose between confederation and dominion status, was decided by a vote of 52% to 48% for confederation with Canada. Newfoundland joined Canada on March 31, 1949.

A referendum was held in Newfoundland and Labrador in 1995 that approved replacing the province's system of parochial schools with a largely public school system. In 1997, a second referendum to amend the Terms of Union to allow for the Catholic and Pentecostal school systems to be disbanded and brought into the public system.

New Brunswick
On May 14, 2001, New Brunswick held a referendum on whether to continue to permit Video Lottery Terminals to operate in the province. 53.1% of those who voted in favour of retaining the terminals.

NWT
Two referendums were held in Northwest Territories.

 * 1982 division of territory into two regions
 * 1992 boundary between the two regions, creating Territory of Nunavut in 1999.

Nova Scotia
In 2004, Nova Scotia held a plebiscite on whether to allow 'Sunday shopping'. The result was a slight victory for the No side although the government went ahead and legalized Sunday Shopping the following year after a court decision overturned the law.

Ontario
On October 10, 2007, Ontario held a referendum on whether to adopt a mixed-member proportional system of elections. The proposed system failed with 63% voting for the status quo in favour of First-Past-the-Post. See 2007 Ontario electoral reform referendum for more information. This was the first referendum in that province since 1924 when a referendum on prohibition was held.

Prince Edward Island
The small province of Prince Edward Island (under 150,000 people and therefore in scale more like a municipal government) has had several referendums in its past, although the correct terminology in the province is a plebiscite.

On January 18, 1988, a provincial plebiscite was held to determine if Islanders were in favour of a fixed link to the mainland. It passed 60% to 40%. This allowed the provincial and federal governments to attract contractors to build what is now the Confederation Bridge.

On November 28, 2005, Islanders were asked to vote by plebiscite whether or not they wanted mixed-member proportional representation - partly "party list-based" - electoral system. Islanders decided, 64% to 36%, to keep the status quo first-past-the-post based electoral.

A plebiscite was held in 2016 concerning mixed-member proportional representation, with the result of 52% of Islanders voting to adopt the changes. Citing low voter turn out (below 40%) in the plebiscite, the government refused to implement the reforms. Another PEI plebiscite on electoral reform is scheduled for 2019.

Quebec
Three referendums were held in Quebec:

 * 1919 - April 10: Referendum on the legalization of the sale of alcohol. The Yes side won.
 * 1980 - May 20: Referendum on the Sovereignty-Association proposal. The No side won.
 * 1995 - October 30: Referendum on Sovereignty with optional partnership offer. The No side narrowly won.

Officially though, there have been four, as the 1992 pan-Canadian referendum was organized by the DGEQ in Quebec, whereas Elections Canada organized it in the rest of Canada.

Yukon
Two referendums were held in Yukon.
 * 1916 August Prohibition. Wets won by three votes.
 * 1920 February Prohibition. Prohibitionists narrowly had more votes than those who wanted bars continued and also narrowly more votes than those who wanted government liquor stores.

title: Referendums in Canada


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Acton Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Acton Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 381 at the 2000 census. The township includes almost all of Grove City.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.4 sqmi, of which 33.0 sqmi is land and 2.4 sqmi  (6.72%) is water.

Acton Township is located in Township 119 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 32 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 381 people, 156 households, and 112 families residing in the township. The population density was 11.5 people per square mile (4.5/km$2$). There were 182 housing units at an average density of 5.5/sq mi (2.1/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 98.43% White, 0.26% Native American, 0.52% Asian, 0.79% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.79% of the population.

There were 156 households, out of which 28.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.7% were married couples living together, 5.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 28.2% were non-families. 26.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.96.

In the township the population was spread out, with 24.7% under the age of 18, 5.5% from 18 to 24, 28.9% from 25 to 44, 28.9% from 45 to 64, and 12.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $37,813, and the median income for a family was $46,750. Males had a median income of $31,667 versus $26,000 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,502. About 9.5% of families and 9.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.7% of those under age 18 and 24.4% of those age 65 or over.

History
Acton Township was organized in 1858, and named after Acton, Ontario.

Acton Township was the location of the Battle of Acton on September 3, 1862, part of the Dakota War. The nearby murder of five white settlers by a Dakota hunting party in the Acton Incident sparked the war.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/


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Cedar Mills Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Cedar Mills Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 499 at the 2000 census.

Cedar Mills Township was organized in 1870, and named after Cedar Mills.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 39.0 sqmi, of which 38.5 sqmi is land and 0.5 sqmi  (1.21%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 499 people, 177 households, and 135 families residing in the township. The population density was 13.0 PD/sqmi. There were 191 housing units at an average density of 5.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.60% White, 0.40% Native American, 0.80% Asian, and 1.20% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.60% of the population.

There were 177 households, out of which 35.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 65.0% were married couples living together, 6.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 23.2% were non-families. 17.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.71 and the average family size was 3.04.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.5% under the age of 18, 5.2% from 18 to 24, 29.9% from 25 to 44, 24.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.0% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.7 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 107.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $48,125, and the median income for a family was $53,393. Males had a median income of $30,000 versus $26,250 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,227. About 3.6% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.0% of those under age 18 and 16.7% of those age 65 or over.


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Collinwood Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Collinwood Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,037 at the 2000 census.

History
Collinwood Township was named after Collinwood, Canada, where the first settlers in the area came from. There is also a Collinwood Lake nearby. For a few years, the township was known as New Virginia (the 1870 U.S. Census lists it as such). In May of 1866, the first settlers came. They were Oliver Rasnick, Henry Fuller, George Fuller, and Jacob, Nancy, and Thomas Hutchins. The town was organized on May 8, 1866. The first Justice of the Peace was Oliver Rasnick. The first death was the child of E. K. and Jane Counts, who were from Virginia. In 1857, John Taylor and Elizabeth Hutchins were the first couple to be married there. Also that year, Alexander Ramsey married Margaret Hutchins. The population was 1,037 in the 2000 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.1 sqmi, of which 31.0 sqmi is land and 5.0 sqmi (13.92%) is water.

Collinwood Township is located in Township 118 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 29 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,037 people, 364 households, and 289 families residing in the township. The population density was 33.4 PD/sqmi. There were 462 housing units at an average density of 14.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 99.32% White, 0.10% Asian, 0.19% from other races, and 0.39% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.77% of the population.

There were 364 households, out of which 36.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 73.9% were married couples living together, 2.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 20.6% were non-families. 16.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.85 and the average family size was 3.16.

In the township the population was spread out, with 28.0% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 27.9% from 45 to 64, and 13.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.4 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $56,786, and the median income for a family was $63,295. Males had a median income of $41,200 versus $30,000 for females. The per capita income for the township was $22,065. About 4.1% of families and 6.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 11.6% of those under age 18 and 1.6% of those age 65 or over.

Steelesville
Located within the township is an area known as Steelesville. The community of Steelesville was first delineated by the school district of the same name. The school was a typical rural America one-room school building occupied by students in grades one through eight who resided in the confines of the Steelesville School district. Also located within the Steelesville community is the Steelesville Cemetery. The Steelesville Cemetery is a one-acre active cemetery, owned by Gethsemane Lutheran Church, Dassel, Minnesota, and maintained by the Steelesville Cemetery Association.


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Cosmos, Minnesota

Cosmos is a city in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States, along the South Fork of the Crow River. The population was 507 at the 2020 census.

History
Cosmos Township was first settled by Daniel Jackman, from Maine, in 1867. On his arrival, until he could build his house, he lived in a tent and cooked on an open fire. He took up a homestead in section 26. He returned to Minneapolis the following spring, but immediately returned and built his home in the summer of 1868. In 1877, he made a trip to the Black Hills and spent the season in gold mining, but returned in the fall. When the township was organized, the first election was held at his house. He was elected the first chairman of the board of supervisors and held that office for three years.

Several others followed that first year, such as Civil War veteran Isaac L. Layton or Leighton from Maine, Hansom W. Young from New Brunswick, and Daniel S. Hoyt in 1867 as a surveyor from Massachusetts. The first two were the first farmers and they planted wheat. Originally, the town was called "Nelson" after Ole K. Nelson, from Norway, who was credited with bringing the first team of horses and plow and breaking the first soil. On January 25, 1870, the town and township were incorporated and its current name of Cosmos was proposed by surveyor and township clerk Daniel Hoyt. Cosmos is an ancient Greek word meaning order and harmony or "represents the university of created things and its synonym is harmony."

Cosmos remained small until rumors spread around 1910 that a railroad would be built. In 1922, the Luce Railroad (Minnesota Western) was constructed, and Cosmos continued to grow. On September 24, 1926, the present village plat was made and Cosmos became an incorporated village. Hoyt was elected the first township clerk. He froze to death in February 1870, trying to walk on foot to the Minnesota River. The city was incorporated as a village on September 21, 1926, and finally as a city in 1969. A post office was established as in Renville County in 1870, then to McLeod County in 1871, and finally it was transferred to Meeker County in 1872. Isaac Layton was the postmaster. The post office closed in 1906 and re-opened in 1924. The town had a railway station serving several rail lines, including the Minnesota Western. The town sits along the South Fork of the Crow River. Today the Luce Line Trail runs from Cosmos to Minneapolis.

While the town had been organized in 1870, it wasn't officially incorporated as a village until 1926.

Geography
Cosmos is in southwestern Meeker County along the South Fork of the Crow River. The city of Cosmos sits at the center of Cosmos Township, but is a separate municipality. Minnesota State Highways 4 (Milky Way Street) and 7 (Astro Boulevard) are the two main routes in the town. The space theme extends to other streets which are named after planets or constellations. MN 4 leads north 15 mi to Grove City and south 13 mi to Hector, while MN 7 leads east-southeast 18 mi to Hutchinson and west 33 mi to Clara City.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city of Cosmos has a total area of 1.00 sqmi, of which 0.98 sqmi are land and 0.02 sqmi, or 2.4%, are water. The South Fork of the Crow River passes through the southern end of the city, flowing easterly to eventually join the Crow River at Rockford and the Mississippi River at Dayton.

Space Festival
On the third weekend in July, the city holds the Cosmos Space Festival. It features Minn-E-Rods, a softball tournament, a volleyball tournament, an antique tractor pull, meals in the park, pig races, a Space Festival parade, fireworks, a pancake breakfast, a pork chop dinner, church in the park, music entertainment, crafters, a pedal tractor pull, a disc golf tournament, laser tag, a bean bag tournament, citywide garage sales, drawings, and many other activities.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 473 people, 229 households, and 120 families residing in the city. The population density was 422.3 PD/sqmi. There were 261 housing units at an average density of 233.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.5% White, 0.2% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Pacific Islander, 1.5% from other races, and 0.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.7% of the population.

There were 229 households, of which 23.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 38.9% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 2.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 47.6% were non-families. 38.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.07 and the average family size was 2.78.

The median age in the city was 45.2 years. 19.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 6.8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.3% were from 25 to 44; 30.7% were from 45 to 64, and 19.5% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 49.0% male and 51.0% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 582 people, 240 households, and 154 families residing in the city. The population density was 519.3 PD/sqmi. There were 261 housing units at an average density of 232.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.28% White. Four persons (0.69%) identified as Asian, one (0.17%) as Pacific Islander, two (0.34%) from other races, and three (0.52%) from two or more races. Two persons (0.34%) were Hispanic or Latino of any race.

There were 240 households, out of which 27.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.5% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 35.8% were non-families. 28.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.26 and the average family size was 2.73.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 20.8% under the age of 18, 7.9% from 18 to 24, 26.8% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 23.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 90.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $30,278, and the median income for a family was $36,750. Males had a median income of $31,364 versus $23,125 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,447. About 5.8% of families and 10.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.1% of those under age 18 and 22.0% of those age 65 or over.

Notable people

 * Mary Jane Shultz, professor and researcher in physical, environmental, materials and surface chemistry
 * Shannon Currier, head football coach at Concordia Golden Bears.

title: Cosmos, Minnesota


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Cosmos Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Cosmos Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 229 at the 2000 census.

Cosmos Township was organized in 1870, and named for the cosmos, or the order of the universe.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.1 sqmi, of which 34.8 sqmi is land and 0.3 sqmi  (0.97%) is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 229 people, 93 households, and 69 families residing in the township. The population density was 6.6 PD/sqmi. There were 98 housing units at an average density of 2.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 99.56% White, and 0.44% from two or more races.

There were 93 households, out of which 34.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.2% were married couples living together, 5.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 25.8% were non-families. 22.6% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the township the population was spread out, with 26.2% under the age of 18, 5.7% from 18 to 24, 29.7% from 25 to 44, 21.8% from 45 to 64, and 16.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 116.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $40,000, and the median income for a family was $41,042. Males had a median income of $29,375 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,438. About 9.9% of families and 8.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.9% of those under the age of eighteen and 12.5% of those 65 or over.


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Danielson Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Danielson Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 327 at the 2000 census.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.9 sqmi, of which 34.5 sqmi is land and 1.4 sqmi  (3.93%) is water.

Danielson Township is located in Township 118 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 32 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 327 people, 111 households, and 94 families residing in the township. The population density was 9.5 PD/sqmi. There were 117 housing units at an average density of 3.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.17% White, 1.22% Asian, and 0.61% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.31% of the population.

There were 111 households, out of which 43.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.6% were married couples living together, 1.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.3% were non-families. 13.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.95 and the average family size was 3.24.

In the township the population was spread out, with 30.9% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 24.5% from 25 to 44, 24.5% from 45 to 64, and 11.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 107.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 103.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $42,500, and the median income for a family was $46,250. Males had a median income of $34,375 versus $26,250 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,234. About 4.9% of families and 4.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.7% of those under age 18 and 9.3% of those age 65 or over.


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Darwin, Minnesota

Darwin is a city in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 348 at the 2020 census.

It is one of several places claiming to be home of the largest ball of twine in the world.

History
Darwin was platted in 1869 and named for E. Darwin Litchfield, a major stockholder of the Saint Paul and Pacific Railroad. A post office has been in operation at Darwin since 1869.

Geography
Darwin is in east-central Meeker County, along U.S. Route 12, which passes through the northeast portion of the city. US 12 leads northwest 6 mi to Litchfield, the county seat, and east-southeast 5 mi to Dassel.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Darwin has a total area of 2.08 sqmi, of which 2.00 sqmi are land and 0.08 sqmi, or 3.99%, are water. Turtle Lake lies partly within the city, along its eastern border, while Lake Darwin lies just outside the southeast corner of the city.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 350 people, 139 households, and 91 families residing in the city. The population density was 175.9 PD/sqmi. There were 153 housing units at an average density of 76.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.9% White, 0.3% African American, 0.3% Asian, 1.4% from other races, and 1.1% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 3.4% of the population.

There were 139 households, of which 30.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 57.6% were married couples living together, 2.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.0% had a male householder with no wife present, and 34.5% were non-families. 25.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.52 and the average family size was 3.10.

The median age in the city was 38.7 years. 24.3% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 27% were from 25 to 44; 27.5% were from 45 to 64; and 14.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 51.7% male and 48.3% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 276 people, 119 households, and 79 families residing in the city. The population density was 368.7 PD/sqmi. There were 130 housing units at an average density of 173.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 92.03% White, 0.72% African American, 5.80% from other races, and 1.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 5.07% of the population.

There were 119 households, out of which 31.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 54.6% were married couples living together, 9.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 33.6% were non-families. 29.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.3% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.32 and the average family size was 2.84.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 27.2% under the age of 18, 6.9% from 18 to 24, 25.0% from 25 to 44, 25.0% from 45 to 64, and 15.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 97.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 97.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $34,286, and the median income for a family was $37,321. Males had a median income of $31,000 versus $22,500 for females. The per capita income for the city was $16,813. About 6.0% of families and 10.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 17.1% of those under the age of eighteen and 8.5% of those 65 or over.

Parks and recreation
Darwin is the home of Darwin–Dassel Park.

The Twine Ball Museum is located at Darwin.

Transportation
U.S. Highway 12 serves as a main route in the community.

title: Darwin, Minnesota


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Darwin Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Darwin Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 713 at the 2000 census. The township includes the city of Darwin plus a small eastern portion of the city of Litchfield.

Darwin Township was organized in 1858, and named for E. Darwin Litchfield, a railroad official.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.3 sqmi, of which 32.4 sqmi is land and 3.0 sqmi  (8.35%) is water.

Darwin Township is located in Township 119 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 30 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 713 people, 281 households, and 218 families residing in the township. The population density was 22.0 PD/sqmi. There were 382 housing units at an average density of 11.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.76% White, 0.28% Native American, 0.14% Asian, 1.26% from other races, and 0.56% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.54% of the population.

There were 281 households, out of which 29.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.3% were married couples living together, 6.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.1% were non-families. 17.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.54 and the average family size was 2.79.

In the township the population was spread out, with 21.9% under the age of 18, 6.3% from 18 to 24, 25.2% from 25 to 44, 28.1% from 45 to 64, and 18.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 43 years. For every 100 females, there were 100.3 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $41,818, and the median income for a family was $43,594. Males had a median income of $36,406 versus $25,000 for females. The per capita income for the township was $20,763. About 5.0% of families and 6.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.6% of those under age 18 and 10.2% of those age 65 or over.


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Dassel, Minnesota

Dassel is a city in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,472 at the 2020 census.

History
Dassel was platted in 1869 and named for Bernard Dassel, a railroad official. A post office has been in operation at Dassel since 1869. Dassel was incorporated in 1878.

Geography
Dassel is in eastern Meeker County. U.S. Highway 12 and Minnesota State Highway 15 are two of the main routes in the city. US 12 passes through Dassel as Parker Avenue, leading west-northwest 11 mi to Litchfield, the Meeker county seat, and east 6 mi to Cokato, while MN 15 passes through the west side of the city, leading north 16 mi to Kimball and south 15 mi to Hutchinson.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Dassel has an area of 1.69 sqmi, of which 1.68 sqmi is land and 0.01 sqmi, or 0.65%, are water. The city is bordered to the northeast by Spring Lake and to the southwest by Sellards Lake.

Education
Dassel Elementary was recognized as one of 219 public schools in the nation as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School based on academic excellence. In the Bloomberg Businessweek list "The Best Places to Raise Your Kids 2011", Dassel finished as runner-up for Minnesota, behind Cokato.

2010 census
As of the 2010 census, there were 1,469 people, 572 households, and 370 families residing in the city. The population density was 901.2 PD/sqmi. There were 620 housing units at an average density of 380.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.4% White, 0.3% African American, 1.0% Native American, 0.8% Asian, 0.5% Pacific Islander, 1.0% from other races, and 1.0% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.0% of the population.

There were 572 households, of which 31.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 51.2% were married couples living together, 7.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 5.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 35.3% were non-families. 30.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.46 and the average family size was 3.10.

The median age in the city was 35.9 years. 27.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 8.6% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 24.8% were from 25 to 44; 19.6% were from 45 to 64; and 19.9% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.3% male and 51.7% female.

2000 census
As of the 2000 census, there were 1,233 people, 515 households, and 313 families residing in the city. The population density was 832.7 PD/sqmi. There were 551 housing units at an average density of 372.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.57% White, 0.16% Native American, 0.41% Asian, 1.62% from other races, and 0.24% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.87% of the population. 30.8% were of German, 25.6% Swedish, 11.4% Norwegian, 8.6% Finnish, and 6.7% Irish ancestry.

There were 515 households, out of which 29.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 52.0% were married couples living together, 5.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 39.2% were non-families. 35.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.28 and the average family size was 2.97.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 24.0% under the age of 18, 7.5% from 18 to 24, 27.1% from 25 to 44, 19.1% from 45 to 64, and 22.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 39 years. For every 100 females, there were 90.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 81.6 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $37,500, and the median income for a family was $48,854. Males had a median income of $30,759 versus $22,121 for females. The per capita income for the city was $17,476. About 3.7% of families and 5.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 2.8% of those under age 18 and 12.7% of those age 65 or over.

Government and politics
The mayor of Dassel is Robert (Bob) Lalone. City council members include Daniel Landrus, Darren Sombke and Marie Thurn. Terri Boese is the city clerk/treasurer. City council meetings are held the third Monday of each month at 7pm at Dassel City Hall.

Culture
Each year on Labor Day weekend, Dassel is active with Red Rooster Days, a tradition that originated in 1959.

The Universal Laboratories Building at Dassel is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

title: Dassel, Minnesota


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Dassel Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Dassel Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,361 at the 2000 census. The township surrounds the city of Dassel.

History
Dassel Township was organized in 1866, and named for Bernard Dassel, a railroad official.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 34.3 sqmi, of which 30.2 sqmi is land and 4.1 sqmi  (11.88%) is water.

Dassel Township is located in Township 119 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 29 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,361 people, 464 households, and 382 families residing in the township. The population density was 45.1 PD/sqmi. There were 558 housing units at an average density of 18.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 97.87% White, 0.07% Native American, 1.32% Asian, 0.37% from other races, and 0.37% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.51% of the population. 31.7% were of German, 21.1% Swedish, 18.2% Finnish, and 7.8% Norwegian ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 464 households, out of which 39.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.1% were married couples living together, 1.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.5% were non-families. 14.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.93 and the average family size was 3.25.

In the township the population was spread out, with 31.7% under the age of 18, 6.0% from 18 to 24, 26.6% from 25 to 44, 25.9% from 45 to 64, and 9.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $54,167, and the median income for a family was $57,434. Males had a median income of $36,875 versus $30,750 for females. The per capita income for the township was $19,845. About 2.5% of families and 3.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.0% of those under age 18 and 13.4% of those age 65 or over.


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Ellsworth Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Ellsworth Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 854 at the 2000 census.

History
Ellsworth Township was organized in 1868, and named for Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth, friend of Abraham Lincoln, often called the "first conspicuous casualty" of the Civil War.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.3 sqmi, of which 29.5 sqmi is land and 6.9 sqmi (18.89%) is water.

Ellsworth Township is located in Township 118 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 30 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 854 people, 328 households, and 267 families residing in the township. The population density was 29.0 PD/sqmi. There were 460 housing units at an average density of 15.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 99.30% White, 0.12% African American and 0.59% Native American. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.23% of the population.

There were 328 households, out of which 32.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.0% were married couples living together, 3.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.3% were non-families. 15.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.60 and the average family size was 2.87.

In the township the population was spread out, with 23.4% under the age of 18, 7.0% from 18 to 24, 25.9% from 25 to 44, 31.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 42 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 106.3 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $51,406, and the median income for a family was $54,750. Males had a median income of $40,924 versus $25,000 for females. The per capita income for the township was $22,039. About 2.8% of families and 3.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 4.3% of those under age 18 and 11.5% of those age 65 or over.


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Forest City Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Forest City Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 666 at the 2000 census. The unincorporated community of Forest City is located within Forest City Township.

History
Forest City Township was organized in 1858, and named after Forest City.

Forest City is the site of the historical Forest City Stockade, which played a significant part in the Dakota War of 1862.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.7 sqmi, of which 34.3 sqmi is land and 1.4 sqmi  (3.84%) is water.

Minnesota State Highway 24 and Meeker County Road 2 are the main routes in the township.

Forest City Township is located in Township 120 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 30 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 666 people, 233 households, and 189 families residing in the township. The population density was 19.4 PD/sqmi. There were 257 housing units at an average density of 7.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.95% White, 0.30% Native American, 0.30% from other races, and 0.45% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.30% of the population.

There were 233 households, out of which 42.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 76.4% were married couples living together, 1.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.5% were non-families. 15.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.86 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the township the population was spread out, with 31.7% under the age of 18, 5.4% from 18 to 24, 29.0% from 25 to 44, 24.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 105.6 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 112.6 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $49,083, and the median a family is $52,375. Males had a median income of $30,833 versus $22,917 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,590. About 4.6% of families and 4.5% of the population were below the poverty line, including 3.2% of those under age 18 and 17.5% of those age 65 or over.


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Forest Prairie Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Forest Prairie Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 869 at the 2000 census.

History
Forest Prairie Township was given that name for the forests and prairies within its borders. It is just north of Forest City, south of Watkins, and by Clear Lake. It was first settled in the spring of 1866 by Merritt Birdsall Case, Charles T. Groot, James Hooser, J. S. Reynolds, George Scrivner, George Smith, James W. Polk, Seymour Stevens, and Michael A. Roach. The first white births in the township were twins born to Mr. and Mrs. George Smith in 1866. The first white death was Mrs. George Smith in 1866. Birthing complications? The township was organized on July 10, 1867. The first postmaster was H. M. Storrs in 1867. The first school was taught by Mrs. James Hooser in 1868. The Minneapolis Pacific Railway Co. purchased land in 1886 and laid their own line of track, temporarily giving Forest Prairie a reputation as a railroading village rather than one as a prospering farm community. The town of Watkins was also started because of the railroad. Today it is the only town in the township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.4 sqmi, of which 34.3 sqmi is land and 1.1 sqmi  (3.14%) is water.

Forest Prairie Township is located in Township 121 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 30 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 869 people, 300 households, and 249 families residing in the township. The population density was 25.3 PD/sqmi. There were 361 housing units at an average density of 10.5 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 99.42% White, 0.12% African American, and 0.46% from two or more races.

There were 300 households, out of which 39.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 77.0% were married couples living together, 3.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.0% were non-families. 13.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.90 and the average family size was 3.19.

In the township, the population was spread out, with 28.9% under the age of 18, 6.1% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 28.5% from 45 to 64, and 9.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.4 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 113.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $46,375, and the median income for a family was $49,444. Males had a median income of $32,788 versus $22,083 for females. The per capita income for the township was $17,340. About 5.2% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.6% of those under age 18 and 4.1% of those age 65 or over.


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Greenleaf Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Greenleaf Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 726 at the 2000 census.

History
Greenleaf Township was organized in 1859, and named for William Henry Greenleaf, a pioneer settler.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 39.0 sqmi, of which 35.8 sqmi is land and 3.2 sqmi  (8.13%) is water.

Greenleaf Township is located in Township 118 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 31 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 726 people, 298 households, and 232 families residing in the township. The population density was 20.3 PD/sqmi. There were 478 housing units at an average density of 13.3 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.62% White, 0.14% African American, 0.14% Asian, 0.55% from other races, and 0.55% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.10% of the population.

There were 298 households, out of which 25.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.8% were married couples living together, 2.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.1% were non-families. 18.8% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.44 and the average family size was 2.75.

In the township the population was spread out, with 21.6% under the age of 18, 5.6% from 18 to 24, 25.1% from 25 to 44, 32.2% from 45 to 64, and 15.4% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 110.7 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $46,190, and the median income for a family was $51,458. Males had a median income of $32,917 versus $26,146 for females. The per capita income for the township was $21,973. About 1.8% of families and 1.9% of the population were below the poverty line, including 0.9% of those under age 18 and 4.2% of those age 65 or over.


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Grove City, Minnesota

Grove City is a city in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 624 at the 2020 census.

History
In 1870, the St. Paul and Pacific Railway came to Acton Township and built the Acton Station 2 mi east of today's Grove City. There was also a post office one mile north called "Swede Grove". The different locations caused confusion, and the people convinced the railroad to move the station to present-day Grove City.

Grove City was incorporated in 1878. In naming the town, "Grove" was chosen from Swede Grove, and "City" represented the citizens' hope for the town's future. A post office called Grove City has been in operation since 1879, having moved from north of the town. The post office was among the first businesses. Other early businesses included four grocery stories, two hardware stores, four filling stations, two hotels, two lumberyards, two banks, two blacksmiths, a barrel factory, a feed mill, and four grain elevators. There were five saloons, a pool hall, restaurants, a confectioner, a shoe store, a millinery shop, and a bakery.

Geography
Grove City is in western Meeker County. U.S. Highway 12 and Minnesota State Highway 4 are two of the main routes in the community, passing through the north side of the city as Atlantic Avenue. US 12 leads east 9 mi to Litchfield, the Meeker county seat, and west 18 mi to Willmar, while MN 4 leads north 17 mi to Paynesville and south 15 mi to Cosmos.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Grove City has an area of 0.66 sqmi, of which 0.61 sqmi are land and 0.05 sqmi, or 0.45%, are water. The city is in the watershed of Grove Creek, which flows northeast to join the Middle Fork of the Crow River near Manannah.

Education
Grove City is the site of (ACGC High School) which combines students from the cities of Atwater, Cosmos, and Grove City in Minnesota.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 635 people, 268 households, and 169 families living in the city. The population density was 920.3 PD/sqmi. There were 291 housing units at an average density of 421.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.0% White, 0.9% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.3% Asian, 0.2% from other races, and 1.4% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.8% of the population.

There were 268 households, of which 31.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.0% were married couples living together, 11.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 7.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.9% were non-families. 31.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 11.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.92.

The median age in the city was 35.6 years. 26.8% of residents were under the age of 18; 7% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 26% were from 25 to 44; 24.2% were from 45 to 64; and 16.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.6% male and 52.4% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 608 people, 257 households, and 160 families living in the city. The population density was 951.8 PD/sqmi. There were 271 housing units at an average density of 424.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 97.86% White, 0.33% Asian, 0.33% from other races, and 1.48% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.96% of the population.

There were 257 households, out of which 30.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 46.7% were married couples living together, 12.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 37.4% were non-families. 31.5% of all households were made up of individuals, and 14.4% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.98.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 28.5% under the age of 18, 10.0% from 18 to 24, 24.0% from 25 to 44, 20.4% from 45 to 64, and 17.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 88.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 86.7 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $29,313, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $28,125 versus $20,417 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,237. About 9.4% of families and 12.3% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.3% of those under age 18 and 22.5% of those age 65 or over.

title: Grove City, Minnesota


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Harvey Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Harvey Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 445 at the 2000 census.

History
Harvey Township was organized in 1867, and named for James M. Harvey, a pioneer settler who came to the area in 1860. James Harvey moved to Forest City, during the Sioux Uprising, and he fought the Indians at the stockade. James ended up being the Clerk of the District Court. Harvey was first settled by John and Thomas Dougherty in the summer of 1856. They broke 25 acres of land that summer. A man named McCue came about two weeks before the Doughertys, but he soon left. The township was originally a part of Forest City, but it was organized separately in 1867. There were no marriages or deaths in Harvey until May of 1870, when Dennis Dougherty and Mary Finnegan got married. Edward Dolan, an 8 year old boy, died that year. Thomas Dougherty was the first Justice of Peace. Edward O. Britt, his wife Lucinda, and his mother Charity (nee Tibbits) were among the first settlers. They came from Maine. Charity was born in Litchfield, Maine on April 3, 1773.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 39.0 sqmi, of which 38.5 sqmi is land and 0.4 sqmi  (1.05%) is water.

Harvey Township is located in Township 120 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 31 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 445 people, 143 households, and 119 families residing in the township. The population density was 11.5 PD/sqmi. There were 149 housing units at an average density of 3.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.88% White, 1.12% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.12% of the population.

There were 143 households, out of which 49.0% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 78.3% were married couples living together, 2.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 16.1% were non-families. 14.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 2.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.11 and the average family size was 3.44.

In the township, the population was spread out, with 32.6% under the age of 18, 8.3% from 18 to 24, 27.0% from 25 to 44, 23.4% from 45 to 64, and 8.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 113.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 117.4 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $46,750, and the median income for a family was $46,750. Males had a median income of $30,156 versus $23,750 for females. The per capita income for the township was $18,299. About 7.9% of families and 8.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 10.2% of those under age 18 and 5.0% of those age 65 or over.


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Kingston, Minnesota

Kingston is a city in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States, located along the North Fork of the Crow River. The population was 184 at the 2020 census.

History
Kingston was platted in 1857. A post office was established at Kingston in 1857 and remained in operation until 1907. On March 12, 2013, a special election was held regarding the dissolution of Kingston. With 23 votes in favor of dissolution and 36 votes against dissolution, the petition for dissolution was rendered not effective.

Geography
Kingston is in northeastern Meeker County. Minnesota State Highway 15 runs along the western border of the community, leading north 8 mi to Kimball and south the same distance to Dassel. Litchfield, the Meeker county seat, is 14 mi to the southwest.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Kingston has a total area of 0.56 sqmi, of which 0.001 sqmi, or 0.18%, are water. The North Fork of the Crow River passes through the city just south of its main crossroads, flowing east to join the South Fork at Rockford and continuing as the Crow River to the Mississippi at Dayton.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 161 people, 61 households, and 42 families residing in the city. The population density was 287.5 PD/sqmi. There were 70 housing units at an average density of 125.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.9% White, 0.6% Native American, 0.6% Asian, and 1.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.

There were 61 households, of which 36.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 60.7% were married couples living together, 6.6% had a female householder with no husband present, 1.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 31.1% were non-families. 21.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.64 and the average family size was 3.10.

The median age in the city was 30.4 years. 29.2% of residents were under the age of 18; 8% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 29.2% were from 25 to 44; 22.3% were from 45 to 64; and 11.2% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 55.3% male and 44.7% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 120 people, 48 households, and 33 families residing in the city. The population density was 244.0 PD/sqmi. There were 53 housing units at an average density of 107.8 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 100.00% White. 34.8% were of German, 28.4% Finnish, 11.3% Swedish, 9.2% Norwegian, 7.8% Irish, and 5.0% French ancestry.

There were 48 households, out of which 31.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 64.6% were married couples living together, 4.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 29.2% were non-families. 25.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 12.5% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.50 and the average family size was 3.00.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.3% under the age of 18, 14.2% from 18 to 24, 29.2% from 25 to 44, 22.5% from 45 to 64, and 10.8% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 37 years. For every 100 females, there were 140.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 109.1 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $39,375, and the median income for a family was $45,417. Males had a median income of $30,750 versus $19,107 for females. The per capita income for the city was $13,525. There were no families and 2.5% of the population living below the poverty line, including no under eighteens and 33.3% of those over 64.

title: Kingston, Minnesota


text:
Kingston Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Kingston Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. It includes the City of Kingston. The population was 1,266 at the 2000 census.

Kingston Township was organized in 1858, and named after Kingston.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 53.6 sqmi, of which 51.8 sqmi is land and 1.8 sqmi  (3.36%) is water.

Kingston Township is located in Townships 120 and 121 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 29 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,266 people, 409 households, and 332 families residing in the township. The population density was 24.4 PD/sqmi. There were 531 housing units at an average density of 10.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.58% White, 0.32% African American, 0.24% Native American, 0.16% Asian, 0.08% from other races, and 0.63% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.63% of the population. 33.6% were of German, 18.7% Finnish, 11.7% Swedish, 7.8% Norwegian, and 6.3% Irish ancestry according to Census 2000.

There were 409 households, out of which 38.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 74.1% were married couples living together, 3.4% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.8% were non-families. 13.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 7.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.10 and the average family size was 3.44.

In the township the population was spread out, with 33.3% under the age of 18, 7.3% from 18 to 24, 27.3% from 25 to 44, 20.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 108.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $41,012, and the median income for a family was $41,369. Males had a median income of $30,909 versus $22,411 for females. The per capita income for the township was $15,662. About 4.7% of families and 7.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 7.8% of those under age 18 and 19.0% of those age 65 or over.


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Litchfield, Minnesota

Litchfield is a city in and the county seat of Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 6,624 at the 2020 census.

History
Immigration to the county was slow until the St. Paul, Minneapolis and Manitoba Railroad, later the called St. Paul and Pacific and then the Great Northern, started coming through the area in 1869. The first train to arrive was a construction train on August 13, 1869.

The town site was laid out in 1869 with agriculture and agriculture-related industries making up a large base of the economy.

The town's first post office opened in a home in September 20, 1869. It later moved to the northwest corner of Sibley Avenue and Second Street, to a clothing store owned by the town's first official postmaster.

Town name
The settlers living in the area named their new community "Ness" on April 5, 1858, after the home of many of the first settlers: the parish of Næs in the traditional region of Hallingdal, Norway.

Litchfield got its name from a man named Electus Bachus Darwin Litchfield. He was a contractor, an investor, and a stockholder in the St. Paul and Pacific Railroad which originally went from St. Paul to St. Cloud and was built from 1862 to 1864. Later, his investments provided the means for building a more southern line through Meeker County to Breckenridge.

The village of Litchfield was originally called several different names, including "Round Lake", "Ripley", and finally "Ness". Litchfield was originally a portion of a congressional township named Round Lake, but most people called it Ripley after Ripley Lake one mile from its center.

The people of Ness were permitted to vote on the actual chartered village name of their township. Electus Litchfield donated grants of $2,000 each to various religious sects in town to build churches, the Episcopal and Presbyterian churches being two of them. The Presbyterian Church, Litchfield's first church, was built in 1870.

The majority of the 350 people voted for the name Litchfield over Ness, and the township of Litchfield was chartered as a village on February 29, 1872. The first village council meeting was held on April 5, 1872, in the railroad's land office. Jesse Vawter Branham, Jr. was elected the President of the Council.

Early history as village
By 1871, the village had grown to double the population of Forest City, a community 7 mi to the northeast. The railroad put up a 25 by one-story building called an "immigrant's reception house". In addition to Litchfield, the railroad in the 1870s put immigrant houses along its lines in villages including Willmar, Benson, Morris, and Breckenridge. The houses were "fitted up with cooking-stoves, washing conveniences, and beds." Newly arriving immigrants were given shelter in the reception houses and the chance to buy food and clothing at cost from the railroad while they looked for land in the area.

While most sidewalks in town were made of wood, the first cement sidewalk in Litchfield was laid in 1895 in the 200 block of Sibley Avenue.

Early history as city
The village of Litchfield incorporated as a city in 1943.

Geography
Litchfield is in the center of Meeker County. U.S. Highway 12 and Minnesota State Highways 22 and 24 are three of the main routes in the city. US 12 leads east 17 mi to Cokato and west 30 mi to Willmar, MN 22 leads north 24 mi to Richmond and south-southeast 21 mi to Hutchinson, and MN 24 leads north 22 mi to Kimball. Minneapolis is 66 mi to the east via US 12.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city of Litchfield has a total area of 5.45 sqmi, of which 4.48 sqmi are land and 0.98 sqmi, or 17.92%, are water. The city limits include all of Lake Ripley, a natural lake to the southwest. Jewitts Creek drains the city to the north, leading to the North Fork of the Crow River upstream from Forest City.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 6,726 people, 2,747 households, and 1,749 families residing in the city. The population density was 1518.3 PD/sqmi. There were 2,930 housing units at an average density of 661.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 95.8% White, 0.5% African American, 0.1% Native American, 0.1% Asian, 2.6% from other races, and 0.8% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 7.2% of the population.

There were 2,747 households, of which 30.8% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 48.4% were married couples living together, 10.7% had a female householder with no husband present, 4.6% had a male householder with no wife present, and 36.3% were non-families. 32.0% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.1% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.37 and the average family size was 2.98.

The median age in the city was 39.6 years. 24.9% of residents were under the age of 18; 7.3% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 23.9% were from 25 to 44; 25.6% were from 45 to 64; and 18.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 48.8% male and 51.2% female.

Notable people

 * Bernie Bierman (1894–1977), Minnesota Gophers football coach
 * Florence Riddick Boys (1873–1963), Indiana journalist, suffragist; born in Litchfield
 * John Carlson, Jr. (1984– ), football player
 * Herbert W. Chilstrom (1931–2020), Presiding Bishop (1987–95) of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America
 * John W. Foss (1931–2020), US Army four-star general
 * Peter E. Hanson (1845–1914), politician and businessman
 * Ann D. Montgomery (1949– ), federal judge of the United States District Court for the District of Minnesota
 * William A. Nolen (1928–1986), surgeon and author
 * Philip J. Palm (1906–1959), newspaper editor and politician
 * Wally Pikal (1927–2017), musician and entertainer
 * Michael Shaw (1944– ), first open heart surgery survivor
 * Gale Sondergaard (1899–1985), Academy Award-winning actress (1936)
 * Hester Sondergaard (1903–1994), radio character actress
 * Dan Sperry, magician

Historic sites

 * The Grand Army of the Republic Hall (G.A.R.) was founded in 1885 by Civil War veterans, who called themselves the "Boys of '61". Membership was limited to Union veterans of the Civil War; their motto was "Fraternity, Charity, and Loyalty". The hall remains exactly as it was when the "Boys of '61" met there. The Litchfield G.A.R. Hall is one of very few left in the nation and the only authentic one remaining in Minnesota. The G.A.R. Hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 21, 1975.
 * The Litchfield Commercial Historic District is an unusually intact business district of a small Midwestern agricultural trade center of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with 36 contributing properties mostly built between 1882 and 1940.
 * The Henry Ames House was built in 1888–89 by area pioneer Henry Ames. The house is the only original structure that remains from what was known as the Litchfield Brickyard that operated during the years of 1883–1900. The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 9, 1984.
 * The Litchfield Opera House was built in 1900. The building is a darling of St. Paul architect William T. Towner, who designed it with a unique "Renaissance Revival" façade. Considered a jewel on the prairie, many people came to watch the performances of the traveling shows that came to the Opera House. The Litchfield Opera House was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 4, 1984.
 * The Little Red Schoolhouse District 59 was built in 1913 on an acre of land 6 mi south of Litchfield. The architecture is a classic revival-style featuring a single story, red brick exterior, hip roof, and eight white Doric columns, and was constructed at a cost of $3,500.
 * Manannah (Union) Century Church, called Manannah Union Church when it was built in 1897, relied on traveling pastors to lead its flock. When membership dwindled in 1985, the church closed its doors. Esther Hegg, a longtime parishioner, bought the church at an auction. Hegg then led the charge to move the church to the Meeker County Fairgrounds in Litchfield, where it stands today.
 * Ness Church was organized in 1861. It is one of the state's oldest historical sites and the first organized church in Meeker County. Buried in its cemetery are the first five victims of the Dakota War.
 * Trinity Episcopal Church, founded in 1871, was entered into the National Register of Historic Places on June 20, 1975. The architecture of the church is attributed to Richard Upjohn, an architect from New York known for Carpenter Gothic designs. Upjohn founded the American Institute of Architects and served as its first president. The door and side entry bell tower, lancet windows, and batten walls are typical characteristics of Carpenter Gothic architecture.

title: Litchfield, Minnesota


text:
Litchfield Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Litchfield Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 808 at the 2000 census. The township includes most of the city of Litchfield, except for a small protrusion northeast into Forest City Township and another small one due east into Darwin Township.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township itself has a total area of 33.9 square miles (87.9 km2), of which 31.7 square miles (82.2 km2) is land and 2.2 square miles (5.7 km2)  (6.48%) is water.

Litchfield Township is located in Township 119 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 31 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

History
Litchfield Township was originally called Ness Township, for settler Ole Halvorson Ness, and under the latter name was organized in 1858. The present name, adopted circa 1869, is after its largest settlement, Litchfield.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 808 people, 288 households, and 237 families residing in the township. The population density was 25.5 PD/sqmi. There were 325 housing units at an average density of 10.2 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 99.13% White, 0.37% Native American, 0.25% Asian, and 0.25% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.50% of the population.

There were 288 households, out of which 37.5% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.7% were married couples living together, 4.2% had a female householder with no husband present, and 17.7% were non-families. 14.2% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.81 and the average family size was 3.11.

In the township the population was spread out, with 29.3% under the age of 18, 5.3% from 18 to 24, 27.2% from 25 to 44, 27.8% from 45 to 64, and 10.3% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 108.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 100.4 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $57,885, and the median income for a family was $60,893. Males had a median income of $40,365 versus $23,375 for females. The per capita income for the township was $22,203. About 2.8% of families and 2.7% of the population were below the poverty line, including 1.6% of those under age 18 and 10.3% of those age 65 or over.


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Manannah Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Manannah Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 610 at the 2000 census. Most of the city of Eden Valley is located in Manannah Township

Manannah Township was organized in 1857, and named after Manannah.

History
The original white settlers came to Manannah Township in 1856, including Nathan C. Caswell, Ziba Caswell, Edward Brown, Silas Caswell and A. D. Pierce. They settled near the town of Eden Valley. Patrick McNulty was the first school teach in district No. 12 in 1866. The first religious service was held a Methodist minister, Rev. Kidder, in the old village of Manannah in 1859. The name for the village of Manannah came from an old Scottish history. The first post office was established in 1857 with Jonathan Kimball as postmaster. While nothing remains of the original Manannah village, a new Manannah village was laid out in 1871 in sections 30 and 31. The Catholic Church of Our Lady, at Manannah, was established in 1876. The village of Eden Valley, was laid out in 1886 on the Minneapolis & Pacific Railroad. A post office was established in Eden Valley on April 1, 1887.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 38.6 square miles (99.9 km2), of which 38.5 square miles (99.6 km2) is land and 0.1 square miles (0.3 km2) (0.31%) is water.

Manannah Township is located in Township 121 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 31 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 610 people, 207 households, and 168 families residing in the township. The population density was 15.9 PD/sqmi. There were 216 housing units at an average density of 5.6 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 99.84% White and 0.16% Asian. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.49% of the population.

There were 207 households, out of which 40.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 70.5% were married couples living together, 4.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.4% were non-families. 16.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 6.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.95 and the average family size was 3.27.

In the township the population was spread out, with 32.6% under the age of 18, 6.2% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 21.1% from 45 to 64, and 12.5% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 35 years. For every 100 females, there were 114.8 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 117.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $39,813, and the median income for a family was $41,250. Males had a median income of $28,500 versus $20,774 for females. The per capita income for the township was $14,077. About 7.1% of families and 8.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.8% of those under age 18 and 8.6% of those age 65 or over.


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Swede Grove Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Swede Grove Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 414 at the 2000 census.

History
Swede Grove Township was first settled in 1857 by N. E. Hanson, Nels Elofson, Hans Peterson, Peter E. Lund, Nels Weylander, Andrew Peterson, and John Rosencranz. There were a few others with their families. The township was named by N. E. Hanson and Nels Elofson because it was settled by Swedes and there was a nice grove of trees nearby. Nels, by the way, was the second white man in Meeker County. The township, originally a part of Acton Township, was organized on March 15, 1868. Nels Elofson was appointed postmaster in 1859. Notable locations in Swede Grove Township are Cojo Dairy, Grove Creek Raceway, Trinity Lutheran Church, Fellowship Church, and the First Lutheran Cemetery. An interesting historical note is that Peterson Lake was so well surrounded by thick timber, that this 80-acre lake was missing from many government-issued plat maps because surveyors could not see the lake through the trees.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.6 square miles (92.1 km$2$), of which 34.7 square miles (89.8 km$2$) is land and 0.9 square mile (2.3 km$2$)  (2.47%) is water.

Swede Grove Township is located in Township 120 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 32 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 414 people, 132 households, and 111 families residing in the township. The population density was 11.9 people per square mile (4.6/km$2$). There were 139 housing units at an average density of 4.0/sq mi (1.5/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 95.65% White, 1.21% African American and 3.14% Asian.

There were 132 households, out of which 41.7% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 68.2% were married couples living together, 7.6% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.9% were non-families. 12.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 3.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.14 and the average family size was 3.43.

In the township, the population was spread out, with 34.5% under the age of 18, 6.5% from 18 to 24, 27.5% from 25 to 44, 18.8% from 45 to 64, and 12.6% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 34 years. For every 100 females, there were 109.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 116.8 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $39,750, and the median income for a family was $39,000. Males had a median income of $28,676 versus $21,875 for females. The per capita income for the township was $15,395. About 13.9% of families and 18.8% of the population were below the poverty line, including 28.7% of those under age 18 and 12.7% of those age 65 or over.


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Union Grove Township, Meeker County, Minnesota

Union Grove Township is a township in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 633 according to the 2010 census. The unincorporated community of Crow River is part of the township.

History
Union Grove Township was settled in 1856 by Lyman Allen, Andrew Hamilton, John Lowell Haywood, and a man named Baker. Allen and Haywood returned to Massachusetts in 1860. Baker died in Union Grove for unknown reasons. I don’t know if he was related to the Baker who was killed in the Acton Massacre. Lyman Allen named the town for a grove of woods that surrounded a union church where Lyman was a member. The township was organized on April 18 or 30, 1866. The meeting was held in the home of Thomas Ryckman. These residents also found the necessity to rule that hogs and sheep could not run loose between April 1 and November 1. During and following the US-Dakota War of 1862, several of the early families left the area and never returned. The small village of Crow River was the only settlement of note in the township, in which the Jacobson Store at Crow River might be a well-known landmark. .

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 36.0 square miles (93.2 km$2$), of which 35.2 square miles (91.0 km$2$) is land and 0.8 square miles (2.1 km$2$) (2.31%) is water.

Union Grove Township is located in Township 121 North of the Arkansas Base Line and Range 32 West of the 5th Principal Meridian.

Demographics
According to the 2010 census, there were 633 people, 228 households and 186 families residing in the township. The population density was 17.8 per square mile (6.9/km$2$). There were 301 housing units at an average density of 8.6/sq mi (3.3/km$2$). The racial makeup of the township was 98.6% White. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.4% of the population.

There were 230 households, of which 35.2% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 71.3% were married couples living together, 3.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 22.6% were non-families. 20.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 8.7% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.72 and the average family size was 3.16.

27.7% of the population were under the age of 18, 8.0% from 18 to 24, 24.8% from 25 to 44, 25.4% from 45 to 64, and 14.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 40 years. For every 100 females, there were 117.0 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 112.2 males.

The median household income was $44,732 and the median family income was $52,813. Males had a median income of $30,694 and females $20,893. The per capita income was $21,157. About 2.2% of families and 3.6% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.6% of those under the age of 18 and none of those 65 and older.


text:
Watkins, Minnesota

Watkins is a city in Meeker County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 991 at the 2020 census.

History
A post office has been in operation at Watkins since 1887. Watkins was named by railroad officials.

Geography
Watkins is in northeastern Meeker County, 1 mi south and west of the Stearns County line. Minnesota State Highway 55 passes through the southern part of the city, leading east 5 mi to Kimball and west 7 mi to Eden Valley. Litchfield, the Meeker county seat, is 16 mi to the southwest. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Watkins has a total area of 0.69 sqmi, all land. The city sits at the headwaters of the Clearwater River, which flows southeast, then northeast to the Mississippi River at the city of Clearwater.

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 962 people, 398 households, and 236 families living in the city. The population density was 1354.9 PD/sqmi. There were 438 housing units at an average density of 616.9 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 98.8% White, 0.5% African American, 0.2% Native American, 0.2% Asian, and 0.3% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.4% of the population.

There were 398 households, of which 35.4% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 41.5% were married couples living together, 9.5% had a female householder with no husband present, 8.3% had a male householder with no wife present, and 40.7% were non-families. 36.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 16.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.29 and the average family size was 2.97.

The median age in the city was 36.9 years. 28.1% of residents were under the age of 18; 5% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 25.8% were from 25 to 44; 21.4% were from 45 to 64; and 19.6% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 47.2% male and 52.8% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 880 people, 336 households, and 206 families living in the city. The population density was 1,722.7 PD/sqmi. There were 367 housing units at an average density of 718.4 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.32% White, 0.34% African American, 0.11% Asian, and 0.23% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.57% of the population.

There were 336 households, out of which 32.1% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 49.1% were married couples living together, 8.3% had a female householder with no husband present, and 38.4% were non-families. 32.7% of all households were made up of individuals, and 19.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.41 and the average family size was 3.07.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 25.6% under the age of 18, 8.1% from 18 to 24, 25.6% from 25 to 44, 15.6% from 45 to 64, and 25.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 38 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 94.4 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $32,188, and the median income for a family was $41,786. Males had a median income of $35,435 versus $19,318 for females. The per capita income for the city was $15,950. About 6.7% of families and 12.2% of the population were below the poverty line, including 9.2% of those under age 18 and 16.2% of those age 65 or over.

Notable person

 * Eugene McCarthy, U.S. senator and 1968 presidential candidate

title: Watkins, Minnesota


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Bock, Minnesota

Bock is a city in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 78 at the 2020 census, down from 106 in 2010.

History
A post office called Bock was established in 1892. Bock was named by railroad officials.

Geography
Bock is in southeastern Mille Lacs County, 5 mi northeast of Milaca, the county seat. Minnesota Highway 23 serves as a main route in the community, running through the northern part of the city. The highway leads southwest to Milaca and northeast 7 mi to Ogilvie. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the Bock has a total area of 0.17 sqmi, all land. The city sits on high ground between Bogus Brook to the east and a tributary of Vondell Brook to the west. Both brooks are south-flowing tributaries of the Rum River, itself a south-flowing tributary of the Mississippi River.

Transportation

 * [[Image:MN-23.svg|20px]] MN 23
 * [[Image:Mille_Lacs_County_1_MN.svg|20px]] Mille Lacs County Road 1
 * [[Image:Mille_Lacs_County_110_MN.svg|20px]] Mille Lacs County Road 110

2010 census
As of the census of 2010, there were 106 people, 46 households, and 28 families residing in the city. The population density was 706.7 PD/sqmi. There were 49 housing units at an average density of 326.7 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 96.2% White, 1.9% Asian, 0.9% from other races, and 0.9% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.9% of the population.

There were 46 households, of which 28.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 43.5% were married couples living together, 10.9% had a female householder with no husband present, 6.5% had a male householder with no wife present, and 39.1% were non-families. 30.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 10.8% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.30 and the average family size was 2.75.

The median age in the city was 44.3 years. 21.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 10.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 19.8% were from 25 to 44; 38.6% were from 45 to 64; and 9.4% were 65 years of age or older. The gender makeup of the city was 52.8% male and 47.2% female.

2000 census
As of the census of 2000, there were 106 people, 46 households, and 31 families residing in the city. The population density was 806.2 PD/sqmi. There were 48 housing units at an average density of 365.1 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the city was 99.06% White, 0.94% from other races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 2.83% of the population.

There were 46 households, out of which 23.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 50.0% were married couples living together, 8.7% had a female householder with no husband present, and 32.6% were non-families. 28.3% of all households were made up of individuals, and 13.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.22 and the average family size was 2.68.

In the city, the population was spread out, with 17.9% under the age of 18, 10.4% from 18 to 24, 25.5% from 25 to 44, 28.3% from 45 to 64, and 17.9% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 44 years. For every 100 females, there were 125.5 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 117.5 males.

The median income for a household in the city was $31,250, and the median income for a family was $38,750. Males had a median income of $41,250 versus $21,250 for females. The per capita income for the city was $14,806. There were 6.1% of families and 9.3% of the population living below the poverty line, including 21.1% of under eighteens and 13.0% of those over 64.

title: Bock, Minnesota


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Bogus Brook Township, Mille Lacs County, Minnesota

Bogus Brook Township is a township in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,421 at the 2010 census.

Bogus Brook Township was named for Bogus Brook creek.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 93.8 km2, of which 92.8 km2 is land and 1.0 km2, or 1.11%, is water.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,038 people, 352 households, and 297 families residing in the township. The population density was 28.7 PD/sqmi. There were 361 housing units at an average density of 10.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 96.44% White, 1.54% African American, 0.48% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.10% from other races, and 0.96% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 1.06% of the population.

There were 352 households, out of which 40.6% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 77.0% were married couples living together, 4.0% had a female householder with no husband present, and 15.6% were non-families. 13.1% of all households were made up of individuals, and 4.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.95 and the average family size was 3.22.

In the township the population was spread out, with 30.8% under the age of 18, 5.9% from 18 to 24, 29.4% from 25 to 44, 22.8% from 45 to 64, and 11.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 99.2 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 105.1 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $40,238, and the median income for a family was $42,039. Males had a median income of $31,125 versus $23,250 for females. The per capita income for the township was $16,604. About 4.2% of families and 6.0% of the population were below the poverty line, including 6.5% of those under age 18 and 7.8% of those age 65 or over.


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Borgholm Township, Mille Lacs County, Minnesota

Borgholm Township is a township in Mille Lacs County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,718 at the 2010 census.

Borgholm Township was named after Borgholm, in Sweden.

Geography
According to the United States Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 35.0 sqmi, all land.

Demographics
As of the census of 2000, there were 1,140 people, 397 households, and 323 families residing in the township. The population density was 32.6 PD/sqmi. There were 418 housing units at an average density of 12.0 /sqmi. The racial makeup of the township was 98.42% White, 0.18% Native American, 0.26% Asian, 0.26% from other races, and 0.88% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 0.18% of the population.

There were 397 households, out of which 40.3% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 69.8% were married couples living together, 6.8% had a female householder with no husband present, and 18.6% were non-families. 15.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 5.0% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 2.87 and the average family size was 3.17.

In the township the population was spread out, with 30.8% under the age of 18, 6.7% from 18 to 24, 30.2% from 25 to 44, 23.2% from 45 to 64, and 9.1% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 36 years. For every 100 females, there were 115.1 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 111.5 males.

The median income for a household in the township was $43,393, and the median income for a family was $49,250. Males had a median income of $35,057 versus $26,125 for females. The per capita income for the township was $15,778. About 8.7% of families and 10.4% of the population were below the poverty line, including 8.0% of those under age 18 and 17.5% of those age 65 or over.