1875 Directory of
TWIN TOWNSHIP
(Transcribed by Sharon Wick)
Page 146

< CLICK HERE to GO to TABLE of CONTENTS >

TWIN TOWNSHIP

     This township is also 6 miles square, and derives its name from the creek which runs through it from north to south.  It is impossible to state when it was organized, for it seems that before the county was established, the third range was called Twin township.  Therefore, it appears that after the organization of the county, the other townships, Gratis, Lanier and Harrison, were dissevered from Twin, leaving it the oldest by name of any in the county.
     The lands in this township are well adapted to agricultural pursuits, and the principal crops are corn, wheat and barley.  Twin creek is skirted by fine bottom lands, and the uplands are uniformly productive of all kinds of cereals, grass and other products.  The population are a vigorous and an industrious class of people, and perhaps freer from religious intolerance than any other township in the county.  They are a whole-souled and well meaning set of people, and perhaps maintain the original type of their pioneer ancestors with more vigor than any other locality.  The first brick house erected in the county was that of James I. Nisbet, which is still standing in New Lexington, and was built by Maj. Robinson, who laid the first brick in the county.  The church and educational facilities in the township are commendable, and the milling advantages afforded by Twin creek are equal with any in the county.
     The principal towns of this township, are West Alexandria and New Lexington; the latter of which is one of the oldest towns in the county, and was laid out by Jas. I. Nisbet, and originally (through its proprietor,) contended sharply for the county seat; and the former was laid out by William Alexander, who at an early day kept a tavern there, and named the place West Alexandria.  Among the earlier settlers of the township, were the Nisbets, Robertsons, Pickles, Oziases, Rakeses, and Van Winkles.