Administration & Government

Bethel Township Structure

The Congressional acts establishing land grants resulted in land be surveyed and divided into townships of predetermined shape and size. In Ohio, Townships of six square miles were established.

As the Ohio Territory grew in population it made sense to utilize the surveyed townships as a basic unit of government. As a result Township governments became responsible for maintaining roads, preserving the peace, registering brands, caring for the poor and generally fulfilling the duties of the local government. In 1804, township government was made up of three trustees, a clerk, two overseers of the poor, supervisors of highway, justices of the peace and constables. In later years, a township treasurer and assessor were added. In 1807, Bethel Township, Miami County was officially established on land in what is now the extreme south eastern corner of Miami County, Ohio.

Today the Township is a political subdivision of the State of Ohio and holds the powers permitted to it by the legislature of the State of Ohio.