Crystal Township was established in 1857. It was named for the "crystalline purity" of their air.[1] Crystal Township's post office was established in 1868. Early settlers came from Ayrshire, Scotland and focused on raising livestock in this agriculturally-centered town.
The Presbyterian Church of Crystal Township was the first of that denomination in the County, and was organized in 1850. By 1868 Crystal Township had a general store, a shoe shop, a blacksmith, and a schoolhouse.