The area within the modern borders of Harrison Township was first settled in 1810, but it was abandoned after Native American attacks; no settlers returned until after the end of the War of 1812.[5]: 557 American soldiers built two forts in 1813 for that war within the bounds of the present township: Fort Black, near Main Street in present-day New Madison,[5]: 556 and Fort Nesbitt, in Section 32.[5]: 557 After the war's end, some settlers returned to the area, along with many former residents of Kentucky.[5]: 558 Growth in population enabled Harrison Township to be formed by splitting Twin Township in May 1818;[5]: 556 its initial area was reduced by the formation of German Township in 1820.[5]: 552 The first school was established in the township in 1819, while the township's first church was a Church of Christ.[5]: 558
Government
The township is governed by a three-member board of trustees, who are elected in November of odd-numbered years to a four-year term beginning on the following January 1. Two are elected in the year after the presidential election and one is elected in the year before it. There is also an elected township fiscal officer,[6] who serves a four-year term beginning on April 1 of the year after the election, which is held in November of the year before the presidential election. Vacancies in the fiscal officership or on the board of trustees are filled by the remaining trustees.
