From Trygg Historical Maps, Trygg Land Office, Ely, MN www.trygglandoffice.com/maps.html b=bottom land, m=marsh, p=prairie, s=swamp

Basic Facts: Township 135N, Range 41W Government survey 18?? First Settled 18?? Organized Jan 18, 1880

History

[Copied by Lory Brasel, lbrasel@leagent.net, from the book "History of Otter Tail County" Volume I - 1916 by John W. Mason]

The township of Star Iake was organized by the commissioners on January 18, 1880, in response to a petition signed by twenty-five legal voters living in township 135, range 41. Its name and territorial limits have never been changed since its organization. The first election for township officers was held on the 24th of January at the house of Minder Born. The petition, bearing the signatures of the twenty-five legal voters, was dated June 2, 1879. Their names follow: Sylas Mansfield, Newton Jenne, Dayton W. Jenne, August Bon, Jasper Jones, Leemon Loop, H. C. Jenne, Niel A. Perry, Charle,s C. Perry, Mahlon M. Morris, Leonard Jenne, William Doyle, Morris Fullberton, Herman Biersdorff, Asa Phelps, Frederik Vogel, Montgomery Berfield, T. W. Aldrich, C. W. Jenne, R. S. Miles, B. F. Berry, C. Farrand, D. Barly, F. Hodge, Jefferson Durman, D. Corey, William Dalton, Jacob Ott and M. A. Boen.

The township was named from the lake which in shape bears a striking resemblance to a star fish. This lake is spread out over the northeastern portion of the township and touches fourteen sections. Dead lake is partly in the township and it covers two more sections of land. A dozen or more smaller lakes are to be found scattered over the township, so that, in all, over one-third of the land is covered by water. Notwithstanding the large water area there is considerable valuable farming land in the township. The surface of the township is decidedly rugged, with sharp hills and deep valleys in many parts.

There has never been a platted village in the township and only one store. At this one store was maintained a postoffice for many years which went by the name of Star Lake. It was located in the northern part of section 34.