Garfield township was organized in January 1882.

There are seven school buildings in the township and two churches, Methodist Episcopal and Evangelical Alliance. The dam and power-house of the Boardman River Electric Light and Power Company are located on the Boardman river in this township. It is an excellent township of farming and fruit lands. The celebrated fruit farm of the late Judge Ramsdell, and the market garden of the late James K. Gunton are located in this township, at well as many others.

From Sprague's History of Grand Traverse and Leelanaw Counties Michigan Edited and compiled by Elvin L. Sprague, Esq. And Mrs. George N. Smith. Published 1903 by B. F. Bowen