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. 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.