Several of the earliest settlers of Seward Township were buried in the Franklin Cemetery. As judged by an account in the Combination Atlas Map of Kosciusko County, 1879, these included:

Girdon Hurlbut who settled with three sons in 1837.

The first white child born in the township, Rhoda L., daughter of C.B. & Gratia Hurlbut, was likely his grandchild.

Milo R. Barbour (Barber) who settled in 1838 and presented the petition signed by 220 citizens for creation of the township in 1859. The township was taken from the east side of Franklin Township. He was appointed the first trustee.

John and Robert Robinson who settled in 1838. The first religious meeting - Presbyterian - is said to have been held in the cabin of John Robinson.

Others who were among the first settlers were: John and Mark Smith, Wm. Anderson and Nathaniel Paxton.

No marker exists for James Garvin who operated the first blacksmith shop, planted the first orchard and was sent to the State Legislature with a petition for the first road - north and south through the center of the township.

There are no Franklins among the 120 plus folks buried here. But some of the earlier graves belong to: Rhoda Linn 1841 (Altho tombstone says 1849); Samuel A. Robinson 1843; Jonathan Smith 1846; Thomas Hundson 1847; and William D. Robinson 1847.

Among the Civil War vets buried here are included John K. Bucher of Co. C, 16th Ohio and Sylvester Barber, Regiment unknown.