Salem Township est. 1871

W. F. Ransom was the first settler. He located in November, 1869.

C. B. Haskins, located the second claim. J. W. Hubbles, Frank Dunkin and James M. Vigus located the same year.

Edgar Willard Phillips, born in Vermont in 1847, moved to Illinois with his family in 1855. After farming and attending school, he enlisted in the Eleventh Illinois Cavalry in 1864 and served until 1865. Post-war, he returned to farming until 1870, when he traveled to Kansas, playing a key role in organizing Salem Township. A dedicated Republican, Phillips was active in politics, serving as a delegate and township central committee chairman. He was elected as Salem Township's trustee in 1885 and school officer for eleven years. In 1888, he became a state representative, re-nominated in 1890.

A. Dodge, William Davis, Mr. Powers, S. Dunkin, J. A. Nelson and W. W. Hays. moved to what will later become Salem Township.

The town of Waco, in Salem Township, Sedgwick County, Kansas, has a significant history, existing as a town from 1870 to 1905 and continuing as a community today. Despite its decline due to limited access to services and competition with Wichita, Waco's legacy is preserved through photographs, newspapers, and historical accounts. Located near Cow Skin Creek and the Arkansas River, the area is characterized by flat, sandy soil, sparse trees, and historical structures like a general store and mill. The community, although less bustling now, remains home to around 100 residents who maintain a strong connection to their heritage.

In 1865, Mr. Seekamp left his native land to pursue better opportunities in the New World, arriving in New York after a 14-day voyage from Hamburg. Initially working as a farm laborer in Will County, Illinois, he later moved to Wabaunsee County, Kansas. In 1870, he pre-empted a quarter-section of land in Salem Township, where he established his permanent residence.

Virgil Cloud, born in Morgan County, Illinois in 1846, married Mary A. Hays in 1868 and had four children. He moved to Kansas in 1871, initially in Ohio Township, and then to Salem Township. He served as the Township Clerk of Ohio Township and owns land in both Ohio and Salem Townships.

Salem Township was organized in 1871 by S. Dunkin. In The township, enriched by Cowskin Creek and bordered by the Arkansas River, developed rapidly with flouring mills, schoolhouses, and stores. By this time, it was known for its agricultural and livestock contributions. The township was well-watered by the Cowskin Creek and its tributaries, with the Arkansas River forming its eastern boundary. It boasted three flouring mills, four schoolhouses, and two well-stocked stores with a post office at Hays’ mill. This location was also known for its popular camp meeting and picnic grove. Corn, wheat, fruit, and vegetables were the staple products of Salem, and it was likely the leading provider of livestock in the county. The population stood at 604, with a property valuation of $164,107.

Born in 1849 in Ogle County, Illinois, Josiah F. Fager married Antonia Shaw in 1877 and has one child. He relocated to Kansas in 1871, to Ohio Township initially, and then moved to Salem Township in 1878. Fager owns 160 acres in Waco Township, and a part of a grist mill, and served as assistant Postmaster at Haysville for five years.

J. S. Carson, born in 1848 in Reading, Ohio, married twice, first to Ella M. Fink and later to Mary E. Tomlin. He settled in Kansas in 1872 and became Treasurer and School District Director of Salem Township. He resides on his farm in Section 17, P. O. Waco.

C. A. Cartwright, a native of Sangamon County, Illinois, born in 1852, married Ida Robinson in 1876. Moving to Kansas in 1872, he settled on a farm in Section 30, P. O. Haysville, and served a term as Treasurer of Salem Township.

Adam Glaser's journey epitomizes the American dream. Born in Germany in 1830, he immigrated to the U.S. in 1851, starting his new life in Baltimore. With little to his name but a strong work ethic and ambition, Glaser spent 13 years in Pennsylvania. There, he married Elizabeth Zener, a fellow German. The couple, along with their four children, moved to Kansas in 1864, initially residing in Douglas County. By 1871, they relocated to Sedgwick County, pre-empting 80 acres in Salem Township. This move was a strategic use of pre-emption laws, allowing them to secure their land against speculators.

Born in Maryland in 1836, Henry I. F. Grosh married Marion J. Hays in 1867. They have four children. Grosh arrived in Kansas in 1873, initially in Wichita, and moved to his farm in Salem Township in 1878. He served in the First Regiment Maryland Volunteers during the Civil War and is an I.O.O.F member.

A grist mill is built on the bank of the Cowskin to process corn that was harvested in the area. The Cowskin was a source of entertainment for early Haysville residents who would swim in it during the summer, skate on it during the winter and hunt and trap it's banks all year.

First schoolhouse was built on Nelson property south of 71st street.

S. Dunkin, born in Indiana in 1851, married Salome Sence in 1873. Moving to Kansas in 1871, he built a store in 1882 and started merchandising in 1879. He served as the Trustee of Salem Township in 1878 and is the Deputy Postmaster of Haysville. Dunkin is also a member of the I.O.O.F.

J. J. Kleinegger, born in Ohio in 1837, married Angeline Gurno in 1863, with whom he had four children. He moved to Kansas in 1878, settling on a farm in Salem Township, which he owns jointly with Peter Kleinegger. He is a member of the Catholic Church.

William Nevil, born in Edgar County, Illinois in 1841, married Leonah Ripple in 1880. He moved to Kansas in 1881 and is a Civil War veteran. Settling in Section 8, Salem Township, he is known for his active involvement in the Old Settlers' Association.

William Parker, born in Erie County, New York, in 1833, married Eliza Myers in 1856. They have eight children. Parker relocated to Kansas in 1877, settling in Section 33, Salem Township. He has been an active member of the School Board in Salem Township for four years.

Born in Germany in 1827, Matthew Rosswog married Louise Leyotel in 1858 and they have one child, Martha. He relocated to Kansas from Illinois in 1871, initially settling in Section 28, Salem Township. A Civil War veteran, Rosswog is also a member of the Protestant Methodist Church and the I.O.O.F.

J. M. Pegram, born in North Carolina in 1829, married Lydia Stephens in 1851. Moving to Kansas in 1875, he initially settled in Belle Plaine and then in Salem Township in 1882. He owns the Mulvane Mill and is a member of the Society of Friends.

J. L. Wiley, born in 1848 in Vermillion County, Illinois, married Sarah J. Moore in 1867, and they have two children. He moved to Kansas in 1878, settling in Section 4, Salem Township. Wiley is engaged in general farming and owns 160 acres of land.

James E. Watt, born in Canada in 1856, married Addie Lloyd in 1876. After moving to Kansas in 1866, he engaged in various occupations before settling in Salem Township in 1874. Watt is actively involved in the farming community.

Born in Holmes County, Ohio, in 1857, Joseph W. Jolly married Mary S. Sitten in 1882. He moved to Kansas in 1877, and after several relocations, settled in Haysville in 1883, where he continues his blacksmithing business.

William Thomann, born in Switzerland in 1854, married Mary Glaser in 1881. He moved to Kansas in 1869, and after a decade in Douglas County, settled in Salem Township, where he now owns a farm and a part of his late father's estate.

In 1885 Mr. Phillips was elected trustee of Salem township and served in that capacity two years with satisfaction to all concerned and credit to himself.

August 1st – Hays platted the land he owned so a town could be built.

Train depot is opened.

Haysville introduced its first telephone service through the Oatville Rural Telephone Company.

A blacksmith shop opened in Haysville, marking a significant addition to the local economy. This shop survives today and is in active use in the care of Great Plains Blacksmith Association

The "Red brick" schoolhouse was built at 79th & Seneca in Haysville.

Haysville's first water tower was constructed, marking a significant development in the town's infrastructure. Haysvilles Second Water Tower was located just South of Grand on the East side of Turkle.

This sand pit turned swimming hole just North of Haysville at 5800 South Seneca was an area hot spot during the summer months. It was open from sometime in the 1940s to either the late 1970s or early 1980s.

The west wing of Hemphill School was built in Haysville, enhancing educational facilities in the area.

In July 1951, Haysville was officially incorporated, and the east wing of Hemphill School was built. William Wallace Hays was Haysville’s founder.

The establishment of Nelson School marked a significant expansion in Haysville's educational landscape.

The Harold Teachman family relocated to Haysville, bringing together two brothers and eight children who began their education journey starting from Hemphill, then moving on to Rex and Campus High.

Oatville School was constructed in Haysville, further enhancing the town's commitment to education.

The opening of Rex School in Haysville added another vital educational institution to the community.

The founding of Campus High School in Haysville marked a major milestone in the town's educational development. Campus High School opened in the fall of 1960. Its official name at that time was Rural High School District 191. It was formed to serve the elementary schools of Haysville, Oatville, South Riverside and Enterprise. The name "Campus" was chosen by the students who were to attend the new high school.

1962 saw the establishment of Freeman School and Haysville Jr. High, further expanding educational opportunities in Haysville.

In 1990, Haysville, Kansas, experienced a significant historical restoration with the rebuilding of the Ward Blacksmith Shop. This project, run by Great Plains Blacksmith Association supported by state grants, not only provided a permanent base for local artisans but also sparked community growth and learning, transforming the old blacksmith shop into a modern hub for craftsmanship.

On April 26th, 1991, a tornado clipped the west edge of Haysville, impacting the Timberlane addition.

June 8th, 1998, witnessed a deadly explosion at the Debruce grain elevator, located northwest of Haysville.

On May 3rd, 1999, an F4 tornado, with winds between 207 to 260 mph, struck Haysville, causing extensive damage. Originating north of Wellington, it traveled 24 miles, devastating 150 homes and 27 businesses. Six people lost their lives, and damages were estimated at $140 million. The tornado's path was about half a mile wide. Former Haysville Mayor Tim Norton and City Administrator Carol Neugent recall the immediate impact and aftermath, describing the tornado as splitting Haysville in half. The aftermath drew the attention of Vice President Al Gore, who visited on May 5th to survey the damage. Notably, the Haysville blacksmith shop was completely destroyed in the storm.

In 2000, Ruth Clark Elementary School opened its doors, adding to Haysville's educational infrastructure.

Construction began on a railroad overpass in Haysville in 2003, marking a significant infrastructure project.

The Ward Blacksmith Shop in Haysville, having been ravaged by a tornado in 1999, was successfully reconstructed. This restoration, by Great Plains Blacksmith Association, fueled by insurance funds and a steadfast commitment to rebuilding, marked a resurgence of creativity and craftsmanship within the community.

The construction of the Grand Street railroad overpass in Haysville was completed in 2005.

The opening of Prairie Elementary School in 2007 marked another key addition to the educational facilities in Haysville.

In 2007, the Great Plains Blacksmith Association underwent a transformation to better reflect its expanding horizons, rebranding as Central States Metal Artisans (CSMA). This new identity acknowledges the varied interests within its growing membership, encompassing a range of metalworking disciplines such as blacksmithing, silversmithing, foundry work, and machining, thereby offering a diverse array of opportunities for every metal artisan.

On August 13th, 2008, Haysville celebrated the opening of the Haysville West Middle School, expanding the local education system.

In 2009, Haysville saw the opening of a new Library and the inauguration of Karla Street at the railroad overpass, enhancing community infrastructure.

In 2010, Haysville undertook significant municipal improvements by merging the City Hall and the old library building, creating a unified space for new city and police offices. This development was complemented by the installation of a new crosswalk on N Main, further emphasizing the town's dedication to enhancing public services and safety. These upgrades mark a pivotal step in Haysville's commitment to improving infrastructure and accessibility for its residents, demonstrating a forward-thinking approach to community development and safety.

A new Sedgwick County Fire Station was opened on N Main in Haysville in 2014, enhancing public safety services for the community.

In 2014, Haysville welcomed the opening of a new Sedgwick County Fire Station on N Main, significantly bolstering the community's public safety services. This strategic addition to Haysville's infrastructure underscores the commitment to enhancing emergency response capabilities and ensuring the well-being of its residents. The new fire station represents a crucial development in the township's ongoing efforts to provide top-tier public safety services and strengthen community resilience.

In November of 2014, Brandon Trube moved to the LAVERNE ROY Addition in Salem Township from EDGEWOOD in Wichita. Following his father Arthur's passing, Brandon relocated his mother, Irene, from Washington, NJ, to the same area. Later, Brandon's fiancée, LeAnna, joined him on the property in 2021, and they were married in February of 2022, marking a new chapter in their lives in Salem Township.

Salem Township, situated in Sedgwick County, Kansas, actively improved its infrastructure following extensive flood damage to its dirt roads. The township's dedicated road maintenance team worked tirelessly to repair the 60 miles of roads impacted by the flooding, employing cost-effective strategies to expedite the recovery process. With an investment of over $20,000 in June for gravel and rocks—a significant increase from the typical monthly road upkeep budget—officials leveraged unused funds from previous years to cover these costs. This proactive approach underscored Salem Township's commitment to swiftly and efficiently restoring road conditions to ensure the safety and convenience of its residents.

The Haysville City Council recently green-lit the development of a new 3-acre dog park within the Randal L. Dorner Park Complex, enhancing the community's recreational facilities. The park will feature amenities such as a patio area, a shade structure, a drinking fountain for both dogs and their owners, eight benches, and four waste stations, alongside separate enclosures for large and small dogs. Additionally, the complex is set to see the completion of eight soccer fields and the construction of a new access road and parking area. The project, with a budget cap of $205,508, will be funded through street and park sales tax revenue, alongside capital improvement funds, marking a significant investment in the community's outdoor and recreational infrastructure.