Jacob and Leonard Fisler, from Switzerland, who purchased land here in 1791, settled Elk Township. Elk Township was originally noted for its lumbering business, but at present is known as a farming community, with some of the finest orchards in the country to be found in the area.
The roads in Elk Township are said to follow the paths of elks, (hence, maybe the name of Elk). No history can be found to authenticate where the name of Elk originated. It was originally called "Shoestring Township" because of its shape which resembles a shoestring, says Mr. Oscar Carr, one of the oldest living residents of the area.

It is believed that the earliest residents in Elk Township settled in the Ewan-Bridgeton Pike area where the oldest homes still standing date to the mid-1700's.  The Township, set aside in April 1891, has a current population of 3,514 (2000 census). It was separated from Franklin, Harrison, Clayton, and Woolwich Townships.  Elk Township comprises several small settlements, namely: Aura, Ferrell, Hardingville, Lake Garrison, Lake Gilman, Lawns, Lakeview Park, Clayton Park, and parts of Ewan & Clayton.  There are also several new areas of development, namely: Still Run, Covey Estates, Hampton Hills, and Meadowbrook.

The official structure of Elk Township consists of a five-member Township Committee. There is a nine-member school board, the controlling force of the Elk Township School system.  Elk Township continues to expand its services to the residents.