Keener Township is one of thirteen townships in Jasper County, Indiana, United States. As of the 2020 census, its population was 10,625 (up from 10,110 at 2010) and it contained 4,176 housing units.

History

Keener Township was established in 1858 and probably named after Jacob Keener, who settled in South Bend in 1855. A cabinet maker, stockholder of the Union Cabinet company as well as a politician, policeman, and saloon owner in South Bend, Jacob also established the Apollo - the "first German garden and place of amusement" in South Bend and a "favorite resort for politicians of both parties." The first German theater and masquerades in South Bend were held there.

Geography

According to the 2010 census, the township has a total area of 48.26 square miles (125.0 km), of which 48.11 square miles (124.6 km) (or 99.69%) is land and 0.15 square miles (0.39 km) (or 0.31%) is water.

Cities and towns

• De Motte
• Roselawn (east quarter)

Unincorporated towns

• Deer Park
• Forest City

Adjacent townships

• Boone Township, Porter County (northeast)
• Walker Township (east)
• Wheatfield Township (east)
• Union Township (south)
• Lincoln Township, Newton County (southwest)
• Eagle Creek Township, Lake County (northwest)

Cemeteries

The township contains three cemeteries: Cemetery of the Resurrection, DeMotte Cemetery, and First Church Cemetery (informally known as Holland Cemetery).

Major highways

• Interstate 65
• U.S. Route 231
• Indiana State Road 10
• Indiana State Road 110

Airports and landing strips

• DeMotte Airport

Education

Keener Township residents are eligible to obtain a free library card from the Jasper County Public Library.