The date was April 6, 1897. The town of Herman was composed of Township 50, Range 15, and Township 50, Range 16. Twenty-eight men signed a petition for the formation of Solway Township. These men were petitioning the court to have the town of Herman divided so that Township 50, Range 16 would become its own township citing the reasons that, "The lack of roads and other facilities for traveling made it almost impossible to attend town meetings and take part in the administration of affairs concerning them."