This township was included in Pitt from 1788 to 1796, in Deer from 1796 to 1805, in Indiana from 1805 to 1836, in East Deer from 1836 lo 1875. It has experienced a greater number of changes than any other subdivision of the county. The erection of Springdale precinct into a township was favorably considered by commissioners to whom a petition for such action was referred at the December sessions, 1870, but the project failed to receive popular sanction at the following election. Four years later the agitation was resumed. The village of Springdale had meanwhile increased in population, and the assessed valuation of the precinct was nearly half a million dollars, more than that of the remaining portion of East Deer township, although the area was much smaller. The advantages of separate municipal organization had also become more apparent. J. B. Stilley, William F. Evans and Joseph Miller were appointed commissioners at the June sessions, 1875, to consider a petition for the division of East Deer, and they reported in favor of the proposed change. The result of the previous election was reversed, and the division received final confirmation at the following term of court.

The village of Springdale is situated at a great bend of the Allegheny river, sixteen and one-half miles from Allegheny City, by the Western Pennsylvania railroad. The site was originally patented by Edmund J. Hollingshead of Philadelphia. In 1820 John Keen purchased from Mr. Hollingshead a tract of three hundred and seventy acres. The village of Springdale is now on this tract. It was named Springdale Farm, about 1825, by Sarah A. Keen, a daughter of the owner. She selected this name because of the existence of several excellent springs on the farm.

The Pennsylvania canal was completed in 1832. Prior to its completion Gen. Abner Lacock, chief engineer of the western division, had his office here. This conferred a temporary activity upon this neighborhood, after which it relapsed into the usual quiet which pervades a rural community, and for many years there was no disturbing element.

In 1874 the proprietors of Franklin Glue-works removed their plant from Butcher run, Allegheny City, to Bouquet station, a short distance above Springdale, the alleged offensive odor produced by this manufacture having prompted the city authorities to compel their removal. In February, 1884, the No. 2 works at Springdale were placed in operation. This is the only glue-factory within a radius of six hundred miles. It was originally established by E. Hoeveler & Co., to whom the W. A. Hoeveler company, limited, succeeded; this name is still retained, although the Hoevelers are no longer interested in the business. The officers of the company are S. H. Keller, chairman; L. C. Haughey, general manager; S. McMann, treasurer. The general office is at Pine street, Allegheny; 110 operators are employed.

The town received quite an impetus from the location of this enterprise in its midst, and has improved rapidly. There is now a population of five to six hundred. The local business interests are prosperous, and property is appreciating in value. The public-school building is a handsome and commodious structure. The Methodist church, a substantial brick building, was erected in 1881; the Roman Catholic, in 1887. The United Presbyterian Church was organized in November, 1873, and received Rev. W. G. Reed as first pastor. Rev. J. Welfby is pastor of St. Mark’s Lutheran Church. There is also a Methodist Protestant organization.

Acmetonia (Cheswick), a town of recent origin, is finely situated on the line of Harmar and Springdale townships, principally within the latter. The Acme Tanning company, C. Mardorf, president; S. J. Mack, vice-president; W. H. Walter, secretary; J. G. Brant, treasurer, established an extensive factory here several years since for the manufacture of leather by an improved process. The works, a three-story brick building, two hundred and fifty feet long and eighty feet wide, were destroyed by fire November 27, 1887, involving a loss of about ninety thousand dollars. The work of rebuilding was at once begun, and work has been resumed. The works of H. G. Hugus, manufacturer of patent steel hollow-ware, were placed in operation in 1887. This is another of the specialties for which the line of the Western Pennsylvania road has become noticeable.

The postoffice was established in 1880 as Armstrong, and changed to Acmetonia in 1887.

Springdale Presbyterian Church, near the village, was organized April 24, 1873, with eleven members. The church-edifice was dedicated March 1, 1874. Pastors: Revs. Aaron Williams, D. D., 1874-78; George Scott (S. S.), 1878-79; G. M. Potter, 1885-86; D. V. Mays, 1887- This church is the successor of the old Deer Creek Church, of which Rev. Abraham Boyd was pastor for many years.

The Springdale Record was established in September, 1887, by W. S. Hosick. It is a well-conducted seven-column weekly. Republican in politics.