Benjamin Butler

Founder of Mount Vernon, Ohio

Benjamin came from Virginia to Mt. Vernon in 1801 [NB: According to Norton (see above) his first trip into what is now Knox County was Sep 1801. He actually moved to the area in 1805, which I believe is probably more accurate]. He was the first white man to use the axe to clear the ground where stands the city of Mt. Vernon. He built the first cabin, and in a few years he enlarged it, giving it the name Travellers' Inn. He continued this business for a long time and was keeping this house at the time of the location of the county seat. B. Butler was previously appointed by the people of Mt. Vernon, to go in advance of the commissioners to Clinton. After they had visited Mt. Vernon they started for Clinton. When they arrived there the people rushed out of the tavern, stores and other places, and commenced drinking, fighting and committing all sorts of depredations. The commissioners seeing this, would not dismount and so they started for the spot when Fredericktown now stands. Previous arrangements being made the same sort of drunkenness and fighting took place here as did at Clinton. But the commissioners dismounted here to look around and investigate the location. Here Mr. Butler wished to leave them, but they would not submit to this. He remained with them, but they insisted on going home with him to Mt. Vernon, for they said they were pleased with his hospitality. This they did and remained that night. The papers were made out and Mt. Vernon was chosen the county seat.

Benjamin built the first cabin in what is now Mount Vernon. At first he and his family lived there, then in a few years, he enlarged it, giving it the name Travellers Inn. It became the first hotel in Mount Vernon. A hewed-log and shingle-roofed building stood on the northeast corner of Wood and Main streets; it was the first tavern, and was kept by Benjamin Butler.

Benjamin served on the very first Grand Jury impanelled in Knox County on 02 May 1808. They heard several cases, turning one of them (State of Ohio vs William Hedrick, indicted for stealing several different items, convicted, fined, and sentenced to 40 lashes and jail terms) over for trial. Mr Hedrick was summarily lashed in the public square at the conclusion of the trial. This was the first and last public whipping in Knox County.

http://wc.rootsweb.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/igm.cgi?op=GET&db=knoxcooh&...