Ellison E Williams

The following article is from the Covington Journal, May 26, 1860, pg.2. It is still available on microfiche at the state geneological library.

Ellison Williams

The last Legislature of Kentucky directed that the remains of this old pioner should be taken from Kenton County and deposited in the cemetery at Frankfort. This was done on Monday last. The remains were accompanied by John W. Menzies, Esq. and Preston Davis, a grandson of Mr. Williams.

We are indebted to the Commonwealth for the following sketch of the old pioneer's life.

Ellison Williams was born on the 19th Day of April, 1766, in North Carolina, and was brought to Kentucky by his father in 1775. He was in the fort at Bryant's Station in 1782, when it was besieged by Girty and the Indians. He subsequently hunted with Daniel Boone in many excursions, and was a favorite companion of that distinguished pioneer. In 1785, he cut the first road that was made from the Ohio River, opposite Cincinnati, to Lexington and was frequently the escort and guide of strangers traveling from the former to the latter place. In 1786 he settled on Bank Lick, about eight miles from Covington, on what is now the Bank Lick turnpike road. He and his brother built the first house that was ever put up in Covington, near the mouth of the Licking.

During Wayne's campaign, which was terminated by his celebrated treaty, Mr. Williams had a contract to supply Wayne's army with venison and wild game, which contract he executed to the entire satisfaction of "Mad Anthony."

In 1845 when the State of Kentucky brought back from Missouri the remains of Daniel Boone, Mr. Williams came to Frankfort to take part in the ceremoniesof the re-interment, and was one of the pall-bearers on that occasion. Afterwards, he expressed a strong desire to his friends that his remains should be brought to this place, and buried as near the grave of Daniel Boone as Kentucky would permit. He died on the 11th day of August, 1850, and in 1860 the legislature made an appropriation to defray the expense, and directing that they should be so interred.

Mr. Williams resided sixty-five years in the neighborhood in which he died, and was always regarded as a true man, and one that scorned indirection in his intercourse with his neighbors. He was a good woodsman, a fearless man, and a true friend.