James Kilbourne (1770-1850) - Find a Grave Memorial

US Congressman. This Episcopalian minister with an adventuresome spirit played a key role in the development of the Northwest Territory in the early 1800s. Born in New Britain, Connecticut, he moved west at around the age of thirty to help find land for a trading company he helped establish. While in the Northwest Territory he reportedly completed the first map of Ohio and found desirable land for his business venture but did not purchase it right away fearing that Ohio could become a "slave state". However, in 1803 when the new state's constitution was ratified, outlawing slavery, he immediately bought land and founded Worthington, Ohio, which today is a vibrant city located near Columbus. Known for his surveying skills, the United States government appointed him as a public land surveyor where among other duties he was commissioned by President Madison to help negotiate a suitable border between Ohio and the Virginia Military District. He served briefly as a colonel for an Ohio frontier regiment during the War of 1812 before being elected to two terms of Congress, serving from 1813 to 1817. After his service in Washington, Kilbourne returned to Ohio where he served four terms in the Ohio house of representatives. This frontier entrepreneur also served as a college president and in addition to Worthington is credited with the establishment of the Ohio cities of Bucyrus, Norton, Lockbourne and Sandusky.

Bio by: Bigwoo