In 1772-73 missionary David Jones visited Blue Jacket's Town, a settlement of 12 cabins downstream on the east bank, and Pickaweekee, a Shawnee town on the west bank. After 1798, Deercreek Methodist Circuit Deacon Dr. Edward Tiffin met settlers here; he was later elected Ohio's first governor. Around 1797, a station of Virginia bounty-land settlers called “Williams Town” assembled here. Mill sites established before Pickaway County flourished in Deercreek Township's dense oak forest, and Williamsport's frontier hotels prospered because of its “healthful” sulphur springs. Development followed rapidly: the first Deercreek Township school was built in 1803, the Christian Church in 1810, Baker Mill in 1812, Yates Mill in 1813, a post office in 1816, and the Deercreek Methodist Circuit Class was organized in 1826. Williamsport incorporated in 1842, established a separate village school system in 1874, operated a high school from 1891-1964, published a weekly newspaper from 1889-1979, and from 1903-1929 sent theatrical companies featuring "Uncle Tom's Cabin" on tour.