John Kimberlin, a Revolutionary War veteran, became the first person to purchase land in what is now Scott County when he bought Tract 264 in 1804 from land granted to soldiers of George Rogers Clark. In 1805, his family settled in a well-built cabin northwest of here, cleared land, built fences, and farmed, and he and his wife were later buried in the cemetery southwest of here. After the Pigeon Roost massacre in September 1812, his cabin was converted into a fortified blockhouse that sheltered area settlers. Nearly 600 mounted volunteers from Kentucky and Indiana Territory came to protect the area, encamped on his land, and used his supplies. He petitioned the U.S. Congress in 1832 for payment and received $150 in 1834.