James Ward, born in Virginia in 1758, came to Kentucky in 1779 after service as a private in Virginia regiments during the War of the Revolution in 1775-76 and 1778. In 1780 he joined the Clark expedition against Indians at Chillicothe and Piqua, Ohio, and in 1782 fought in the battles of Bryan Station and Blue Licks. He settled on Rockcastle Creek, three miles south of here, where he lived 50 years and died in 1848. William B. Ward, a descendant of James Ward, lived from 1877 to 1952 and was buried in Saltwell Cemetery. Known as an educator, author, and leader in education for 50 years, he served as principal in schools of eastern and northern Kentucky and headed the Old Sandy Valley Seminary at Paintsville. He also wrote Outline of U.S. History and published The Mountain Journal and The New Day.