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Valentine Wilson House

Ohio, US

Valentine Wilson House

The Valentine Wilson House was a historic residence in Madison County, Ohio, United States. Located off Interstate 70 about 1 mile (1.6 km) north of Summerford, it was the home of pioneer Valentine Wilson. Born in Harpers Ferry, Virginia in 1785, he moved with his family to Kentucky in 1790 and to O

hio in 1802; they settled in Greene County, where he married the former Eleanor Judy in 1806. In 1816, the Wilson family moved to Madison County and purchased land along the trail that later became the National Road; here, Valentine quickly became a prosperous farmer. Besides tilling the soil, he engaged in industry, establishing the county's first brickyard. His excellent presence of mind and understanding of other men's intentions enabled him to build and preserve his wealth: upon one occasion, he was accosted by highwaymen while carrying $7,000 on his person, but he kept his money by calmly telling the robbers only of the small coin that he carried in his pocket. By the time of his death, he had expanded his farm from its original 160 acres (65 ha) to about 7,000 acres (2,800 ha), and his personal property was worth another $60,000, including 1,000 sheep and cattle. He was by far...

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