History

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Founded in March 1812, Stonelick Township was formed from parts of Miami and Williamsburg Townships. The township takes its name from Stonelick Creek, which winds through the heart of the community.

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The first recorded attempt at settlement occurred in 1792, about a mile upstream from the mouth of Stonelick Creek. However, due to ongoing conflicts with Native American tribes, settlers abandoned the effort. It wasn’t until 1798 that permanent settlement took hold when Henry Allison, brother of Dr. Richard Allison, built a cabin on the original site. He cleared the land and established the township’s first lasting homestead. In 1799, Dr. Allison constructed a two-story house nearby, which stood until 1862.

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In addition to his home, Dr. Allison built a gristmill, which played a key role in supporting the local economy. The mill was later operated by Sam Perin, a prominent early settler. Dr. Allison eventually moved to Cincinnati in 1810, where he became recognized as the first physician associated with Stonelick Township.

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Throughout the early 19th century, Stonelick became home to families from Germany, France, Scotland, Ireland, England, and the eastern seaboard of the U.S., all seeking land, opportunity, and freedom. Early settlers included the Balzhisers from Kentucky, Joseph Prickett in the township’s northern region, and the Long and Leming families from Pennsylvania.

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One of the township’s most notable families, the Pattisons, purchased land near Boston (now Owensville) in 1804. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, the Pattisons settled in Pennsylvania, migrated to Kentucky, and ultimately made Stonelick their home. Among their descendants was John M. Pattison—a lawyer, business founder, and Ohio’s only governor from Clermont County. Tragically, Governor Pattison passed away just months after taking office.

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Between 1808 and 1840, Stonelick Township became a hub for manufacturing, with whiskey distilleries and flour mills thriving thanks to the water power supplied by Stonelick Creek. These industries also fueled the demand for wooden barrels, leading to the growth of cooperages throughout the township’s small communities.

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Today, Stonelick Township honors its rich history while continuing to grow as a vibrant community rooted in resilience and tradition.