Revolutionary War Soldiers Series: Remembering John Gossett
Editor's note: Next year, the United States of America will celebrate its semiquincentennial, its 250th anniversary. The semiquincentennial marks the first nationwide celebration of America's birth since the bicentennial in 1976. Of course, America's independence cannot be celebrated without also honoring the efforts of the Revolutionary War soldiers that led to independence. The Waw-wil-a-way Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with the Southern Ohio Genealogical Society, will be presenting a series of articles featuring Revolutionary War soldiers who lived and died within the borders of Highland County.
By Betty F. Crum and Pat Young
Waw-wil-a-way Chapter Daughters
of the American Revolution, 250 Project
John Gossett was born in Chester County, Pa. around 1758-60. He was the son of Matthias and Mary Littler Gossett.
The Pennsylvania Archives Vol. 5, Page 486 is the evidence used to show that he served in the Chester County Militia during the time of the Revolutionary War as a private under Captain Robert Lockhart and Col. John Garman.
Following his service, he married Honour (Hull?), in 1790 in Washington County, Pa.
Within the next six years, he had traveled down the Ohio River and settled in Bourbon County, Ky. It is strongly believed that he once owned the land where the Duncan Tavern now stands in Paris, Ky.
Sons Amariah, John and Moses were born during this time followed by daughter, Rachel, then Lindsey, Abijah, Prestley, Laviniah and Miles Wilson. (Wills, Admin., Guardships and Adoptions of Highland County, Ohio, 1805-80, McBrides, D.N. and J.N., Page 6.)
In 1796, he sold property in Bourbon County and moved his young family to Chillicothe, Ohio, staying there for only two years, before settling in the New Market area of Highland County by 1799. There he operated a mill and owned a farm.
Records show that John Gossett was a quiet, modest man and a worthy unassuming farmer. He was a man of energy, endurance courage and cheerfulness.
In 1806, John Gossett was named as a subscriber paying $40 for 10 years to establish the “seat of justice for Highland County permanently in the town of New Market.” (Records of the Recorders’ Office, 1805-50, McBride, D.N. and J.N., Page 107.)
He served as the second rRepresentative from Highland County to the new state Legislature in Ohio from 1809-10.
He died Dec. 28, 1823 and is buried in Sanders Cemetery. There are many Gossett descendants living in Highland County today.