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Only the initials of the other, B.H., are given at the end of the article, and referenced in the story. But the author was undoubtedly, Bela Herrick, a Patriot resident who came to the area from New York in 1818. He married Alice Wade the daughter of Elisha Wade, who is mentioned in the story.

Vevay Reveille, Thursday, Saturday March 6, 1875
Patriot and Posey Township,
REMINISCENCES OF EARLY TIMES

Of the geographical situation Posey Township it is unnecessary to speak. I will therefore only say that of good bottom land it contains about 270 acres, lying on the Ohio river between the mouths of Bryant’s and Grant’s creeks, a distance of about fifteen miles. . . Those lands, Egypt bottom below Patriot and Mexico bottom above, were, I believe, originally owned by Oliver Ormsby, of Pittsburg, Pa., Gen. James Taylor, of Covington, Ky., Patrick Donahue, Charles Campbell, and Zela Moss, all of whom have long since passed away.

The first settlers, or rather the first squatters in the township, were some half dozen families from Kentucky, refugees from justice, who had squat ted along the river on Congress land, and were called “Congress paupers.” They subsisted chiefly by hunting, fishing, drinking whiskey and fighting and prior to 1811, by way of diversion, they were not infrequently compelled to jump into their canoes and paddle for the other side or the river to avoid having to Entertain their more enlightened neighbor, the red man.

About the year 1812, families from civilized districts began to settle in the township, among them Elisha Wade from Ohio, who entered upon, and received a patent for fractional section 13 on which the town of Patriot now stands. Before, and for some time after this, those who would enjoy the luxury of a “dodger” had to take their corn ten miles back into Kentucky on horseback, or in canoes to Lawrenceburg to be ground, until necessity, “the mother of invention,” called upon Elisha Wade to try his hand at building a mill, which he did and succeeded; he first made a hand mill then a horse mill, and finally a water mill, making every part of the machinery himself even to the millstones. They seemed to answer every purpose then, but could hardly compete with Mr. Pate’s mill of today.

In 1820, Elisha Wade and James Herrick laid out and platted the town, then called Troy, now Patriot. At that time there was not a wheeled carriage in the township, and those who raised anything to sell, hauled it to the river on sleds, and shipped it to Cincinnati on canoes.

There being no party division after the death of the Federal party from the effects of its opposition to the war of 1812, two new parties sprang into life in Posey township, called “Hog thief” and ‘‘Civilization.’’ Party spirit ran up as ardent spirits ran down, and compliments between individuals were considered cheap even at the ‘expense of a broken head. At the first election for Justice of the Peace, time Hog thief party elected their candidate by one majority. But was their last victory, and they retreated back to the wilderness.

We had no piano pounders in that day, but our pioneer women could pound hominy, and if necessary could use the beetle upon man or beast— A couple of young women, “young ladies” they would now be called, Miss Oxhey and Miss Scott, who lived on the other side of the river and nearly opposite this place, were in the habit of crossing the river in a canoe, and sometimes in summer, without a canoe or float of any kind. Upon on one occasion while paddling about as usual, they saw a bear crossing the river between Big Bonebar and the mouth of Steele’s creek, and without a thought of fear immediately gave chase; overtaking Sir Bruin in the water they attacked him with their paddles, and actually succeeded in killing and bringing him to land. The act was not considered one of very extraordinary daring at tile time, but now it would seem incredible to some. Yet any old hunter will tell you that a slight blow on the end of a bear’s nose will render him “hors de combat” for a time. But what young lady of the present day would like to take the risk of giving the blow and consider it rare sport?

Doubtless many of your readers remember when the laws of Indiana compelled all able-bodied men to meet at stated times to perfect themselves ill the knowledge of military affairs, in case of another brush with Johny Bull “or any other man.” Of course Posey was loyal to the core, and to have witnessed a display by our “corn-stock brigade” one would have been easily convinced that Scott knew nothing of tactics, nor Napoleon of discipline. During the contest for the Presidency between Jackson, Adams, Clay and Crawford, we met near the residence of Wm. McNutt, some three miles from Patriot for regimental drill, and when the regiment was formed in line the first order from the colonel, who was a strong Jackson man, was that Capt. Wiles should march forward and all who favored the election of the hero of New Orleans should follow him ; and under the pressure of military enthusiasm, and never having heard of Adams, Clay or Crawford, the whole regiment with the exception of the “Gander Company,” broke the ranks and followed Capt. Wiles. Seeing the “Ganders” remain in their places. a motion was made by some one to drive all off the ground those who did not go for Jackson; The Colonel managed to keep them from blows, but it broke up the regiment. I was a non-commissioned officer in the “Gander Company,” and still have the certificate of appointment I received from my Captain.

Here it is:
“I harby a pint B H. orderly sargant of the B rigamint and order all my company to oner and obay him as such.
Captain

He was Justice of the Peace and used to committing matrimony, which probably accounts for the “honor and obey.” [B.H. in the Rising Sun Recorder]