James Kilbourne (October 19, 1770 – April 9, 1850) was an American surveyor, politician, Episcopalian clergyman, and Ohio pioneer. He was the founder of Worthington, Ohio, and served two terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Ohio's 5th congressional district from 1813 to 1817. He also served two terms in the Ohio House of Representatives, and served as a colonel in the Ohio militia during the War of 1812.
His son, Byron Kilbourn, was one of the founders of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and an important figure in the early history of Wisconsin.
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Early life and career
Kilbourne was born in New Britain in the Connecticut Colony, and moved his family to Ohio in 1803, when he founded the city of Worthington, Ohio. His ancestors came to the Americas from Yorkshire, England. In 1804 a group he led founded St. John's Episcopal Church in Worthington, Ohio.
In 1805 he was appointed United States surveyor of public lands. During the War of 1812, Kilbourne served as colonel of a frontier regiment.
In 1991, Worthington Kilbourne High School and Kilbourne Middle School, named after James Kilbourne, opened in the Worthington City School District.