Two pioneers in Nixon Township who left lasting footprints were Cicero Twist, blacksmith and medicine man, and his father-in-law Evan Barrickman. They both have descendants living in DeWitt County today.
Building his initial cabin on the northern side of Salt Creek, Elisha Butler went on to develop land in the area that would later be known as DeWitt County. Along with several business partners, Butler purchased government land, made enhancements, and then sold the land to settlers. Some of the well-known homesteads in DeWitt County were originally owned by Butler.
