Clarkson was platted in February 1816 by Robert Hanna, who moved there in a conestoga wagon with his wife.[2][3] It was surveyed by William Heald. Hanna built and resided in a log tavern at the intersection of two roads. This building was later known as the Edward McGinnis tavern.[4][5][6]
In 1817, James Monroe, while President of the United States, visited his cousin, Catherine Hanna, in Clarkson.[6] A post office was established in Clarkson in 1833 and remained until 1935.[7] By 1879, Clarkson had two churches, three stores, and about 30 houses.[3]
An early settler and businessman was Milo Warrick who, in 1840, was a cabinet maker and undertaker in Clarkson. His son, Clement Vlandingham Warrick, opened a general store in Clarkson in 1885. He established the first Standard Oil dealership in Ohio, holding vendor's license Number 1.[4][8][9]
Bank robber Pretty Boy Floyd was shot and killed by FBI agents in a corn field near Clarkson in 1934.[10][11]
Gaston's Mill, named for Clarkson resident Philander Gaston, lies within Beaver Creek State Park. The mill was built in 1837 and has been restored.[12]
