Among the settlers of 1827, was THOS. GROCE, who came from Tennessee to this township, and a year later settled on section 18, where the town of Wilmington is now located. He erected the first house in that village. He was born in Surry county, N.C., in Nov. 1796, being a son of Peter Groce. When quite young he removed with his parents to Tennessee, where he was married to Nancy Cunningham in 1818, coming to this county in 1827, as above. Mr. and Mrs. Groce were the parents of eight children, some of whom are still residents of this township. Mr. Groce's death occurred in 1873, and his wife survived him until 1875. They are both buried in Missouri.