From History of Madison County, W. H. Beers & Co, Chicago, 1883
In 1836-37 was constructed, by the General Government of the United States, one of the greatest improvements of that day and age—the National road. This road passed through the southern portion of Somerford Township, from east to west, and here, as in Deer Creek Township and elsewhere all along its line, from the immense travel and business over it, sprang up almost innumerable hotels or places of public entertainment. There was prior to the commencement of this road, no town or village within the territory now embraced in Somerford Township. In 1836, Joseph Chrisman surveyed and laid off some lots and started a town, which was named Somerford. Mr. Chrisman kept the first tavern, and also opened the first store. The first Postmaster was William Eaton. Mr. Weeds was the first toll-gate keeper, just below Somerford, and then Mr. Smith, at Somerford, received the office. The first physicians were Drs. Putnam and Crann. The town is now a pretty country village, with the following business places: W. L. Clingan, dealer in dry goods: M. V. Fauver, groceries; J. A. Evans, groceries; Henry Bunton, blacksmith; John Neer, blacksmith; W. M. Evans, hotel; E. G. Keiffer, physician; and M. L. Sprague, physician. It has two churches, one schoolhouse, brick, with two rooms or apartments, and a brick town hall, erected in 1877 at a cost of $2,600. About five miles north of Somerford is located a small hamlet known as Tradersville. This contains about half a dozen houses, with one small store and one church. These comprise the towns of Somerford Township.