Onstot, a native of Kentucky, was the community cooper. He built his first home and shop in the eastern portion of the town upon his arrival at New Salem about 1830. From 1833 to 1835 the Onstots lived at the tavern, which they operated after the Rutledges moved to Sandridge. Onstot built a home on the village's west end in 1835. He lived there until 1840, when he moved to Petersburg and re-erected his home and cooper shop on Main Street.