A Bit of History. Cincinnati, or Losanteville as the place was first named (l'os-ante-ville, the town opposite the mouth), was settled in the latter part of 1788 or beginning of 1789 by a party under Israel Ludlow. The ground on which the city stands was purchased by Matthias Denman, who associated with himself Robert Patterson and John Filson. The latter was killed by Indians on a visit to the site of the proposed settlement, and Ludlow took his place in the enterprise. The date of the settlement is involved in doubt; although Dec. 28, 1788, is generally celebrated as the birthday of the town.