From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 608.
Submitted by: Jeanie

James H. Welsh. M. D., is a native of Butler County, Ohio, born Feb. 23, 1838, a son of Joseph and Mary (Allen) Welsh. His parents were natives of Franklin County, Pa., and removed in an early day to Ohio. They subsequently moved to Franklin County, Ind., where the mother died. The father afterward married again and moved to Union County, Ind. In 1881 his wife died, and in 1882 he married his third wife. He came to Henry County in 1882, and is now living in Liberty Township. Of a family of six children, but three are living. James H. was reared on a farm, but was given a good education, and when nineteen years of age began teaching school. He taught nineteen months, and in the spring of 1862 began the study of medicine in the office of his uncle, Dr. J. B. Welsh, of Eastern Ohio. In the fall of 1863 he entered Ohio Medical College, Cincinnati, and took one course of lectures. The next summer he practiced with Dr. Gilchrist, of Riley, Ohio, and the following fall returned to the college and took his second course, and graduated in March, 1865. He then went to Columbus, Ohio, and applied for a position in the army. He acted as Assistant Surgeon at Camp Chase, and was afterward appointed Assistant Surgeon of the One Hundred and Eighty-fifth Ohio Infantry. He remained with the regiment till mustered out in October, 1865, and then came to Henry County, Ind., and located in Middletown, where he has built up a large practice. In 1882 he took a practitioner's course at Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill. The Doctor is a hard student, and is therefore a successful physician, standing at the head of the profession. As a counseling physician in extreme cases his services are frequently sought, his opinion being regarded with favor by his brother practitioners. Dr. Welch was married in March, 1871, to Anna Dipboye, daughter of Joseph and Lucinda Dipboye. She is a lady of culture, and a member of one of the first families of the county. Dr. Welsh is a Director of the Farmers' Bank of Middletown. He has been a useful and influential man in his township, serving as School Trustee and Trustee of the Corporation in an able and satisfactory manner. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity and the Grand Army of the Republic, and is at present Master of Middletown Lodge. No. 271.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 608 and 609.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Jacob Whisler, a native of Rockbridge County, Va., came to Indiana, in 1835, settling near Germantown, Wayne County. In December, 1836, he removed to Henry County, purchasing 185 acres in Fall Creek Township for $1,000, and later purchased an additional forty acres, where he followed agricultural pursuits the rest of his life. Aug. 25, 1831, he was married to Lucinda, daughter of Henry and Charlotte (Bennett) Mallory, of Botetourt County, Va. Eight children were born to them - George W., William Bennett (who died at the age of eleven years), Mary Ann, Sarah J., Charlotte, Rufus ( who died at two years of age), Josephus L., Frank Pearce. Mr. Whisler died Aug. 7, 1881, aged nearly seventy-two years. In politics he was a Democrat, and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Mr. Whisler is still a member of the same church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 609.
Submitted by: Jeanie

B. H. Wilhoit, farmer and stock-raiser, postoffice Cadiz, Ind., was born in Adams County, Ohio, May 16, 1826, a son of Moses and Nancy (Douglas) Wilhoit. His parents were natives of Virginia, both born in 1792, but moved to Bourbon County, Ky., in early life, where they were married in 1814. After their marriage they moved to Ohio, and in 1832 moved to Henry County, Ind., residing there the remainder of their lives. Of a family of nine children, six are living. Both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and their children were reared in the faith of that denomination. Our subject was but six years of age when his parents came to this county. His early life was spent in helping to clear the farm. He had no opportunity to attend school till fourteen years of age, and subsequent to that time his advantages were limited. The desire for an education caused him to apply himself to study during his leisure hours, and he obtained a knowledge of all practical branches. He is well read and is posted on all topics of public interest. He was married Oct. 11, 1849, to Hannah Personett, a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born Oct. 15, 1831, a daughter of Joseph and Rebecca Personett, her father a native of Hamilton County, Ohio, and her mother of Pennsylvania. Her parents came to Henry County, Ind., in 1838. After his marriage Mr. Wilhoit settled on a tract of heavily timbered land, which he cleared and improved, and now has one of the finest farms in the township. He has been industrious, and is now able to give up the heavier work to younger hands, and is living in the enjoyment of the fruits of his labor. In politics Mr. Wilhoit first voted for Franklin Pierce, and since then has voted the Republican ticket. He and his wife are members of the Christian church. To them have been born eight children - Elwood, Harriett, Elizabeth, Nancy Jane, Rebecca, Reuben, Levina Alice, Feba Laura.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 609 and 610.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Thomas Wilhoit, farmer and fine stock-breeder, postoffice Middletown, Ind., was born in Adams County, Ohio, March 20, 1822, a son of Moses and Nancy (Douglas) Wilhoit, natives of Virginia, both born in 1792. They moved to Bourbon County, Ky, with their parents, and were there married in 1814. They subsequently moved to Ohio, and in 1832 came to Henry County, Ind., where the father died in 1867, and the mother in 1878. Six of a family of four sons and five daughters are living. Both parents were members of the Methodist Episcopal church, and reared their children in that faith. Our subject was ten years of age when his parents came to Henry County. His boyhood was passed in assisting his father on the farm, clearing, grubbing, splitting rails, plowing, etc. He attended the neighborhood school about three months in the year, but by studying at home with the assistance of his father, acquired a fair education. He owns the farm of 160 acres, entered by his father in 1832, to which he has added 212 acres, making a fine farm of 372 acres. He began the breeding of fine stock in 1851, and is now at the head of that industry in the county. His cattle are second to none in the United States. This important position has been gained by constant and untiring application and a careful observance of every detail of the business. In politics Mr. Wilhoit has been an uncompromising Republican since the party's formation. He has been Township Trustee, and in 1848 was nominated County Commissioner. He has been a member of the Methodist church forty years, and an officer in the church thirty years. He was married Feb. 22, 1844, to Mary Huston, of Madison County. They have had two children - Tabitha and Nimrod S. Their son was associated with his father in business, but died in 1877. His son, Charles C., resides with his grandparents, who purpose to train him that he may be qualified to take his father's place in the stock business. Mr. Wilhoit has been a resident of Henry County fifty-two years, and from a wilderness has seen the country advance to civilization. He has been one of the principal actors in its progression, never being content to sit idly by and let others do what was his part of the great work.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Fall Creek Township.
Page 610 and 611.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Samuel P. Ball, retired farmer, is a native of Granger County, Tenn., born June 15, 1814, the youngest of eleven children of Thomas and Ellenor (Dyer) Ball, natives of Virginia, the former of English and Irish, and the latter of Irish descent. They were married in Virginia, and in 1796 moved to Tennessee remaining there till 1829, when they came to Indiana and entered 160 acres of Government land, and with the help of our subject cleared and cultivated it, residing here the remainder of their lives. The mother died Nov. 24, 1848, and the father Feb. 25, 1849, both aged seventy-eight years. Samuel P. Ball has resided on his farm in Franklin Township since 1829, and has seen the country grow from a wilderness to one of civilization. He was married Nov. 26, 1835, to Mary, daughter of Thomas and Nancy (Colton) Carter. To them have been born nine children; but four are living - Catherine, John C., William D. and Sarah Ann. The deceased are - Elizabeth, Thomas, Phoebe, Emeretta and Nancy E. Thomas was a soldier in the war of the Rebellion, and died at Milliken's Bend, June 3, 1863. Politically Mr. Ball is a Republican. He and his wife are members of the Baptist church.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Franklin Township.
Page 617.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Moman Ballard is one of the most prominent pioneers of Franklin Township. He was born in Monroe County, W. Va., April 4, 1807, the second of ten children of James and Jane (Keaton) Ballard, and a grandson of William and Elizabeth Ballard and James and Ankey (Ballard) Keaton. He was reared on a farm, his early life being devoted to the hard work of clearing and cultivating his father's land. His schooling was limited to about four months in the subscription schools of that day, which were of a very inferior quality. He acquired a fair education by reading and private study and has kept himself informed on all subjects of public interest. He was married Oct. 25, 1827, to Elizabeth Paul, daughter of Isaac and Mercy (Ellis) Paul, natives of Virginia. In 1830 he left Virginia and emigrated to the wilds of Henry County, Ind., where he leased ten acres of land for four years. In 1834 he bought eighty acres of land, where he now lives, and went to work to make a home. He is purely a self-made man. When he first came to Indiana he had but $7.25, but has been industrious and energetic, and by good management has accumulated a large property. He had 420 acres of fine land, 300 acres of which he has given to his children. The 120 acres reserved for his own use are valued at $65 an acre. He is a public-spirited, whole-souled man, and all interests of public benefit find an advocate and liberal supporter in him. To Mr. and Mrs. Ballard have been born eleven children, eight of whom are living. They have traveled the hill of life together fifty-seven years, and now, when almost at the summit, can look back and review its changing vicissitudes with satisfaction, having the assurance that their labors have not been in vain, and looking forward can claim the promise for those who are faithful over a few things.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Franklin Township.
Page 617 and 618.
Submitted by: Jeanie

William Ballard, farmer and stock-raiser, section 20, Franklin Township, is a native of this township, born April 12, 1847, a son of Moman and Elizabeth (Paul) Ballard. He received a good education, residing with his parents till manhood, and has given his attention to agricultural pursuits. He lived on the old homestead three years after his marriage and then bought the farm where he now resides. He owns seventy acres of good land which he has improved and cultivated. He was married Dec. 29, 1869, to Elizabeth M., daughter of John W. and Catherine Sinholtz, a native of Virginia. When she was three years of age her parents moved to Grant County, Ind., where her father died ten years later. Mr. and Mrs. Ballard have had six children - Annie J., Cora Alice, Effie May, Maud O., Francis Marion, and an infant, deceased. Politically Mr. Ballard is a Democrat.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Franklin Township.
Page 618.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Wm. McKinder Bartlett, M. D., was born in Clermont County, Ohio, May 15, 1826, and is of English-Scottish descent. Dr. Bartlett's grandfather, Alonzo Bartlett, emigrated from England to the United States when a young man and settled at Philadelphia, Pa., and soon after moved to Allegheny County, Pa., where he was married and settled for life, following the occupation of a farmer. Alonzo Bartlett's son, Andrew R. Bartlett, the father of the subject of this sketch, came West to Clermont County, Ohio, and located, following his chosen trade, that of a saddler. He was married in 1820 to Miss Phebe Whorton, daughter of John Whorton. Andrew, in 1828, removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1839, to Milroy, Rush County, this State. He was a very devoted Christian of the Methodist faith, and in the later years of his life was a minister of the Methodist denomination. Dr. Bartlett's grandfather, John Whorton, came from Scotland to the United States, and settled in Ohio and married Miss Phebe Saults, she being a native Ohioan. Dr. Bartlett, being only thirteen years of age when he came to Indiana, is in all intent an Indianian. He had only the benefit of the common-school education of that early day, and by making the most of his meager opportunities, acquired knowledge sufficient to begin teaching at the age of seventeen years, and at the age of eighteen began a course of medical reading with Dr. William Bracken, then of Milroy, but now of Greenburg, Ind. After perusing his studies three years and taking one course of lectures at the Medical College of Cincinnati, Ohio, the Doctor was licensed to practice medicine in 1847, and opened his office first in Raleigh, Rush County, the same year, with nothing but his medical knowledge and a few drugs. At this place he realized the force of the words, "It is not good that a man should be alone," and April 20, 1848, was united in marriage to Miss Elizabeth J. Shefler, daughter of James Shefler. The Doctor has had six children, five living and one deceased. He resided at Raleigh until 1864 and moved to his present residence, Lewisville. In 1869 he attended a course of lectures at Bellevue College, New York, and has always devoted himself closely and successfully to his chosen profession. Politically he was a Democrat until the breaking out of the war, casting his last vote with that party for Stephen A. Douglas. The cause of the war made of him an uncompromising Unionist, and he cast his lot with the then young Republican party, of which party he is still an active member. He represented Henry County in the State Legislature in the session of 1881, this being the only office he ever asked, it being a very important session of the Legislature, as the statute of the State was revised. In religion he is a Methodist in sentiment and has been since his boyhood.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Franklin Township.
Page 618 and 619.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Samuel B. Binford, deceased, was a native of Virginia, born in 1808, a son of Samuel Binford. His parents died when he was quite young, and when a child he came to Henry County, Ind., with his uncle, James Binford, with whom he resided till his marriage to Ann Butler, and then settled on a farm in Franklin Township. His wife died in 1852. They were the parents of nine children, but four of whom are living. In 1852 Mr. Binford married Hannah R. (Stokes) Cox, a native of Pennsylvania, who came to Henry county with her parents when twelve years of age. To them were born three children. Mrs. Binford had six children by her former marriage; two are deceased. Mr. Binford was an upright, square-dealing man and accumulated a large property. He was a popular man in the community and served eight years as County Commissioner. He died Aug. 23, 1872. The family are in religious faith Friends.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Franklin Township.
Page 619 and 620.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Jedidiah Bond, retired farmer, section 7, Franklin Township, is a native of Guilford County, N. C., born Aug. 19, 1804, a son of Benjamin Bond, of English descent. In 1826 he emigrated to Wayne County, Ind., but soon after went to Hamilton County, Ohio, and remained a year. He then returned to Wayne County and worked at the blacksmith's trade twelve years. About 1840 he went to Lee County, Iowa, and remained six years, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He then returned to Indiana and bought 207 acres of land in Henry County, where he has since resided. He also owns 400 acres of land in Iowa. He was married in 1832 to Almira Stanley, of Fort Wayne County. To them were born five daughters; but four are living. His wife died in 1848, and in 1851 he married Dinah (Kenworthy) Bond, the widow of Isome Bond. They have had two children, only one of whom is living. Mr. Bond is a representative man of the township, and now in his declining years is enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Franklin Township.
Page 620 .
Submitted by: Jeanie

Robert Butler, deceased, was a native of Virginia, born March 29, 1827, a son of James and Deborah (Johnson) Butler. When he was eight years of age his parents moved to Ohio, and a short time later to Henry County, and located on a farm adjoining the one where his family now live, where he was reared. He was educated in the subscription schools and Earlham College. After leaving school he settled on a farm and devoted his time entirely to farming. Nov. 25, 1852, Mr. Butler married Rebecca A., daughter of Isome and Dinah (Kenworthy) Bond, pioneers of Wayne County, Ind. To them were born five children - Eva, Allen, Leeburn, Annetta and Leona. Mr. Butler died May 3, 1882.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Franklin Township.
Page 620.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Robert B. Butler, farmer and stock-raiser, section 13, Franklin Township, is a native of Dinwiddie County, Va., born May 2, 1828, a son of Stanton and Elizabeth (Binford) Butler, natives of Virginia, of English descent. In the fall of 1832 his parents came to Indiana and bought a farm in Franklin Township, Henry County, where the father died in 1869, aged eighty-nine years, and the mother in 1878, aged eighty years. She was a member of the Society of Friends. Our subject followed farming in Franklin Township till 1879 when he went to Kansas and remained three years when he returned to Henry County. He has a fine farm of eighty acres of improved land. Mr. Butler was married Dec. 1, 1853, to Margaret S., daughter of Jesse and Sarah Healey, the former of Guilford, and the latter of Surry County, N. C. They were married in Wayne County, and in 1821 came to Henry County. Mrs. Healey cooked the dinner for the men at the erection of the first court-house in the county. Mr. and Mrs. Butler have had seven children; but five are living - Albinus O., Stanton W., Olive H., Jessie Ann and Loretta. Loren E. and an infant are deceased. Mrs. Butler is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. Politically he is a Republican.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Franklin Township.
Page 621.
Submitted by: Jeanie

John Cosand, retired farmer, is one of the old pioneers who entered the land in Franklin Township. He was born in Randolph County, N. C., Jan. 24, 1805, a son of Benjamin and Mary (Morgan) Cosand, his father a native of Pasquotank, and his mother of Perquimans County, N. C. His father died in Randolph County, N. C., and in 1822 his mother came with her family to Indiana and settled in Wayne County, and in 1824 came to Henry County and settled on land entered by his brother, where his mother lived till her death, Dec. 17, 1872, aged ninety-five years, eleven months and seventeen days. Mr. Cosand is a member of the Society of Friends and one of the most influential and highly respected citizens of the township.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Franklin Township.
Page 621..
Submitted by: Jeanie

Joseph Cosand, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Perquimans County, N. C., April 7, 1829, a son of Charles and Elva (White) Cosand, natives of North Carolina, of German descent. He remained on his father's farm till the spring of 1856, and then came to Henry County, Ind. His parents followed him the next fall and settled on the farm in Franklin Township, where they spent the remainder of their lives. Mr. Cosand being in limited circumstances when he came to Indiana worked for wages two years and then bought the farm where he now resides, at that time wild timber land, but now a well-improved and highly cultivated farm. He was married Dec. 21, 1859, to Sarah Symonds, a daughter of John and Rebecca Symonds, who were among the pioneer settlers of Henry County. Mr. and Mrs. Cosand are members of the Society of Friends and among the most highly esteemed citizens of the township.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Franklin Township.
Page 621 and 622.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Michael Dolan, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in County Galway, Ireland, in 1823, a son of James and Margaret (Slow) Dolan. In 1845 he came to America, landed at New Orleans, with only sufficient money to pay his passage to Cincinnati. He obtained employment as driver of a canal boat for one season, and afterward worked for farmers, on the railroad, on steamboats, etc., till 1860, when he came to Henry County, Ind., and rented nine acres of land in Spiceland Township. He afterward bought forty acres and remained there six years, when he bought the farm where he now lives. He owns 152 acres of well-improved land in Henry County and eighty-five acres in Morgan County, all earned by his own industry and economy, coming to this country a poor man. Mr. Dolan was married May 1, 1859, to Mary (Nixon) Flannigan, a native of Ireland, who came to America in 1845. They had one child that died in infancy. They have reared a child of Mrs. Dolan's by her first marriage, Barney Flannigan, and also a child of the latter from the age of eighteen months to eleven years. Mr. and Mrs. Dolan are members of the Catholic church. Politically he is a Democrat.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Franklin Township.
Page 622.
Submitted by: Jeanie

Robert Fletcher is a native of Monroe County, Va., born July 15, 1806, a son of William and Margaret (Spickard) Fletcher. His father was a native of England, and was pressed into the service by the British at the time of the German war. He served on the sea nine years when he deserted and came to America at the time of the Revolution. He received his naturalization papers from General Washington. He lived with David Young in Pennsylvania twelve years, and then married and moved to Virginia, where his wife died, leaving five children, and he married Margaret Spickard, a daughter of Jacob Spickard who died while serving in the Revolutionary war. To this union were born seven children. Our subject is the only survivor of the family. The father met with reverses and the family was scattered, Robert finding a home with Lewis Tockett, who settled in Virginia in an early day. His wife and grandson, the former seventy and the latter eighteen years of age, were captured by the Indians and traveled through the wilderness 300 miles. Preparations were being made to burn Mrs. Tockett and two other old ladies when they were rescued by the Friends. They were gone from home from October until April. Robert Fletcher lived with Mr. Tockett six years. The winter of 1821 he worked for $3 a month and the next March emigrated to Fayette County, Ohio. He lived with his brother and brother-in-law a year, and the next year worked on a farm. In 1824 he came to Indiana but returned to Ohio and remained till the winter of 1825 when he came again to Indiana and has since made Henry County his home. In 1826 he split 4,000 rails for Gabriel Cosand at 25 cents a hundred. He then leased a tract of timber land of Michael Sea for nine years and built a "Buckeye cabin." He lived there two years and cleared ten acres of land. In 1827 Mr. Sea died and in 1828 Mr. Fletcher sold his lease to the widow and moved to a tract of eighty acres, belonging to his father-in-law, west of Lewisville. The following winter he bought the land for $350, $100 cash and the rest in yearly payments. He cleared the land, residing there till 1831 when he traded it for 200 acres east of Flatrock, now owned by his eldest son, Andrew. He lived there till 1865 when he rented the farm and moved to Dublin, Ind. In 1871 he returned to his farm, but in 1872 moved to Lewisville, where he is spending his declining years and enjoying the accumulation of many years' hard work. Mr. Fletcher was married Feb. 16, 1826, to Keziah Tockett. They had a family of nine children; six lived till maturity, and five are still living. His wife died in the fall of 1843, and in 1844 he married Elizabeth Messick, a native of Kentucky. Ten children were born to them; but three are living. Mrs. Fletcher died in Dublin in 1870. In 1872 Mr. Fletcher married Ann Traber, widow of Henry Traber. Mr. Fletcher was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church fifty-five years but is now a member of the Presbyterian church. Politically he is a Democrat.

From the History of Henry County, Indiana. Chicago: Inter-State Publishing Co. 1884.
Franklin Township.
Page 622 and 623.
Submitted by: Jeanie