From record of Annis and Mayme Bales: 1914 History of Randolph Co., IN, page 1057-1958.
1894-1914 History of Randolph Co., IN, Washington Twnshp.
James A. Bales, a representative farmer of Washington Twnshp, Randolph Co., IN, was born in teh community which is still his home, January 23, 1831, and has spent nearly his whole life in this community. When James was sixteen, he located with his fatehr, Pleasant Bales, on Congress Land, and remained at home until his marriage, when James locatd on a small farm of 20 acres which his father had given him. James purchased 40 additional acres and for three years lived in a log cabin. James then purchased a rented farm for two years, and in 1861, purchased 40 acres of the old homestead. It was November 20, 1853, that James A. Bales was joined in wedlock with Ann Thornburg, the daughter of Edward and Nancy Matthews Thornburg. By James and Ann's union were born two children, who were deceased before 1894. Namely: Marion S. Bales and Elwood W. Bales.
Ann Thornburg Bales was called to her final rest, July 20, 1861, andher remains interred at New Liberty Cemetery.
James A. Bales chose Mary J. Mills Lamb for his second wife, and they were married April 14, 1864. She was the daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth York Mills. At once they removed to the farm on which htey still reside. Jame and Mary were the parents of a daughter, now the wife of David Rockhill, a farmer of Washington Twp.
Mary J. Mills Lam-Bales, had been previously married to Smith Lamb, who was killed by bushwackers near Vicksburg. Mr. Lamb was a member of the Fiftieth Illinois Cavlry, beign enlisted at Cumberland, Illinois. By this marriage were born two Lamb Children. Namely: Elizabeth Lamb, wife of George Lonenecker, adn Josiah Lamb, who married Mary Sheeley.
Submitted by Mrs. Alice Lake Ketron, RR #3, Box 313, Greenville Rd., Winchester, IN.
Sister to the second wife of Thomas Ballard, brothers m. sisters.