In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1831
From History of Randolph County, Indiana with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers : to which are appended maps of its several townships (1882)
JAMES A. BALES, farmer, P. O. Bnow Hill, was born in this county January 23, 1831. He is the son of Pleasant Bales, who was born in Ohio September 21, 1810. Ills mother, Mary (Abshire) Bales, was a native of Virginia, born September 27, 180!l. Mr, Bales was educated in the district schools of the county. He was married November 20, 1863, to Ann Thornburgh, who was born in this county May 11, 1837. They had born to them two children- Marion S. and Edward W., but death entered the home circle and carried from it both mother and children. Mr. Bales then battle with the hardships of life alone until April 14, 18<;5, when ha was married to Mary J. Lamm, born in this county April 11, 1841. She is the daughter of Josiah and Elizabeth (Vork) Lamm, who were natives of North Carolina. This union has been blessed with Rebecca A., born September 30, 1866. Mr. Bales is a consistent member of the Christian Church. He owns a fine farm of 100 acres. He is a thorough gentleman, and one who has the confidence and esteem of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.
As printed in History of Randolph County, Indiana with illustrations and biographical sketches of some of its prominent men and pioneers : to which are appended maps of its several townships (1882). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1882. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.