Randolph County, Indiana
Cliff G. Bales
Randolph county was especially fortunate in the character of her pioneers, who, save in rare instances, possessed the pluck, fortitude and courage of the true Anglo~Saxon-that race which appears to delight in difficulties, because thereby opportunities are afforded to conquer them. The founders of this country were brave, strong-armed far-seeing, God-fearing, law-abiding citizens, patriotic and true to their native or adopted land, and conscientious in the discharge of their every duty toward their fellow men. From such a people sprang Cliff G. Bales, a successful young real estate, loan and insurance man of the town of Farmland, Randolph county; for we note the fact that his great grandfather braved the wilds in this locality in pioneer days and established the family home in the face of obstacles that would no doubt have appalled us of the present generation, and he and the rest of the Baleses have ever shown themselves to be public-spirited, honorable minded, helpful people in all relations of life.
Mr. Bales was born on his grandfather's old farm in Washington township, Randolph county, October 25, 1880. He is a son of Henry S. and Louie C. (Stout) Bales, whose family consisted of three children, namely: Cliff G., of this sketch; Mabel, born February 7, 1891; resides with her parents in Traverse City; Charlotte, born December 16, 1895, is also a member of the home circle. Henry S. Bales, the father, was also born on the old Bales homestead in Washington township, this county, this having been also the birthplace of our subject's grandfather. The founder of the Bales family in this county emigrated from England with the famous historical character, William Penn. Mr. Bales first settled in North Carolina, later came to Ohio, and from there to Indiana, locating in Randolph county when white settlers were indeed few and the wilderness was the home of Indians and wild beasts. This family has done much for the general upbuilding of the county in many ways. They have, most of them, followed general farming for a livelihood, and have been known for their thrift, honesty and neighborliness. The mother of the subject of this sketch came from Ohio where she was born. The father spent his life engaged in farming in his native county.
Cliff G. Bales grew up on the home farm, and he had the advantages of a good education, having attended the local public schools, later graduating from the Winchester high school and the Indianapolis Business College.
On June 3, 1895 he married Colona Owens, daughter of William N. Owens, a successful farmer in Randolph county. Mrs. Bales is one of four children, and she grew to womanhood in her native community and received a good education in the public schools. She is the eldest of the family, the other children being named Pearl, wife of Ernest Fetters, a farmer of Randolph county, and they have two children; Robert, a mechanical engineer, was graduated from Purdue University, and now a member of the faculty of that college; he married Edith Hormell; Anna, the youngest child, was born February 17,1893.
Mr. Bales after leaving school was for some time assistant cashier of the Farmland State Bank, in fact held that responsible position for a period of nine years, discharging his duties in a manner that reflected much credit upon himself and to the eminent satisfaction of the stockholders and patrons. Since severing his connection with the above named institution he has been engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business in which he was successful from the start and now has a large, lucrative and rapidly growing business.
Politically, he is a Progressive. Fraternally, he belongs to the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and he attends the Christian church. Owing to his natural ability, his honesty, and courtesy, he has an especially bright future as a business man.
Past and Present of Randolph County, Indiana, 1914.
Contributed by Gina Richardson