History of Westfield

Westfield’s history is shaped by the people, places, and moments that built the community we know today. This space is dedicated to preserving and sharing those stories, offering deeper context and insight into Westfield’s past.

Within this collection, you will find narratives connected to individuals, landmarks, neighborhoods, and defining eras. Together, these stories help explain how Westfield has grown, evolved, and remained rooted in its values over time.

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Jan 23

Asa Bales and the Foundations of Early Westfield

Posted on January 23, 2026 at 10:31 AM by Michael Sinclair

Asa Bales in Early Westfield

Asa Bales was already a seasoned pioneer by the time Westfield began to take shape. His life traced a path through early Indiana settlements, Quaker meetinghouses and abolitionist networks, placing him at the center of some of the region’s most formative moments.

Through his land ownership, civic involvement and outspoken opposition to slavery, Bales became one of the most influential early figures connected to Westfield. His story reflects how individual conviction and community building often moved hand in hand on the Indiana frontier.

Early Life and Quaker Roots

Asa Bales was born Oct. 14, 1795, in Surry County, North Carolina, to Jacob and Mary Elizabeth Horton Bales. Quaker records identify the family as members of the Westfield Friends Monthly Meeting in North Carolina, a faith community that shaped Bales’ worldview from an early age.

He married Susannah Fletcher on Aug. 2, 1817, in Surry County. Shortly after their marriage, the couple left North Carolina and moved west, distancing themselves from the enslavement-based economy of the South and joining a growing number of Quaker families relocating to Indiana.

Building Communities in Indiana

By 1820, Asa and Susannah Bales appeared in census records in Sullivan County, Indiana. Over the next decade, they moved through Morgan County before eventually settling in Hamilton County. Along the way, Bales emerged as a central figure in early community development.

In Morgan County, Bales built the first log cabin and later the first frame house in what would become Mooresville. He hosted the county’s first Friends meeting in his cabin, served as the first schoolteacher and played a leadership role in local education efforts. When Mooresville was incorporated in 1831, Bales was among its first trustees.

Land, Commerce and the Founding of Westfield

Beginning in 1831, Asa Bales acquired significant land holdings in Washington and Adams townships in Hamilton County, ultimately purchasing more than 1,000 acres from the federal government. He opened the first store in Washington Township at what is now the intersection of Union Street and State Road 32, making his property a focal point for early settlement.

Bales was directly involved in the founding of Westfield. On May 6, 1834, he participated in the platting of the town, then known as West Field, alongside local leaders and township officials. His home also served as a meeting place for early township business, including the election of justices of the peace and other officers.

Abolitionist Work and the Rhodes Incident

Asa Bales was a committed abolitionist at a time when anti-slavery activism carried real personal risk. He attended anti-slavery meetings, served as a delegate for manumission societies and helped establish the Anti-Slavery Friends Meeting in Westfield. He also donated land for the Anti-Slavery Meeting House and Cemetery.

In 1844, Bales became deeply involved in the aftermath of the Rhodes Incident, a violent attempt by slave catchers to recapture a formerly enslaved family living north of Westfield. After a standoff involving more than 150 people, Bales wrote detailed letters about the event that were published in the Free Labor Advocate and Anti-Slavery Chronicle. He later served on the board of the John Rhodes Association, formed to support legal defense efforts related to the case.

His activism drew national attention and legal consequences, including involvement in federal court proceedings connected to the incident. Despite these risks, Bales continued to speak publicly and in print about the events, reinforcing Westfield’s place within broader Underground Railroad and abolitionist networks.

Later Years and Legacy

Asa Bales remained active in Hamilton County until his death. In 1844 and 1845, he appeared on the Liberty Party ticket for probate judge, reflecting his continued engagement in political reform efforts.

On Sept. 10, 1845, Asa Bales died in Westfield during a cholera outbreak. His wife, Susannah, died from the same illness just weeks later on Oct. 27, 1845. Though his life was cut short at age 49, Bales left a lasting mark on Westfield through his leadership, land stewardship and unwavering commitment to anti-slavery principles.