Fall Creek Township was formed in August, 1829. It was then eight miles from north to south and seven miles from east to west. Two rows of sections on the east and two on the south have since became parts of Jefferson and Harrison townships respectively. The township is drained by the stream from which it derives its name and the tributaries thereof. The surface is undulating though but little broken. The soil is of good quality and the farms and improvements as good as the average in the county. A large part of the present inhabitants are either Virginians or descendents of natives of that State. Fall Creek Township is situated in the northwestern part of the county and is crossed from southeast to northwest by the Chicago, St. Louis & Pittsburg Railroad. It contains the thriving town of Middletown and the villages of Mechanicsburg and Honey Creek.

Township elections were at first held at the house of Abraham Thomas, who was the first Justice in the township. In 1832 the voting place was changed to Middletown. At a township election held in August, 1830, thirty votes were polled, of which three were Whig tickets. The only person still a voter in the township who voted at the above-mentioned election is Asa Warnick.

Three persons only made entries of land in Fall Creek Township in 1822: Benj. G. Bristol, James W. Weir and Reuben Bristol. They did not settle until later. The first settlements seem to have been made on Fall Creek. The Keesling neighborhood, near Mechanicsburg, was one of the first settlements. It began about 1824. In that vicinity lived Jacob, Peter, George, Daniel and John Keesling. William Stewart, John Hart, Jacob Koontz, Calvin Franklin, Abraham Thomas and John Swain came among the first settlers, about 1824 and 1825. Among those who settled in various parts of the township from 1824 to 1832 were David Davis, Absalom and Alexander Painter, Jacob Stanley, Asa Warnick, David C. Sherman, Wm. Berner, Joseph Bowman, Daniel and David Warner, the Fadelys,--John, Michael and Henry,--Abraham Showaler, Woodson and James Cummings, Jesse Clark, Hudson Hall, Andrew Barton, Abraham Devoye, Sr., Abraham Devoye, Jr., John Fessler and others.

Settlers began to arrive from Virginia about 1832 and the immigration continued until the township was well peopled.

The first mill in the township was a small "corn cracker" erected south of Middletown, on Deer Creek. It was built about 1832 by Calvin Franklin and William Stewart. Later Calvin Franklin erected a grist-mill of a better type, and Benjamin Franklin, afterward a noted preacher, dug the mill-race. David C. Shawan settled two miles east of Middletown and built a grist-mill on Honey Creek quite early. John Swain, an early settler, built the first mill on Fall Creek about three miles below Middletown. It now belongs to Isaac Adamson.The early settlers of this township had to contend against malaria with all the other disadvantages of pioneer life. A few gave up the battle, and moved away on account of the unhealthfulness of the country. Now no part of the county is freer from malarious influences.

The township officers from 1884-'85 are: A. S. Miller, Trustee; Justices, L. C. Mills, Middletown; G. H. Whiteworth, Honey Creek;-------Woods, Mechanicsburg. Thos. Showalter is Township Assessor. The population of the township was 2,054 in 1880, a gain of fifty from 1870.

Middletown, an old, well-built and prosperious town, is situated near the northwestern corner of Henry County, on the Chicago, St. Louis & Pittsburg Railroad. The town was laid out in 1829 by Jacob Koontz, the first settler upon its site. The first sale of lots took place on Christmas day, 1829, at which time lots 4 x 20 rods in size brought from $3 to $20 each.

Koontz, the proprietor of the town, lived in a cabin situated where Dr. Welsh's house now is. He sold out and moved away soon after the town was founded. A family of the name of Gardner and Eli L. Parker and family lived in the village in 1830, but did not remain long. Squire Burr was the first permanent settler.

The first store was started in 1831 by Joshua Willetts, from Milton, Wayne County. David Fleming soon after started a store. Joseph Bowman, Henry Pierce and Minesinger were also early merchants.

Ellide Parker kept the first public house. William A Hurley, Esp., afterward kept tavern until his death. He died of the disease known as "milk sickness," which affected many of the early settlers in this locality.

Chauncy H. Burr came to Middletown in 1830. In 1835 he was elected a Justice of the Peace. He has held the office nearly continuously ever since. He secured the establishment of the postoffice, was the first Postmaster, and has otherwise advanced the interests of the town. Squire Burr followed the tanner and currier's trade for over forty years.

The postoffice was established in 1830. The Postmasters have been: C. H. Burr, Joshua Willetts, Henry Pierce, Joseph Yount, N. F. Trayer, J. D. Farrell, W. W. Cotteral, J. T. Moore and J. D. Farrell.

About 1832 a large immigration from Virginia poured into the surrounding country, and as the latter improved, the village grew. In 1840 Middletown was incorporated on the petition of fifteen of its citizens. The town has always been a good trading point, and its commercial importance is steadily growing.

The first physician in this place was Dr. Joseph Henry, a native of Philadelphia, who came in 1832. He was a good physician and practiced here until his death. He was succeeded by Dr. G. H. Ballengall, Dr. John Home, Dr. John L. Guysinger, Dr. W. F. Boor, Dr. R. T. Summers, and others.

The business interests of Middletown in 1884 are as follows: General stores-Hedrick & Sanders; Shoemaker,Gray & Co.; Holman & Sheets. Grocieries-I. N. Chenoweth, Marshall & Barrett, Brunk & Bratton. Bakery-Thomas Mowry. Drug stores-A. S. Miller, L. A. Hess. Hardware-W. L. Cummings. Furniture and undertaking-Frederick Tykle. Hotel-Tykle House, Richard Wisehart, proprietor. Livery stable-James Williamson. Saddlery and harness-maker-G. W. Tarkleson. Flouring-mill-J. C. Daniels. Saw-mills-Martin Rodecap, ----Vantile. Lumber-yard-Willis Wisehart. Bank-Farmers'. Lawyer-G. Swain. Job printer-W. N. Showalter. Physicians-Doctors Robert Griffis, James H. Welsh, R. L. Thornburgh, Samuel Waters, allopathic; G. W. Rodecap, homeopathic; Dr. James phsyio-medical.

In 1850 Middletown had 188 inhabitants. In 1880 the population was 606. It is now about 800.

The Farmers' Bank, of Middletown, was organized in May 1882, with the following Board of Directors: N. R. Elliott, Thomas Wilhoit, Geo. W. Tarkleson, R. A. Andes, Cyrus Van Matre, W. H. Keesling. N. R. Elliott was elected President; Thomas Wilhoit, Vice-President; E. L. Elliott, Cashier; and B. H. Davis, Assistant Cashier. There have been no changes in the officers of the bank since the organization. The capital stock is $30,000. The bank is transacting a prosperous business. It occupies and owns a neat brick building, erected especially for its use.

This village is situated in the southwestern part of Fall Creek Township. It began in 1850, when a man named Dunham, from New Castle, started a store here. He remained but a short time. N. R. Elliott came in 1851, and began the mercantile business, in which he is still engaged. The plot of the village was recorded in 1858, by Peter Keesling and others.

The vicinity of Mechanicsburg was noted in anti-slavery days as being one of the stations of the Underground Railroad. John Swan, from Tennessee, was the railroad agent and conductor, received the fugitives and cared for them until they could be sent on the Westfield, the next station. Others in the neighborhood were favorable toward the work.

The business interests of Mechanicsburg in 1884 are as follows: Elliot & Cooper, Mr.s N. A. Goodwin & Sons, general merchants; W. H. Keesling & Co., dealers in groceries, hardware and agricultural implements; Dr. John M. Moore, druggist; John Elliott, proprietor of steam saw-mill; W. R. Miller & Son and A. J. Weaver, cabinet-makers and undertakers. The physicians are Drs. Joseph Weeks, J. M. Moore and ---- Pendleton, all of the physio-medical school. Dr. Weeks has been practicing here about thirty years, and is one of the foremost physicians of his school.

The population of Mechanicsburg in 1880 was 168. It is now not far froom 200. The village is not incorporated.

This is a village of nearly 200 inhabitants, situated in the eastern part of Fall Creek Township, on the C., St. L. & P. Railroad. The first house in the place was built in 1858, by David Fadely, who is still a resident of the place. He at the same time started a blacksmith shop. William Tomlinson and James Powers erected a saw-mill about the same time, and town lots were laid off on the land of Tomlinson. Sedgwick Tomlinson kept the first store. Adam Evans began the mercantile business soon after. The present business interests are as follows: Dry-goods store, Showalter & Sanders; drug stores, John Miller, David Aucker; saw-mill, Madison Sharkey; grocery, John Sharekey, railroad and express agent; jeweler, Solon Neff; physician, J. T. Anderson. There is also a balcksmith and wagon shop in the village, and a hotel kept by David Fadely.

A school was taught about 1830, in a cabin situated on land afterward owned by James Cummins. An Englishman named Caldy Gardner came into the neighborhood in quest of employment and was engaged to teach the school. A log school-house was erected soon after.

Another primitive educational institution was set up in the Keesling neighborhood at an early date. A rude log building was erected for a school-house, and Robert Price employed as teacher. Lewis Swaim afterward taught in the same house.

Both the towns and the country are now well supplied with school-houses, and the schools are generally well conducted.

The schools of Middletown are in a very good condition. Four teachers are employed. The school-house is a frame structure containing four rooms, and worth about $1,800. A new school-building will be erected soon. The last enumeration showed 271 scholars. The average attendance is about 220.

Middleton M. E. Church was organized in 1838, by Rev. Hezekiah Smith. The first members were Benjamin and Mary Bristol, Levi and Margaret Trout, Mrs. Bowers, Joseph Moore and wife, James McCune and wife and Sophia Summers. Benjamin Bristol was the first Steward, and James McCune the Class-leader. The first services were held at the house of Benjamin Bristol. Among those who have served as pastors are the following: H. Smith, 2; C. G. Beeks, 1; James Bradford, 2; D. F. Stright, 4; J. F. Pieerce, 2; Willie Brown, 1; Wm. Anderson, 2; J. F. McMahon, 2; A. G. McCarter, 1; T. A. Fish, 2; T. Sells 2; M. Wayman, 2; W. Peck, 1; J. W. Miller, 2. Severeal names are wanting to complete the list. The figures refer to the number of years served upon the circuit, often at different times. The meeting-house was built in 1858 at a cost of $1,500. The present church officers are: J. W. Miller, Pastor; G. W. Tarklesoon and J. C. Daniels, Stewards; A. S. Fisher, Clerk. The church has had 428 members in all. The present membership is sixty-six, and the society is in a good condition. A good Sabbath-school is maintained. G. W. Tarkleson is Superintendent. The enrollment is 160; average attendance, 128.

Fall Creek Christian Church.-The Christians, or "New Lights," organized a church about 1846. Among the early members were James Cummins and wife, Woodson Cummins and wife; ----Pfeifer and wife, J. Depboy and wife. The first meetings were held at the house of James Cummins. The church, situated west of Middletown, was built in 1860 at a cost of $1,500. Among the preachers have been Elder Wm. Hendricks, a pioneer preacher, who organized the church; Elders Miller, McDaniel, Depboy, Pfeifer, Dykes, Linn, Humphreys and others. Rev.Jas. P. Dykes preached here from 1858 until 1882. The present pastor is Elder Newhouse. The Deacons are Overton Cummins and Isaac Gustin. The membership is over 100.

Disciples' Church.-The Disciples' Church at Middletown was organized prior to 1850. Among the early ministers were Elders Benjamin Franklin, John OÕKern and Samuel K. Hoshour. Early members: Frank Murphey, Joseph Yount and wife, John Swope and wife, Daniel Franklin, Washington Franklin and wife, Enos Adamson and others. The first Elders were Joseph Yount, Jonas Shoemaker and John Swope. The church was erected about 1852. The congregation now has about 125 members. Elder Daniel Franklin is the present minister. The Elders are Polk Shoemaker, Wm. Berner and Luther Mills.

German Baptist.-Upper Fall Creek German Baptist church was organized in 1845 with about twenty-five members. Among the earliest members were the Millers, Hoovers, Snydmans, Van Matres and others. The church and its several branches have over 100 members. The meeting-house, known as the "old meeting house," on Honey Creek, was built about 1850. A branch meeting was started in Middletown in 1882 and a brick meeting-house erected at a cost of $3,000. The present church officers are: George Hoover and Martin Rodecap, Bishops; David Teeter, David Hoover and Joseph Spitzer, Ministers.

Mechanicsburg Church.-The village of Mechanicsburg has but one church, which is free for all denominations, although deeded to the M. E. society. It was built in 1872 at a cost of $3,500. The Methodists and the Seventh Day Adventists have societies. The church is also used occasionally by the Disciples and the Universalists. The people of Mechanicsburg have chosen wisely in building one church for all denominations rather than one for each sect. It is an example worthy of imitation.

Honey Creek U. B. Church.-The first meeting-house at Honey Creek was a log structure, erected by the Methodists many years ago. The organization disbanded and the house was afterward used for occasional preaching by other denominations. The U. B. church was formed during the pastorate of Rev. J. W. Kabrich. A house of worship was erected in 1875 at a cost of $2,000. The principal builders were Sedgwick Tomlinson, Asa Gossett, Asdams Evans and Henry Fadely, assisted by the citizens. The society is now flourishing with a good membership. Present pastor, Rev. DeMundrum.

Union Church.-White Union church, located in the southeastern part of the township, was erected by the Christians (New Light) and the old school Baptists. It is also free for use by any other orthodox denomination. The house, 32 x 40 feet in size, cost $1,000. The first Trustees were Charles Cummins, Jacob Huffman, David T. Cory.

United Brethren.-The U. B. church in Middletown was organized by Rev. Cephas Day, in 1877, with twenty members. Soon after a building, formerly owned by the Methodist Protestant society, was purchased and remodeled into the present church. Jesse Rader was the first Class-leader. The membership is very small at present. Rev. Amos DeMundrum is the present pastor.

Masonic.-The Middletown Lodge, No. 271, F. & A. M., was chartered May 28, 1861. The following names appear on the charter: Geo. H. Ballingall, W. M.; David Davis, S. W.; Seth Rulon, J. W. The lodge has prospered well, and has now thirty-four members. It is in good financial condition. The present officers are: J. H. Welsh, W. M.; W. E. Furley, S. W.; J. W. Gerster, J. W.; Samuel Gephart, Treasurer; I. N. Chenoweth, Secretary.

Mechanicsburg Lodge, No. 392, F. & A. M., was instituted under a dispensation July 11, 1866. The officers and charter members were: N. R. Elliott, W. M.; Lewis G. Greenlee, S. W.; J. M. Thurston, J. W.; John Elliott, John H. Rent, Ross Wilkinson, Imla W. Cooper, George Hasty, Greenberry Farmer, John Swaim, Dr. Joseph Weeks and Thomas Hasty. The lodge was organized under a charter June 26, 1867. Its present membership is thirty-two; assets, $500. The present officers are: N. R. Elliott, W. M.; John Swaim, S. W.; Isaac Cooper, J. W.; J. H. Rent, Secretary; Wm. R. Miller, Treasurer.

Odd Fellows.-Fall Creek Lodge, No. 97, I. O. O. F., of Middletown, was chartered July 17, 1851. The charter members were: Moses H. Parker, Joel L. Murphey, Isaac Grove, Wm. W. Sheldon, Michael Swigart, John D. Fink, Wm. M. Waggoner. The lodge has a large and very well furnished hall. It was dedicated April 22, 1875. The membership is forty. Resources, $3,356. Present officers: J. C. Daniels, N. G.; A. S. Mill, V. G.; W. M. Moore, Treas.; J. W. Farrell, Rec. Sec.; D. Jones, Perm. Sec.

Mechanicsburg Lodge, No. 327, I. O. O. F., was chartered May 19, 1869. The charter members were: Squire Oldinger, Thomas S. Beck, Wm. McCurdy, Daniel Rent, John H. Rent, Martin Pring and Job Ginn. There are about twelve members at present. The financial condition is good, the assets amounting to about $900. The present officers are: Job Ginn, N. G.; Lafe Bell, V. G.; Daniel Rent, Sec.; John Fatrick, Treas.

Grand Army.-George W. Rader Post, No. 119, G. A. R.; was organized at Middletown Dec. 12, 1882, with twenty-eight charter members. The membership is now about eighty. The first Commander was Joseph A. Young. The present officers are David Jones, C.; Thomas Ginn, S. V. C.; John Mundell, J. V. C.; Abraham Hopper, Adjt; I. N. Chenoweth, Q. M.