Transcription contributed by Martie Callihan 27 February 2005

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SAYLES WALLING, son of Arca and Lavica Walling, was born near Providence, R. I, Jan. 12, 1808. He was reared on a farm, his father owning 150 acres. He was married, at the age of 22 years, to Elizabeth H., daughter of Allen and Roby Thayer, born near Providence Aug. 6, 1809; they had six children, three living—Ora A., Alvin and Reuben, all married and in business. Mr. Walling came here in 1830, in quite poor circumstances, and worked at laboring work several years, then bought one-half interest in a coopering establishment south of town, which was run by water-power; at the end of two or three years, he engaged in the butchering business with William Corwin, Sr.; they supplied the town with meat several years. In 1869, he went to Dayton and engaged with his son in the manufacture of iron fence railing eleven years, and then returned to Franklin, where he now leads a retired life; he owns two houses and lots on River street, in south part of the town; himself and son own one tenement house in Dayton, on Hermann street. He has been a member of the Odd Fellows about forty years. His three sons were in the army of the rebellion; Ora was in the 100-days' service; Alvin P. and Reuben enlisted in the three-months' service, after which Reuben served three years.