Joseph Foxworthy was a farmer and livestock producer born in Kentucky, who moved to Johnson County, Indiana, at the age of nineteen. In 1844 he married Mary N. Hargin, who was also a Kentucky native. In 1854 Joseph and Maria, along with her parents, George and Rachel Hibbs Hargin, emigrated from Kentucky to Mills County where Mary's brother Daniel was operating a log cabin inn in White Cloud Township. The Foxworthys settled first in Coonville and then moved on to Peaceville. In section 5 of White Cloud Township, they purchased 200 acres about a mile south of Malvern on the Silver Creek bottom with plenty of timber and a fine orchard. There they lived for 54 years.
Soon after arrival Joseph built a saw mill on Silver Creek which prepared lumber for several of the houses in the neighborhood. Mr. Foxworthy was instrumental in locating many of the roads and the building of bridges in the Malvern area. Joseph and Mary had 14 children, eleven of whom lived to adulthood.
Joseph was one of the early promoters of growth in Mills County. In 1873 he was one of the three prime movers to form the Mills County Central Agricultural and Mechanical Association. Its origin was the result of a strong public opinion that the interests of the farming community could best be served centrally. A large stock company was organized with shares sold at five dollars each. The proceeds from the sale of stocks were used to purchase grounds and erect buildings. Twenty-eight acres in section 32 were purchased at the geographical center of Mills County. Mr. Foxworthy was a breeder of thoroughbred swine and also raised fine poultry.
Joseph sold land to District 21 for the brick schoolhouse which became known as Foxworthy School. Its cost was $3,169.50. F. H. Hannah, the first teacher, was paid $55 a month.
In 1908, in his later years, Joseph moved into Malvern where he died at his home in 1911. His obituary in the Malvern newspaper described him as "a kind, affectionate husband and indulgent father; a good neighbor and friend to the friendless; a law-abiding citizen who lived by the Golden Rule. Uncle Joe, another old pioneer, has gone from Mills County."
Joseph Foxworthy's funeral service was held in the home, which was common in those days.