New Vernon Village is the only one in [New Vernon] township. It was at one time called Middleton, but afterward New Vernon. It is quite an old town, and looks much older than it really is. The houses, which are in nearly every instance unpainted frames, appear to have been erected years ago. The village sustains two stores, kept by David McElwain and J. N. McCutcheon, and a blacksmith shop, operated by T. J. Osborn. There is a lodge of the K. and L. of H., in a flourishing condition.

History of Mercer County, 1888, page 560

The [Fairfield Presbyterian] church  became a central point in that vicinity and was called Middleton and later took the name New Vernon. Here was established a postoffice with the title of Sandy Creek in July, 1837, being changed to New Vernon in 1851, a name it retained until the office was discontinued several years since. John M. Montgomery was the first postmaster.  

A grist mill built by Lincoln Axtell, son of Daniel, was the first industrial enterprise of the township. The milling business has declined in recent years, but New Vernon is still a fine agricultural community.   

Twentieth Century History of Mercer County, 1909, pages 163-164

Landowners in and near New Vernon village, from the 1873 Combined Atlas of Mercer County:

H. Robison, P. Burnett, T. Carnahan, J. K. Ross, S. Condit, L. Franklin, W. L. Gould, E. Smith, T. Galey, McCormick's heirs, S. Hill, J. Gallagher, W. Gahlen, L. J. Gill, Mrs. M. Montgomery, A. Montgomery, J. McCutcheon, I. Scofield, Jeff Strite, and C. Stewart.