Albert Link was born in Greensburg, this county, on January 29, 1891, the son of Henry and Elizabeth Link, natives of Germany, the former of whom was born in 1854 and who came to America in 1880, settling in Greensburg, where he engaged in the meat business with Charles Zoller, Sr. He made a success of this business and retired a few years ago, now living in a fine home in the southeastern part of the city. Of the eight children born to Henry and Elizabeth Link, seven are living: Anna; Lizzie, who married Thomas Miller, of Clinton township; Cora, the wife of Roy Privett, of Greensburg; Albert, who is the subject of this sketch; Charles, a traveling salesman, living in Greensburg, and Lewis and George, who live on their father's farm on the outskirts of Greensburg. Albert Link was educated in the public schools of Greensburg, Indiana, and early in life took up the butcher business with his father, in which business he was engaged until his marriage.

In October, 1909, Albert Link was married to Lela May Templeton, daughter of John F. and Elizabeth (Pavy) Templeton, the former of whom was born in Franklin county, Indiana, in 1856, and who is the brother of Nelson M. Templeton, whose biographical sketch, presented elsewhere in this volume, gives the history of the Templeton family. Mr. Templeton lived on the farm for twenty years and today is considered an able and wealthy farmer. In 1915 he enjoyed a trip to the Pacific coast, attending the Panama-Pacific exposition. Mrs. John F. Templeton's family history is presented in the biographical sketch of her father on another page of this volume. Mrs. Albert Link was born on the Templeton homestead, the only child born to her parents. She and her husband have two children, John Henry and Mary Elizabeth.

Albert Link has a herd of twenty-seven thoroughbred Shorthorn cattle, including twenty-two cows, a source of considerable profit. The Link home is situated some distance from the main road and is surrounded by a large lawn, shaded by two rows of fine ever green trees. The approach to the house and lawn consists of a beautiful graveled driveway, leading from the Columbus and Greensburg pike. Large maple and locust trees furnish additional shade and the house is flanked by an orchard on the west. The land, which is level, consists of a rich loam.

Intelligent and keen, Albert Link is one of the leading young farmers of Clay township. Mr. and Mrs. Link are members of the Baptist church. He is identified with the Republican party and the Loyal Order of Moose. Mr. Templeton is also is a Republican and he and his wife are also members of the Baptist church.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Joseph S. Minor was born at Hartsville, in Bartholomew county, Indiana, in 1873, and is the son of John and Mary E. (Burney) Minor, the latter of whom was a native of Decatur county, whose father and mother also were natives of this county. John Minor was a native of New Jersey, who came to Bartholomew county when a young man and settled on a farm near Hartsville. After his marriage to Mary E. Burney, they began life on the farm. At the age of forty years John Minor passed away suddenly, leaving a widow and a family of eight children, of whom Joseph S., the subject of this sketch, was next to the youngest. At the time of his death, John Minor left one hundred and twenty acres of land, rather heavily mortgaged. Mrs. Minor traded this tract in Bartholomew county for one hundred and twenty acres where the town of Burney now stands. This was a master stroke, netting Mrs. Minor a large profit. She was a woman of great business ability and native shrewdness, who not only kept what her husband left, but paid off the indebtedness. As her children became of age she bought and paid for the inherited interest of each of the eight children. After trading for the Clay township farm, Mrs. Mary E. Minor was married, in 1880, to Harrison Davis, and at his death, about eighteen years later, she also purchased the interest of his heirs, who numbered five. She was a member of the Baptist church. Educated in the common schools of Decatur county, Indiana, by extensive home study she kept herself well informed on current topics, and was a subscriber to the best newspapers, periodicals and farm papers. She always displayed an intelligent interest in politics and was able to discuss political affairs as few women of this county. Mrs. Minor died in 1913, at the advanced age of seventy years, retaining her wonderful mental faculties to the last. She was the mother of eight children, namely: James, who lives in the West; Mrs. Jennie Hansell, deceased; Milton, who lives in Burney, this county; Mrs. Minerva Cummins, a resident of Hartsville; William B., who lives south of Burney; Taylor, a resident of Richmond, Indiana; Joseph S., the subject of this sketch, and Esta, who died when a child.

At the age of nineteen years Joseph S. Minor left home to study telegraphy and railroad work. For a year he was clerk in a general store in Burney. At the age of twenty-one he was married to Fannie Pumphey, daughter of William Pumphrey, Sr., whose family history is contained elsewhere in this volume. For twenty years Mr. Minor has been the railroad agent at Burney.

Joseph S. Minor is a Progressive in politics and is one of the substantial citizens of Clay township. He is recognized as a man who is alert to every possibility of making money and aside from his railroad work and agricultural interests owns a considerable amount of gilt-edge stocks. Practically everything he has today he has made himself, though no doubt he inherited his mother's keen business ability. Mrs. Minor is an active member of the Methodist Episcopal church. She and her husband believe in getting all out of life that is possible. They have an automobile and enjoy practically all of the luxuries and conveniences available to people of this section.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Born on April 29, 1854, in Adams township, Josiah Warren Robertson was reared in that township. The old homestead is within sight of his present home and is located on the adjoining farm. His parents, Oliver P. and Mary A. (Davis) Robertson, were early settlers in Adams township, the former having been born in Lawrenceburg, Dearborn county, Indiana, on August 1, 1825, the son of John and Ruth (Ridlen) Robertson, natives of Maryland and early settlers in Dearborn county. After coming to Adams township in 1829, the family became very prosperous, and there, for nearly a century, the Robertson family has been recognized as one of the leading factors in the agricultural life of the community. Mary A. Davis, the second wife of Oliver P. Robertson, was born on June 15, 1833, the daughter of John W. and Sarah (Forsythe) Davis, natives of New Jersey, who came to Decatur county about 1830, settling in Adams township. Mrs. Mary A. Robertson died on May 25, 1907. She was the mother of seven children, all of whom are living, namely: Josiah M., the subject of this sketch; J. Frank and Will, both of whom live in Adams township; Charles, who lives at Acton, in Marion county, this state; Edward, who lives in Adams township; Lydia, who is the wife of Elmer Shelhorn, and Ruth, who is housekeeper for her two brothers, Josiah W. and Edward.

Oliver P. Robertson was first married to Nancy Edrington, who was born in 1831 and who died in June, 1852. She was the daughter of Hiram and Rhoda Edrington, natives of Kentucky and pioneer settlers in Adams township. After coming to this township, they cleared the land, built a log house and later erected a large brick house, now owned by E. Shellhorn. Oliver P. and Nancy Robertson had two children, Louisa L., who is deceased, and Lafayette, a farmer of Adams township, this county. At the time of his death, in 1907, Oliver P. Robertson owned one hundred and sixty acres of land, which is now known as the old Robertson homestead and which is owned jointly by his daughters, Lydia and Ruth. Josiah W. Robertson has lived in his present home since 1901, moving to this farm from the old home place.

Mr. Robertson is a Progressive in politics, but has never taken an active interest in political matters. He is a man of generous and humane impulses and is popular in his neighborhood because of his many good works, his cordial relations with the citizens of his home township and his upright, honorable dealings with the public. He lives in a large brick house situated on his farm of three hundred and six acres and is engaged in general farming and stock raising. He is one of the most extensive stockmen of this township, his annual output of the farm being two carloads of hogs and two carloads of cattle. Mr. Robertson is accustomed to buy live stock for feeding purposes in the city market and, after they are fed out on the farm, are sold to the packing houses in the city.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

James Wesley Turner was born in Dearborn county, Indiana, on August 11, 1857, the son of Rev. Isaac and Alice (Kenyon) Turner, to whom but two children were born, the other having been Alice, the wife of Rev. M. A. Farr, who died at Shelbyville, this state. Rev. Isaac Turner was born in England in 1830, and was educated in his native country. Studying for the ministry, he became identified with the Wesleyan Methodist church, in which he attained considerable prominence as a preacher. In 1854 he came to America and located in Dearborn county, where he continued his ministerial labors. He preached throughout southern Indiana, his circuit being a very large one, embracing the territory from Brookville to Napoleon. In that early day traveling facilities were very poor in this section of the state, and Isaac Turner made most of his journeys on horseback. He lived for many years at Smyrna, this county, where he presided over a large circuit, but in later years located in North Madison, where his death occurred in 1905. As one of the pioneer preachers of his section of the state he exerted a large and beneficent influence on the side of morality and higher living, and his name is revered by many who knew him in his active years. His wife, Alice Kenyon, also a native of England, was a member of the Kenyon family noted for its scholarly attainments. Her father, James Kenyon, was a man of much learning and served for many years as a tutor in families of the nobility.

James Wesley Turner received his elementary education in the common schools, and then became a student in Moore's Hill College, where he received the degree of Master of Arts in 1880. Subsequently, in 1905, his alma mater conferred upon him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. Rev. J. W. Turner entered the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal church in 1877, his first charge being that of the Arlington circuit, which he filled for a short time. Entering then upon the regular itinerary, he was first appointed to the Milroy circuit, later serving one year at Laurel, three years at Irvington, a suburb of Indianapolis, three years at Edinburg, four years at Madison, and then was transferred to the Trinity church at Louisville, Kentucky, where he remained five years. From Louisville he went to the Trinity church at Evansville, Indiana, and four years later was appointed presiding elder of the Evansville district, in which position he served with eminent ability and success for five years. During the following two years he accepted nominal appointments and at the end of that period accepted the pastorate of Rushville church, where he remained for two years. Because of failing health, Reverend Turner felt the necessity of withdrawing from active labors for a time, and, locating in Clinton township, this county, he is living there with his family on a farm of two hundred and sixty-seven acres, comprising their present estate. There Mr. Turner built a splendid house, beautifully located on a hill commanding a magnificent view of the surrounding country, and there he is spending his days in quiet enjoyment of the fine library which he owns, valued at about nine thousand dollars and considered one of the best private collections of books in the state of Indiana. A special room was built in the house for the care of these books. Mr. Turner's farm comprises a magnificent tract of land which is in a high state of cultivation and which is operated by his sons, Harry D. and James W., Jr. The place is well improved and is numbered among the most productive farms in the locality.

Doctor Turner has been a life-long Republican and has given earnest heed to the welfare of his community in the casting of his ballot. Fraternally, he is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons, belonging to the commandery of the Knights Templar at Evansville. A well-educated man, broad-minded and liberal in his thought and attitude toward the great questions of the day, Mr. Turner has long been recognized as a man of superior qualifications and attainments and for a number of years has been a popular lecturer, among his lectures being the following: "Three Indices of the Infinite," "True Intelligence and its Practical Manifestations," "Wasted Forces," and "Philosophy and Christianity."

On July 29, 1880, Rev. James Wesley Turner was united in marriage to Lizzie Woodfill, who was born in Greensburg, the daughter of William S. and Sarah (Talbott) Woodfill, who were for years among the most prominent residents and influential citizens of Decatur county, Mrs. Turner's Grandmother Hendricks having been given the privilege of naming the town of Greenburg. W. S. Woodfill was born in Owen county, Kentucky, November 16, 1825, the son of Gabriel and Eleanor (Pullam) Woodfill, of Welsh and English extraction, respectively. The Woodfill family was established in Pennsylvania in early colonial days. Rev. Gabriel Woodfill, the great-grandfather of William S., emigrated from Pennsylvania to Kentucky in an early day in the settlement of the latter state, locating in Shelby county, thence moving to Jefferson county, Indiana, where he spent the remainder of his life. He was a minister of the Gospel, a pioneer in the Methodism of Kentucky and Indiana, and a man of large influence. His son, Andrew, the grandfather of William S. Woodfill, was born in Pennsylvania, but spent most of his life in the neighborhood of Madison, Indiana. He married a Mitchell, and to that union were born twelve children, among whom was Gabriel, the father of William S. William S. Woodfill was educated in the schools of Greensburg, and in 1825 became a partner with his father in a general store at Greensburg. In January, 1863, the father retired from active business, and William took into the firm two brothers, John and James, the business being conducted under the firm name of Woodfill Brothers. Various changes later were made in the co-partnership, and the firm was conducted under various names, but always by a member of the family, being now under the individual management of W. W. Woodfill. In 1875 William S. Woodfill organized the Greensburg Gas and Electric Company, of which he was president at the time of his death. He also owned various commercial and industrial interests and four valuable farms in this county. He was a faithful Methodist in his religion, and an earnest Republican in his political views, while his fraternal membership was with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. To him and his wife were born four children, namely: Lizzie, wife of the subject of this sketch; William Wirt, a Greensburg merchant; Harry Talbot, superintendent of the Greensburg gas and electric plant, and Web. The mother of these children died on October 31, 1898.

To Rev. J. W. and Lizzie (Woodfill) Turner have been born the following children: Rollin A., an attorney in Greensburg; Sarah, wife of Lewis Uhl, a pottery manufacturer in Huntingburg, Indiana, and who has three children, Alice, Robert and Hannah; Lieut. William W., U. S. N., a graduate of the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, now a professor of electricity in the academy; Harry D. and James W., successful farmers; Rachel K., a graduate of the Greensburg high school of the class of 1915, and Web W., who is attending the Sandusky centralized school.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Henry Mozingo was born on a farm four miles south of Greensburg on December 25, 1871, the son of James and Lydia (Caseldine) Mozingo, natives of Decatur county, the former of whom was born in 1841, and died in May, 1913, and the latter of whom was born in 1853. James Mozingo was the son of Henry Mozingo, a native of Kentucky, who walked from Kentucky to Indiana in 1832 and entered land in Marion township, this county, where he built a log cabin. Later he returned to his native state and bought back with him his mother and the family. His mother lived to be one hundred and four years old. The older Henry Mozingo, who was born in 1809, died in 1888. He was a great admirer of Abraham Lincoln, and an ardent member of the Republican party. His wife, Elizabeth Mozingo, died in 1905. Of their twelve children, only five are living, Mrs. Mary Riley and Mrs. Eliza Clemons, of Greensburg; Mrs. Nancy Tremain, of Columbia, Missouri; Mrs. Belle Marlow, of Missouri, and Mrs. Edna Beagle, of near Westport, this county.

James Mozingo, the father of Henry Mozingo, resided for a long time on the farm entered by his father, but in 1888 purchased a farm in Marion township, on which he spent the rest of his life. He was a progressive Republican in politics and was a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. All of the nine children born to James and Lydia (Caseldine) Mozingo are living. In the order of their birth they are as follow: Henry, the subject of this sketch; Mrs. Minnie Skinner, who lives near the Mt. Pleasant church; Mrs. Carrie Tumilty, who lives near Greensburg; Ed, who lives near Mt. Pleasant; Everett and May (twins), both of whom live on the home place; Mrs. Nona Cheek, who lives at Harris City; Mrs. Bessie Stoneking, of Osgood, and Clarence, who lives at home. May and Everett, twins. Mrs. James Mozingo is still living at her home on the old farm.

Educated in the Hazelrigg district school, where he received only a limited education, Henry Alozingo was able to supplement the education he received at that time by assistance from his good wife, now deceased, who was a teacher for five years in Jennings and Decatur counties. On February 28, 1900, Henry Mozingo was married to Ada Holcomb, a well-known teacher in the public schools of Decatur county, who was born on a farm four miles east of Westport, the daughter of D. W. and Mary Holcomb, old residents of Decatur county. To that union six children were born, Grace, Arthur, Vernon, Ernest, Frank and Helen. The mother of these children died on December 20, 1914.

A Progressive in politics, and an ardent admirer of Colonel Roosevelt and former Senator Beveridge, Mr. Mozingo was elected township trustee on the Progressive ticket in the fall of 1914, succeeding Ed Meek to that office. Fraternally, he is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Free and Accepted Masons, and the Knights of Pythias and has filled all of the chairs in the Odd Fellows lodge. Mr. Mozingo is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church, as was his wife, and their children have been reared in that faith.

Not the least of Henry Mozingo's achievements is the breeding of fine hogs, cattle, horses and mules on his farm of three hundred and seventy-five acres in Clinton township. While his fame as a farmer may be attributed to his success with corn, ordinarily he keeps one hundred head of cattle, and more than that many hogs on the farm. He also has at the present time eighty-two head of horses and mules, and always keeps from fifty to seventy-five head. The extensive scale upon which Mr. Mozingo carries on farming in this county clearly entitles him to foremost rank as a scientific farmer.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

William Draping, father of the subject of this sketch, was born on June 3, 1838, and died on April 20, 1911. His wife, Mary Tresler, was born on January 28, 1849, and died on March 26, 1902. William Draping was born in Germany and came to America about 1865, settling in Marion township, this county, where he eventually bought the place now owned by his sons. At the time of purchase, the place was all in woods, and with the assistance of his sons, it was soon put in a tillable condition. Before marriage, Mr. Draping worked at various points, following the trades of stave-maker and cooper. To this couple were born seven children, Frank W., Regina, Henry, George, Albert, Frederick and Lizzie. Frank W. is a farmer in Marion township. Regina died when six years of age. George was born on July 16, 1876. He and his brother, Henry, have been in charge of the home farm about twelve years. Albert and Frederick are dead. Lizzie married a Mr. Fonseth, of Marion township, and died on May 30, 1912.

William Draping's father was born in Germany and at the age of fourteen came to America, landing at New Orleans, going to Cincinnati. He learned both the cooper and tailor trades, and once operated a tailor shop in Cincinnati, in partnership with his brother, August. In 1861, he moved to Ripley county, Indiana, and on March 26, 1868, came to Decatur county and went to farming. His wife was Mary Anna Trisler.

In March, 1904, Henry Draping was united in marriage to Clara Oetjen, of Napoleon, Indiana, who was born on October 12, 1882, in Napoleon, a daughter of Henry and Mary (Brandt) Oetjen, natives of Hanover, Germany and Napoleon, respectively. The former, a tailor by trade, who came to America at the age of fourteen years, died in 1895. To Henry and Clara (Oetjen) Draping have been born four children, namely: Alvena, born on April 6, 1905; Walter, December 15, 1907; Elmer, January 16, 1911, and Herbert, February 9, 1913.

Mr. and Mrs. Draping are members of the Lutheran church and their children are being reared in that faith. Mr. Draping is a Democrat and takes a good citizen's part in the political affairs of the county, and is one of the best-known men in that part of the county. He served as one of the jurymen in the celebrated Beogle murder trial.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

The late Alexander Hillis, a one time well-known farmer of Marion township, this county, was born on August 2, 1831, a son of John and Ann (Hazelrigg) Hillis. He died on June 15, 1910, at the old Hillis home, south of Greensburg, where he owned one hundred and twenty acres of land. He was an industrious, energetic man, and a kind husband and father.

John Hillis was a native of Kentucky. His wife, Ann, who was born on May 23, 1811, was a daughter of Alese and Kitty Hazelrigg. The Hillis family came to Decatur county in 1830, in which year John Hillis entered a tract of land, where the Hillis home now stands. He was a very intelligent and able man and traded and bought until he had a fine farm of over four hundred acres, becoming a wealthy man in an honest, straightforward way. John and Ann Hillis were the parents of eight children, namely: Alexander, the subject of this sketch; Martha Ann, now deceased, who married Marcellus Wright; Sarah Catherine, born on February 2, 1837, now deceased, who married William Carper; Mrs. Margaret Jane Foley, a widow, living at Greensburg, this county; William Wallace, born on January 27, 1840, who died at the age of ten years; Sophronia, born in 1848, died at the age of nineteen years; Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Christy, now deceased, born on March 15, 1845, and Mrs. Nancy Miranda Cobb, January 18, 1848.

Alexander Hillis was married to Elizabeth McCullough, who was born on February 22, 1832, in Ripley county, a daughter of William and Drusilla (Morgan) McCullough, of Kentucky. Drusilla Morgan was born at Morgan's Station, Kentucky, a daughter of John Morgan, founder of Morgan's Station. The McCulloughs came to Decatur county in 1833 and later in that year settled in Ripley county, where William McCullough opened a country store. He spent the rest of his life there and was buried at Cross Plains.

To Alexander and Elizabeth (McCullough) Hillis were born the following children: Morgan A., born in 1854, was accidentally killed in 1898; John W., February 12, 1858, died on August 19, 1884; Frank O., April 20, 1866, who lives in Milroy, where he operates a machine shop, married Flora Doles and has three children, Loren, Elizabeth and Thomas; Lizzie, November 27, 1866, is now deceased; Clara, a skilled music teacher, who was educated in the Conservatory of Music at Indianapolis, has large classes at Milroy and Westport, and Hetty, who lives at home.

Mr. Hillis was a devoted and consistent member of the Christian church, as is his widow, and their children were reared in that faith, growing up to be useful members of the community. Mr. Hillis was a Republican and ever gave his attention to all matters of good government. He was a good citizen and a generous neighbor, being held in the highest regard throughout the community in which he so long had made his home, and was sincerely mourned by many at his passing.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Jephtha Layton was born in Kentucky on July 25, 1823, and died near Madison, Indiana, on August 1, 1891. He was the son of John and Mary Layton, natives of Kentucky, the former of whom was of English parentage. About 1830 John Layton came to Decatur county and here settled on a farm south of Greensburg, which is now owned by Green B. Barnes. At that time Jephtha Layton was only seven years old. He continued to live at home with his parents, assisting his father in the work on the farm, until his marriage in 1852 to Susan McLaughlin, who was born on October 20, 1827, and who, left an orphan at a tender age, was reared by friends of her parents' family. She died on August 7, 1890, a little less than one year before the death of her husband, the subject of this sketch.

In 1855 Jephtha Layton formed a partnership with his brother, James, and they established the old Layton mill at Slabtown, on the Greensburg & Layton's Mill turnpike, where they did an extensive business in hard lumber and especially in the manufacture of shingles, the mill being a lumber station for a large expanse of territory. After the death of his father, in 1891, Frank Layton took up the work of this mill and is still continuing its operation. In 1880 Jephtha Layton erected a large brick house, manufacturing his own brick, on the farm. Jephtha and James Layton built this house. John and Cyrus Layton were associated with their brothers for some time, but they died soon after the venture was started. In 1870 Jephtha and James Layton dissolved partnership.

To Jephtha and Susan (McLaughlin) Layton were born six children, namely: Avarilla, who married Obadiah Martin, of Marion township, lives on part of the old farm and has two children, Zola, a teacher in the public schools of Marion township, and Ottis, a farmer; Nancy Ann, who died at the age of sixteen years; Mary, who is at home; Frank, who is a farmer, well-driller and saw-mill operator of Marion township; John, who died in the West, and Florence, who also is at home. Florence and Mary own one hundred acres of land, which their brother, Frank, for the most part cultivates, but part of the land is rented out to others. As above stated, Jephtha Layton died in 1891. Five years later his brother, James, with whom he had been associated for many years in business, died in the large frame house which he had built in Slabtown, in 1896. Jephtha and James Layton were among the younger children of a large family born to John and Mary Layton. The others were: Mrs. Emily Fletcher, Allen, John and Mrs. Mary Downey (twins), Mrs. Harriett McConnell, Mrs. Matilda Ransted, Mrs. Betsy Bonderant, John and Cyrus.

As men who did real constructive work in the material development and upbuilding of Decatur county, it would be difficult to find anyone who would pass the Layton brothers. It might be said with some truth that, had they not operated a saw-mill in that part of the county, some one else would have done so. Nevertheless, the fact remains that they possessed the foresight to erect a mill and that their estimates of the commercial possibilities of such an enterprise were pre-eminently correct. The Layton family will go down in the history of this county as one which contributed very largely to its material advancement.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Although James Cline was born in a pioneer log cabin, his father subsequently built another house, and it was there that he was reared. Fishing and hunting were good in those days, and the life of a country lad offered more wholesome if not greater diversion than it does today. James Cline was one of three children born to his parents. The other two, who were elder, were Mrs. Katie Smith, of Napoleon, Ripley county, whose husband is cashier of the Napoleon bank, and Anna, a member of the Sisters of Charity, who died in 1909.

Educated in the common schools of Marion township, and in the normal at New Marion, James Cline taught school for twenty-two years and six months, beginning at the age of twenty-two years, and performing all of this service in Marion township. In the meantime he purchased a farm in Marion township, and, after improving it, sold it in 1898 and removed to Greensburg, where he began the study of law. Finding the law distasteful, he returned to the farm in 1900, having purchased his present farm of eighty acres at Slabtown, in Marion township. This farm was badly run down, but Mr. Cline has since erected a fine house and other buildings and has the farm well fenced and well drained. It is regarded as one of the best country homes on the Michigan road, and is located six miles southeast of Greensburg, and six miles from Napoleon.

Interested in politics from the time of his boyhood, Mr. Cline served on the Democratic county central committee and as township committeeman for Marion township. He has also attended several Democratic state conventions, and is well acquainted with the Democratic leaders in the state of Indiana. In the fall of 1914, having received the nomination for county assessor, he was triumphantly elected to a four-year term, and is now serving in this office.

On April 27, 1893, James Cline was married to Margaret Foley, who was born in Salt Creek township in June, 1865, daughter of Michael Foley, and who died on February 20, 1898. To this union three children were born, one of whom died in infancy. The two living children are Mary, who is her father's housekeeper, and Anna, who was graduated from the Academy of the Immaculate Conception at Oldenburg, Indiana, on June 17, 1915, having completed a four-years' course.

A member of the Greensburg Catholic church, James Cline is also a charter member of the Knights of Columbus at Greensburg, and has been prominent in that organization since the Greensburg lodge was instituted. The deep and active interest which Mr. Cline has always taken in the councils of the Democratic party in Decatur county has not prevented him from looking carefully after the interests of his home, his family and his farm. Without any qualifications or modifications, it must be conceded that he has performed every duty which devolves upon a citizen of this great country. Loyal to his home, his neighborhood, his county and to his state, he has a host of friends, men who are attached to him by the warmest ties of personal relation, and who hold him in the highest regard.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Joseph Moenkedick was born at Cincinnati, Ohio, on July 11, 1859, a son of Henry and Catharine Moenkedick. Henry Moenkedick was born in Germany in 1818, and came to America in 1857, settling in Decatur county, where he bought a farm in 1865. He lived in a log cabin, which is still standing, and where his son Joseph, the subject of this sketch, spent his childhood. Henry Moenkedick, in old age, moved to Millhousen, where his last days were spent, his death occurring in 1890. By his first wife, he had two children, Mrs. Theresa Herbert, of Ripley county, Indiana, and Joseph. Henry Moenkedick's second wife was a widow, Mrs. Moller, to which union there was no issue.

At the age of fourteen years Joseph Moenkedick started in to earn his living, receiving at first but five dollars a month, which wage gradually was increased until he was receiving twenty dollars a month, and eventually he earned enough to pay one thousand six hundred dollars down on a farm costing him three thousand two hundred dollars, the balance to be paid in eight years. He now has a well-improved farm, on which he has spent about nine thousand dollars in improvements. Mr. Moenkedick's farm covers one hundred and twenty acres of very productive, level land, located a quarter of a mile from the pike road, on which he has a substantial brick dwelling. He raises from fifteen to eighteen head of cattle and from twenty-five to forty hogs annually.

On April 19, 1893, Joseph Moenkedick was united in marriage to Anna May Hessler, who was born on August 26, 1866, at Millhousen, this county, a daughter of Adam J. and Katharine (Stahl) Hessler, to which union the following children have been born: Theresa, Louis, Catharine, Henry, William and Joseph, all of whom are at home save Catherine, who is living in Greensburg. Mrs. Moenkedick's father, Adam J. Hessler, was born in 1840, and died in March, 1903. He was a native of Millhousen, a son of John Hessler, and his wife was a native of Germany. Adam J. Hessler was a farmer all his life. His father, John Hessler, a native of Germany, was the first shoemaker in Millhousen. Mr. and Mrs. Moenkedick are members of St. Mary's Catholic church at Greensburg and their children have been reared in that faith. Mr. Moenkedick is a Republican and is warmly interested in the county's political affairs, being an earnest supporter of all measures designed to advance the public welfare.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Willard A. Miers was born on the old homestead, which he now owns, in 1858, the son of Thomas S. and Mahala (Braden) Miers. Thomas S. Miers was born in Ohio, and came to Decatur county when seven or eight years old with his father, Thomas Miers, who was one of the early settlers of Decatur county, and who died a short time after settling in Clay township. Thomas S. Miers was one of the most successful farmers of Decatur county, having accumulated at the time of his death six hundred acres of land. Most of his money he made out of hogs and corn.

Willard A. Miers started life for himself when about twenty-one years old. He has been a very successful farmer and stockman, and especially successful with horses and mules. He bred and trained "Little Snapp," which at three years old held the world's record for geldings of that age and continued to hold the record for three successive years. Mr. Miers has bred and raised several other horses, which while not holding world's records, nevertheless have distinguished themselves for speed. He is still actively engaged in operating his farm and is still as enthusiastic as a youngster in regard to his horses. He trains and educates his own animals. He has now a four year-old filly in whose veins runs the blood of Allen Winters, and Allen Winters won the fifty-thousand-dollar Derby, which to horse lovers is the big event of the grand circuit. He is a true lover of the sport of kings and never intends to give it up, declaring the chances for him are too good to quit. He is one of the well-to-do farmers of Decatur county, but his heart is in and with his horses.

Mr. Miers also handles jacks, mules, cattle and hogs. He has been handling jacks ever since he started in business, and all of his animals were bred and raised by himself. His two oldest jacks are two of the best-boned and largest animals in the middle West. His fees are one-third greater than the average fee, yet, despite this, he enjoys a large patronage. He also has six jennets and breeds and sells these animals for the market. He raises three or four jacks every year, and these animals bring on an average from twelve hundred to fifteen hundred dollars per head. It can readily be seen that some of the profits of the farm come from the jacks, jennets and mules. Jennets ordinarily bring from five hundred to eight hundred dollars. Not every man who has engaged in this business has made a success of it, but Mr. Miers is one of those men who has succeeded in a large measure. He employs two men the year round and several additional men during the busy season.

In 1895 Willard A. Miers was married to Lilly Johnson, the daughter of John and Sally (Jones) Johnson, members of an old family in Decatur county, now living retired at Burney, Indiana. To this union three children have been born, Braden Johnson, Bessie and Alice Nevada. Mr. and Mrs. Miers are members of the Methodist church at Burney and their children have been reared in that faith. The Miers home is situated in Burney on twenty acres of land at the south edge of town. The stock farm and race track are situated about a quarter of a mile south of town. Mr. Miers is devoted to his business and personally attends to all the details of managing every department of the farm.

Mr. Miers is a Democrat, although not greatly interested in politics. For many years he has been a member of the Masonic lodge at Milford. He is possessed naturally of a genial disposition, which has been no small factor in his large success. Ten years of his life were spent in Greensburg, and Mr. Miers is quite as well known there as he is in Clay township. There is an old saying that every man has his own trade. The truth of this saying is generally accepted, and, assuming that it is correct, no one will doubt that Willard A. Miers has found the business of life not only that which he likes best, but the one in which he could have been most successful.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

At the outbreak of the Civil War Watson Bostic was a lad of only fifteen or sixteen. In the winter of 1863 and 1864 he joined the One Hundred and Twenty-third Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, which was organized in Greensburg, and served until the end of the war, attached to the Twenty-third Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. Mr. Bostic fought at the battles of Nashville and Franklin. At Nashville, he was stricken down with measles and disabled for service, losing the use of his voice and suffering other disabilities from which he has never wholly recovered. He was discharged from the service in June, 1865. At the end of the war Mr. Bostic came back to Decatur county, and worked on a farm for some time. Subsequently he emigrated to Adams county, Illinois, and after being there for a year or two returned to Decatur county.

On August 27, 1868, Watson Bostic was married to Debby Reeves, who was born on May 7, 1850, the daughter of N. G. and Jane Reeves, the former of whom came to Indiana from Ohio, and the latter of whom came here from North Carolina. To this union four children were born, namely: Jennie, who married T. C. Goff, of Greensburg, now living at Milford, and has two sons, Lloyd Gallentine and Artie, who live with their grandfather; Rillie, who married M. B. Chambers, a well-known farmer, living on the Vernon road in Clay township and has four children, Watson, Flossie, Hilda and Cecile Anna; Charles Ora, who died in 1890, and Mrs. Nora Barnes, widow of George Barnes, now lives at home with her father. The mother of these children died on September 15, 1914.

Mrs. Watson Bostic's mother was the daughter of William Craig, a weaver of coverlids, who lived in this county. The Bostic family has in its possession a coverlid woven in 1844, and in perfect condition. They also have a pair of tongs made by Mrs. Bostic's great-great-grandfather, who was a blacksmith by trade.

In 1884 Mr. Bostic purchased ninety-six acres of land and has added to this tract until he now owns two hundred and fifty acres, situated two miles from Milford and two miles from Burney on the Vernon road and in a very fertile section of Clay township. He has always been an industrious farmer and a hard worker. In 1904 he purchased the tract upon which he now lives, and more land in 1910 and now owns, in all, two hundred and fifty acres. The soil originally grew sugar trees, poplars and walnut. Mr. Bostic has made every dollar he has by his own hard work. A good deal of his money has been made by raising and feeding hogs.

In the community where he lives Bostic is known as a dyed-in-the-wool Republican. He has always been greatly interested in politics and is regarded as one of the leaders of his party in Clay township, having been on the firing line in most of the campaigns. He is a man of liberal views, conscientious and sincere, who inspires confidence in his fellows. For nearly forty years he has been a member of the Masonic lodge at Milford and is a member of the Greensburg post of the Grand Army of the Republic. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal church and Mr. Bostic has always taken a prominent part in local religious work. In fairly good health, he is of an optimistic turn of mind and is considered one of the substantial citizens of Decatur county.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.

Dr. Cecil G. Harrod, of Burney, is the scion of two very old families in America. Born in 1884, he is the son of Charles Fremont and Olive (Gardner) Harrod, natives of Scott county, Indiana. Charles Fremont Harrod, who is now fifty-eight years old, and who was born in Scott county, lives on a farm and is a successful and well-known school teacher, who follows this profession because of his native love of the work. He is well and favorably known in Scott county. He was named for John C. Fremont, the first candidate of the Republican party for the Presidency, and is a stanch Republican.

Doctor Harrod's mother, who before her marriage was Olive Gardner, and is now fifty-six years old, is the daughter of James Gardner, a prominent citizen of Scott county, who was honored by the people of that county, by election to several different positions of trust and responsibility. The Gardners originally came to Indiana from Virginia, and an ancestor of Doctor Harrod's mother came over to America in the "Mayflower." The family is, of course, of English origin.

The Harrod family came to Indiana from Kentucky, having previously emigrated to the latter state from Virginia. It was the great grandfather of Charles Fremont Harrod, who entered the land which the latter now owns in Scott county. This family also is of English origin. The Harrod family is one of professional men, nearly all of the male members having been lawyers or physicians. Former Judge Willard New of the Indiana appellate court, who is now a practicing lawyer in Indianapolis, is a cousin of Doctor Harrod.

In 1911 Dr. C. G. Harrod, of Burney, this county, was graduated from the medical department of the University of Louisville, a medical school well known throughout the Middle West for the high standard of its instruction. Immediately after his graduation, Doctor Harrod located in Burney and began the practice of his profession. His practice has grown from year to year until he now enjoys probably as large a practice as any physician in Decatur county. Indeed, he is the busiest man in Clay township and his books show that in a single day, he made twenty-nine professional calls. He never wastes a minute of time to reach a case. He believes in giving to each case his greatest skill, energy and talent. In his home township, where he is so well known, he is regarded as a human dynamo and no man is more popular with the people of Clay township. He is a man of most kindly impulses, broad and liberal in his views and generous by nature and he occupies a firm place in the hearts of the people of the neighborhood covered by his practice.

"History of Decatur County, Indiana"
Lewis A. Harding
B. F. Bowen & Co.
Indianapolis, Indiana
published in 1915.