Joshua S. Alley
One of the progressive citizens of Noble Township, Shelby County, is Joshua S. Alley, a native of Decatur county, this state, where he was born April 15, 1853, the son of Samuel B. and Nancy (Selby) Alley. Samuel B. Alley was born in Franklin county, Indiana, January 6, 1819, the son of Cyrus Alley, who was born April 17, 1791, in Virginia; his wife Charity (Osborn) Alley, was born September 14, 1792. Samuel B. Alley and Nancy Selby married December 18, 1840, and to them the following children were born: Daniel, September 14, 1842; Mary E., March 13, 1845; Charity M., January 20, 1847; Phoebe, November 9, 1848; Hiram O., August 20, 1850; Cyrus and Joshua S. (twins), April 15, 1853; America and Cora (twins), August 27, 1857; Elizabeth, October 26, 1860; Ida May, February 9, 1863; Jonathan L., September 27, 1865. Samuel B. Alley died September 21, 1892 and his wife passed away February 28, 1884. It was in the year 1825 that Samuel B. Alley came from Franklin county, Indiana, to Decatur County, this state, being then six years of age. Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Alley, grandparents of the subject of this sketch were the parents of the following children: Joab W., August 23, 1813; Phoebe, August 10, 1815; Daniel N., April 3, 1817; Samuel B., January 6, 1819; Henry L., January 22, 1821; Doddridge, August 22, 1823; Thirsa, December 22, 1824; Lorenzo D., March 18, 1827; Jonathan, April 15, 1829; Ruth, July 25, 1831; Mary, June 22, 1834; Crysy A., May 28, 1838.
Samuel B. Alley entered land in Decatur County, locating in Clay Township section 6, 10 north, and range 8 east - a one hundred sixty-acre tract. He cleared and improved this land and as he prospered he was able to add to it until he had a farm of two hundred twenty-two acres, of which amount Joshua S. Alley now owns one hundred sixty-three acres. Samuel B. Alley developed this farm and spent his remaining years there. Besides a farmer, he was also a stone mason, and was always a hard-working man. He was a member of the Christian church and belonged to the Masonic fraternity and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
Joshua S. Alley was reared in Decatur County, working on his father's farm and attending the district schools during his youth. He also went to Hartsville College a short time and received a fairly good education. He chose as his life work, farming, and his subsequent career would indicate that he has been eminently successful at this for he is both a hard worker and a excellent manager. He remained at home until he was thirty-four years old and managed the farm for his father.
Mr. Alley was united in marriage with Sophia E. Wright, on September 1, 1887. She was the daughter of George and Mary (Avery) Wright, and to this union one son and one daughter have been born, Ethel F., May 23, 1889, who is a graduate of the common schools, and who also studied music, having a natural talent for this art; she is still a member of the family circle. The son's name is George W., who was born April 19, 1892. He is a graduate of the common schools, and is a young man of much promise.
Although Mr. Alley is the owner of the land mentioned above and also ninety-six acres in Noble Township, he lives on the farm belonging to his father-in-law, George Wright. He is full abreast of the times in all matters pertaining to the farming world and handles some good stock of various kinds. In politics Mr. Alley is a firm believer in the principles of Democracy but he has never held political office. He is a member of Waldron Lodge. No. 217, Free and Accepted Masons.
History of Shelby County, Indiana, by Edward H. Chadwick, B.A., assisted by well known local talent, 1909, pages 668-669.
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