Joseph J. Moore, of Hensley Township, one of the old settlers and most successful business men of Johnson County, was born in said county April 29, 1831. He is the son of Robert and Elizabeth (McKinley) Moore, both natives of Ohio. His parents moved to Johnson County in 1822, settling near Williamsburg, but later removed to Union Township, where Joseph J. was born. The other children of Robert Moore were, John M., who died in Indianapolis, in 1886; Mary Ann, Elizabeth M. (deceased), Martha Ann, Rachel A., Robert M., and two infants (deceased). The father was one of the most prominent and useful citizens of the early days’ of the county, having filled, for a time, the position of associate judge. He died in Jasper County on January 20, 1855, where he moved in 1849. The death of Mrs. Moore occurred June 6, 1843. Joseph J. remained at home until he was twenty-two years of age, when he started out in life. His first employment was cutting cord-wood, at which he earned his first money. Thus engaged he was called upon to teach school, after an examination proved him to be the most able and practical, thorough English scholar in the whole community. This he followed [for] years with marked success. He afterward served as surveyor of Morgan County, for two years, and in the same capacity for a like period in Johnson County, and as a surveyor and civil engineer he was very efficient. He entered the contest as a candidate for state senator, in 1886, but was defeated after a very bitter contest. Although Mr. Moore has been much in public life, and has contributed as much to the public good as any man in Johnson County, it is in the commercial world that his energies and talents have been employed most successfully. Few men have engaged so extensively, and have in a greater measure won by honest dealings and correct business methods, the confidence of the community. Mr. Moore was married to Miss Ermina, daughter of John H. and Sarah Forsythe, which union has been blessed by four children: Frank F., an attorney of Frankfort, Ind., is a graduate of Franklin College, Chicago School of Oratory, and Albany, N. Y., law school; Cinchona Alice, wife of E. M. French, of Frankfort, is a fine literary scholar, and a graduate of the Boston Art School; Elgin E. (deceased); Robert M., who married Miss L. E. Coleman, a native of this county, is a farmer. Mr. Moore still lives at Trafalgar, where he is extensively engaged in several lines of mercantile business, and with his estimable wife is now enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life.