The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1891-01-14
AFTER TWENTY YEARS
Alexander Heron, the Well Known Agricu
tnrIst. Retires From Onica.

Alexander Heron, the Well Known Agricu-
turist, Retires From once.
The name of Mr.. Alexander Heron hai
been associated for many years with the
department of agriculture of this state.
For nineteen years he has served in the
capacity of secretary of the state board Of
agriculture, and previous to receiv-
ing that position was a member
OF the state board. representing
the Sixth district. HIS work needs no
praise further than the true record dur-
ing that long time Of his connection with
the department, and he retires from his
official position with the proud conscious
ness that be has never shirked a duty.
\ number of the board would have
supported him for reelection, but
Mr.. Heron declined on the ground
OF failing health and growing
age, and advised the board to select a
younger man for the responsible duties of
the place. By request OF the board he
will still hold the position until the new
secretary, Leon I. Bagley OF Huntington,
Is ready to assume charge, which viii
probably be some time IN February. Mr..
Heron retires with the good will of his
associates on the board and the confidence
and esteem OF the people all over the
state.
As he has been so long a prominent
figure in all kinds OF agricultural work a
short account OF his personal history may
not be out of place at this time.
Alexander Heron was born at Balti-
more, Nd, in 1882. His parents were
people of moderate means and decided to
better their condition by moving West.
ANrnrHfnn1x- IN 1900 fhau anna 70
Indiana and entered a tract of land
IN the White Water valley, one mile south
OF what is now the town OF Connersville.
In this fertile and beautiful region the
youth OF the boy was passed. He enjoyed
no educational advantages beyond the
rudiments then taught in the district
school, but he grew up in love with the
farm, and sOOn decided TO make that
kind of work his vocation. Upon the
death of his parents he purchased the old
homestead and managed its varied inter-
ests from the time he was eighteen yearso OF
age. Under his care 1t became the model
farm of the county and was visited by the
farmers of Fayette and adjoining counties,
seeking information as TO the methods Of
this successful farmer.
Mr.. Heron was identified with
the fair of Fayette county from
lIS DcElllnlllS- III lCD- Ab UCNdin us
superintendent, a position be held for
twelve years. He was then selected to rep
resent that district on the state board OF
agriculture, where his ~counsels were gen.
orally found imbued with a practical wis
dom that rendered his services of great
value. He was for some time the presi-
lent of the state board, and in 1872 was
elected its secretary, a position to which
he has been annually reelected for the
past nineteen years. long and honor
able period of service.
Mr.. Heron was married in 1864 to
Helen NJ. Roberts, the daughter of DR..
John Roberts, one of Franklin c~ounty's
pioneers. In 1872 Mr.. Heron removed
from Fayette county to this city, where
he has resided ever since. He has been &
a lifelong democrat, and his constant re.
tention in office by a board in which the
republicans have frequently had a major
ity, is the strongest possible testimonial
to the worth of his services.