My Genealogy Hound

Prof. H. L. Moles, principal of schools at Aurora Springs, was born in Patrick County, Va., in 1857, and is the second in a family of four children born to John B. and Susan (Corn) Moles, both natives of Virginia. The father was a farmer by occupation, but also followed the teacher’s profession. He immigrated to Missouri in 1858, settling near California, Moniteau County, and there improved a farm. He takes an active part in politics, votes with the Democratic party, and has been county assessor. He is still living, as is also his wife. Prof. H. L. Moles was reared to the arduous duties of the farm, receiving his education in the district schools of Moniteau County and in the Normal School at Warrensburg, Mo., where he attended nearly three years. He then took a commercial course in Northern Indiana, and also attended the Normal School at Valparaiso, Ind., which he finished in 1881. He then returned to Warrensburg, Mo., attended school a short time, and soon took charge of the school at Spring Garden, called the Spring Garden Seminary. While there the school was reorganized, and Prof. Moles was instrumental in building up the same, which was afterward called Miller County Institute. After leaving Spring Garden, Prof. Moles came to Aurora Springs, where he engaged in teaching in the building known as “Cook’s Hall.” In 1885 was erected the two-story brick building, of four rooms, making a commodious and substantial school building. The Board of Regents adopted a complete academic course, also law and commercial departments, and through the efforts of Prof. Moles was organized the Miller County Academy, which has continued in a prosperous condition, until there is a large enrollment. Prof. Moles has been engaged in teaching at this place more or less since that time. He is quite active in politics, and votes with the Democratic party; he was a candidate for school commissioner in 1883, and was a candidate for sheriff in the campaign of 1888. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge at Aurora Springs, has held most every office, and has twice filled the position of Noble Grand. Prof. Moles was married at Spring Garden, in June, 1883, to Miss Olive Robinson, a native of Miller County, and the daughter of T. B. and Martha C. (Hawkins) Robinson. Mrs. Robinson is deceased, but the father is living, and is a resident of Tuscumbia. After marriage Prof. Moles and wife settled in Spring Garden, but moved from there to Aurora Springs in 1884. He is a member of the Baptist Church, and Mrs. Moles a member of the Christian Church. To their union were born two children, Opal R. and Ethel S.