Served as mayor: December 1, 1913–November 30, 1917

Austin Elias Cline was born in Iredell County, North Carolina, to Reuben and Susan Linebarger Cline.

A.E. Cline was a successful business man and politician in Cleveland County. He primarily worked in the textile manufacturing business, but also served as President of the Kings Mountain Building and Loan for many years. He also served as chairman of the Cleveland County board of commissioners.

A.E. was married to his wife, Sarah Isenhower Cline, for 54 years until her death in 1949. He then married Edith Queen Cline in 1953. He had no children with either wife.

Austin Elias Cline passed away at the age of 80.