His obit from Licking Co Gen Soc says he was born in Peoria IL, although I had Licking Co from a previous source. It lists his birth and death data, wife and children as well as his parents.
His children six children were: Mrs Pearl Little, Mrs Claude Scanlon, Henry Devere Moats (d. 19 Aug 1930, age 38), Jesse J. Moats, Mrs Lillian Sheppard of Newark, Charles D. Moats at home. Cora E. and William Moats preceded him in death.
[Obituary] The Newark Advocate - 19 June 1929
John W Moats, 70, retired Baltimore and Ohio Railroad employee, died Tuesday at noon at the City Hospital. He had been ill the past four weeks and two weeks ago underwent an operation. His condition was satisfactory until Monday, when it became serious.
He was born in Peoria, III., December 13, 1859 in Peoria, Ill, the son of David and Rebecca Moats. When a boy he came to Licking county and spent the remainder of his life here. For years he was employed as a helper in the boiler maker department of the B. & O. Railroad shops and retired just a few days before becoming ill.
Surviving are his widow, who was formerly Miss Eliza Banks, and six children: Mrs. Pearl Little, Mrs. Maude Scanlon, H.D. Moats, Jesse Moats, Mrs. Lillian Sheppard, of Newark, Charles Moats of the home; Cora E and William Moats, who preceded him in death. He also leaves two brothers, Caleb of Coshocton and Wallace of this city; and ten grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 10:30 o'clock, in the home, 390 Garfield Ave., and burial will be made in Cedar Hill Cemetery.