He is listed with his parents and brother John in the 1880 census for Mary Ann Twp in Licking Co, OH.
He was living in Wilkins Run (OH) in 1892 when his father died.
He was a nephew of Squire B. B. Moats.
[Obituary] Newark Daily Advocate - 14 Sep 1899
SUICIDE of William Moats in Mary Ann Township - Hanged Himself With Strap in Stable, Discovered by Wife - His Mind Unbalanced
Wilkin, O., Sept. 14. -
William Moats hanged himself in his stable this morning, the body being discovered shortly afterwards by his wife who went to the barn to call him to breakfast.
Mr. Moats, a man about 50 years of age, lived with his wife on Lost Run, four miles north of Wilkin, Mary Ann township, Licking county. Three months ago he was married to Miss Elizabeth Howard of Newark and the couple lived happily together. The suicide is believed to be due to an unbalanced mind, as Mr. Moats has been acting queerly the past few days.
Mr. and Mrs. Moats arose at the usual time this morning and shortly after dressing the husband remarked to his wife that he would go feed the horse while she prepared breakfast, as he was going away during the morning and wanted to get an early start. Mrs. Moats prepared the morning meal and thought nothing of her husband’s absence until breakfast was ready. As he had not returned to the house she want to the barn to call him. No response being given she entered the stable and was horrified to find him hanging by the neck dead. Finding that life was extinct, Mrs. Moats did not cut the body down but hurried to the residence of Marple Williams the next door neighbor. Mr. Wilson’s son and two daughters returned home with her and they cut the body down and carried it to the house.
Mr. Moats had used a strap to hang himself. Having fastened on end around his neck he threw the other over a log which formed part of the haymow floor and fastened it securely. His feet were still touching the ground floor and it was necessary for him to bend his knees in order to choke himself to death. When found his feet were touching the ground.
Mr. Moats leaves one brother, Morgan Moats, of Rocky Fork. Squire B. Moats of Newark is his uncle. William Moats of the Baltimore and Ohio shops, Newark, Caleb Moats also of Newark and Hugh Moats, who is employed by Carey W. Montgomery, are nephews of the deceased. Another nephew, Wallace Moats, lives in Eden township.
There is unanimity of opinion that the suicide was due to an unbalanced mind, as Mr. Moats was not known to have either domestic or financial troubles. A messenger started during the morning to Newark to notify the coroner. No arrangements for the funeral have yet been made.
There is also a funeral record for 15 Sept 1899 in Rev. Pritchard’s book, pg 56 for William Moats who hanged himself at age 47, and was buried in Fallsbury.