On page 319 of the Licking Co history is mention of a tributary of the Raccoon river called Mootz run which had "taken its name from the name of 'J. Mootz,' cut at an early day on a beech tree which stood near the Gilbert mills, and east of the stream."
“Jacob Moats was born in Maryland, and when four years old was sent into Pennsylvania where he was reared to manhood on a farm. He was married to Miss Sarah Hinthorn, a native of West Virginia, and they took up their residence in Licking County, OH, whence they came to Mc Lean County, IL in the fall of 1829, and were among the early settlers of Money Creek Township, locating on section 29. Mr. Moats continued to reside on that section, engaged in the prosecution of his vocation until his death, which took place Feb 1, 1844. His wife crossed the river to meet him on the other shore, July 16, 1873. They were blest with nine children -- Henry, John, Margaret, William, Jane, Mary A., Rebecca P., Sarah P. and Jacob I. Henry and John are farmers of Money Creek Township.”
After his marriage to Sarah, the next record I have found is what I assume to be his purchase of 160 Ac ( southeast 1/4 Section) of Section 15, Twp 4, Range 11 on the 3rd of April 1815 for $2/Ac. He completed the payments on 27 Aug 1822 and was issued the Land Patent on 10 Mar 1825. It is unclear if this is the Jacob Moats to whom it was given, or whether there was another Jacob Moats in the area (his father?). If it was for this Jacob, he apparently sold the land and moved to Illinois.
Listed next to his dad's family in 1820, but must have moved out of Licking Co before 1830 census.
Probably the oldest son, based on ages of his children.
male: 2<10, 1=10-16, 1=26-45 fem: 2<10, 1=26-45
Jacob and Sarah moved from Licking Co, to Money Creek Twp, around 1833. They bought 160 acres on 10/1/1833 (Land Patent Report), and were among the first settlers to the Money Creek area. Other land purchases were, 80 acres, 10/20/1835, 160 acres, 11/1/1839.
He is listed in the 1840 census for McClean Co, IL (no Twp listed) next to his son Henry.
male: 1=10-15, 1=20-30, 1-50-60 fem: 1=10-15, 2=20-30, 1=50-60
Possible children: Margaret, Henry, William, and John - but these children are not confirmed by any documentation.