John Moats, living on section 30, Money Creek Township, is a son of Jacob and Sarah (Hinthorn) Moats. John Moats was the second in order of birth in a family of nine children. He first saw light in Licking County, Ohio, Sep 16, 1812. When seventeen years old he came with his parents overland to Mc Lean County, IL. This was in 1829, and our subject is therefore one of the oldest residents of Money Creek Township, now living. He has witnessed its wonderful development, and has always been engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is now the owner of 270 acres on which he has fair improvements.
Mr. Moats was married in Knox County, Ohio, Oct. 22, 1874, to Louisa (Zolman) Donnell, daughter of John and Catherine (Passey) Zolman and widow of Joseph Donnell, who died in Cass County, MO, in 1868. By her union with Mr. Donnell she had three children -- Joseph, Josephine and Jesse. Joseph and Josephine are deceased. Mrs. Moats was the youngest of a family of ten children, and was born in Knox County, Ohio, Dec. 18, 1828.
Our subject has held the office of Constable for one term, and in politics is a Democrat. He and his wife are members of the United Brethren Church, and among the foremost citizens of Money Creek Township.
(Source: Portrait and Biographical Album of Mc Lean County, IL, 1887)