(The Biographical Record of McLean County, Illinois, Chicago, 1899, The S.J. Clarke Publishing Co, p. 296, 299, includes photo of Francis M. Moats)
Francis M. Moats, who resides on section 31, Money Creek township, is one of the most enterprising farmers and stock raisers in McLean county, IL. He is a native of the township and was born February 20, 1840, on section 29, on a farm of which he is now the owner, but which was then rented by his father. He is the son of Henry and Elsie (Van Buskirk) Moats, the father being a native of Licking county, Ohio, born in 1810. In his native county Henry Moats spent his boyhood and youth, and in 1829 came to McLean county, and here spent the remainder of his life, engaged in agricultural pursuits. He took quite an active part in public affairs, and for many years served as justice of the peace and also as road commissioner, and other positions of honor and trust. In his family were four children, two of whom died in childhood. Those living are Francis M., our subject, and Mary J., wife of John Rankin, of Money Creek township. The paternal grandfather, Jacob Moats, was also a native of Ohio, and came in 1829 to McLean county, and here acquired considerable property, having at the time of his death over six hundred acres of land.
The subject of this sketch was reared upon the home farm in Money Creek township, and received such an education as the public schools afforded in the early days of the history of McLean county. He early learned what it was to do hard work, and when twenty years old he commenced life for himself by renting a tract of land from his father, for which he paid a rental of one-third of the products. He was married about this time to Miss Rebecca Arbuckle, a native of Ohio, and daughter of David and Abigail (Biggs) Arbuckle, who were also natives of the same state.
Mr. Moats continued renting for some five years, and then purchased one hundred and forty acres on section 30, Money Creek township, which was his home until 1879, when he purchased and removed to this present farm. In addition to his farming operations, for about twenty years he was extensively engaged in buying and shipping stock in company with Elijah Crose, of Towanda, a line of business in which he was engaged until about 1890 with a fair degree of success. From time to time, as his means permitted, he added to his landed possessions until he has now about seven hundred acres of as fine land as there is in McLean county. Since 1897 he has been in partnership with William H. Reedy, of Towanda, in buying and shipping grain, and their trade is quite an extensive one.
Fraternally, Mr. Moats is a member of the Masonic order, holding membership with blue lodge, council and chapter. In the blue lodge he has served as worshipful master for several years. In politics he is a Democrat, and while he takes an active and commendable interest in political affairs, it cannot be said of him that his activity is inspired by selfish motives, as he cares nothing for the honors or emoluments of office. His deep concern in educational affairs has caused his retention on the school board for a quarter of a century, and the time spent in that way he regards as well spent. It is as a business man, however, that he is best known. An active business career of nearly forty years has brought him in contact with many persons in all parts of the county, and wherever known he is most highly esteemed. His success has been well deserved, and is the reward of industry, perseverance and strict integrity. In addition to his farms, he is the owner of property in Towanda and in the city of Bloomington.
His listing in the 1900 census under Francis W. Moots says that 6 or their 7 children are living.
He is listed there in 1910 (70, IL), retired and living on his own income, with his wife of 51 years Rebecca.