My Genealogy Hound

FRANCIS MOORE, who carries on general farming in Randolph County, owns and operates two hundred and thirty acres of good land. He was born in County Monaghan, Ireland, in 1839, and is a son of William and Margaret (Dunn) Moore, who were also natives of the same county. The father was born in 1812, and in 1838 married Miss Dunn, by whom he had two children, Francis and Eliza Jane. The latter married John S. Clendening, and they had two children, William James and Anna Jane. After the death of her first husband, Eliza married John Beatty, of Sparta. In 1841 William Moore crossed the Atlantic with his family, arriving at Chester in February. He made a settlement near Evansville, Ill., where he spent his remaining days, his death occurring in 1844. By occupation he was a farmer.

Our subject was only two years old when brought by his parents to the New World. He remained at home until twenty-two years of age, and in the public and subscription schools acquired his education. On leaving home he settled on Lively Prairie, and still owns a farm of one hundred and sixty acres there. He continued to make it his home until 1881, when he removed to his present farm, which now comprises two hundred and thirty acres of valuable land, all under a high state of cultivation with the exception of ten acres. Upon the place are a good residence and outbuildings, together with all the accessories of a model farm. Mr. Moore raises a good grade of stock, in fact there is nothing inferior upon the farm, which is neat and thrifty in appearance and indicates to the passer-by the supervision of a practical and progressive owner.

Mr. Moore has been twice married. He first wedded Sarah Jane Boyd, a native of Randolph County, who died in 1863. She was a member of the United Presbyterian Church of Springfield. In 1865, Mary J. Adair became his wife. She is also a native of this county, and a daughter of William and Rebecca (Taggart) Adair, who were natives of South Carolina. Her father served as a Major in the Black Hawk War. In the Moore family are five children: William B., at home; Mrs. Rebecca A. Temple; James D., at home; Francis C., who married Minnie Perkins, by whom he has one child, Carroll L.; and Margaret E., at home.

In his political affiliations, Mr. Moore is a Democrat, and for two terms he has served as Justice of the Peace. Both he and his wife are members of the United Presbyterian Church of Springfield, in which he serves as Deacon. He is also serving as Trustee with the Sparta congregation. This worthy couple are widely and favorably known throughout the community, and have a large circle of friends, who hold them in high esteem on account of their many excellencies of character.