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 SAAC N. MOORE, one of the prominent citizens of Ashmore Township, residing on section
111 35, was born Aug. 24, 1836, in Butler County,
Ohio, six miles east of Hamilton. He is the son
of Levi and Abigail (Flenner) Moore, both natives
of Ohio, where his father was engaged in farming
until his death, which occurred in 1859 at the age
of forty-one. His mother survived the death of
her husband several years. They were members
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The following is the record of their children: Ursula, the
wife of J. B. Flenner; Isaac N., the subject of
this sketch; Hannah, the wife of George W. Dutro;
Drusilla, the wife of William Mock; Daniel F.
married Miss Emily Wright; his wife died and he
afterward married Emily Hill. Harriet, the wife
of John Willhoit; Solomon, who died at nine, and
Levi at the age of six years. Vanderbilt, when once asked the secret to success in acquiring wealth, replied, “Keep at work and say nothing about it.” The remark is very applicable to the course pursued by the subject of this biography. Isaac Moore began to build up his fortune when a lad, by mending pocket knives for his schoolmates on the way to school, and in return for his workmanship received from two to five cents apiece. He carefully saved his earnings until he had acquired the sum of sixty cents. This he invested in pine lumber, from which he manufactured quilting-frames and launched into a more extensive business, receiving fifty cents per pair for his frames. After he had accumulated $12.50 in this way, he came to Illinois and purchased a pair of young steers, which he broke and kept until they were three years old, when he sold them for $85. From these small beginnings he has steadily continued to advance up the rounds of the ladder to prosperity. Isaac Moore was married, Aug. 24, 1856, to Miss Effie Conley. Mrs. M. was born in Coles County, March 9, 1832, and her death occurred Sept. 26, 1873. She was a devoted wife and mother and a sincere Christian, having been for many years a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject was subsequently twice married. His second wife was Miss Mary White, but their married life was of short duration, her death occurring Sept. 1, 1878. She was also a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. His marriage to Miss Sarah Bancroft took place Dec. 10, 1878. She was born May 23, 1845, in Clark County, this State, and is the daughter of William and Lydia (Culp) Smith. Her parents were both natives of Fairfield, Ohio, where her father was born in 1812, and her mother in 1814. They are both now living in Clark County. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, her father enlisted in Co. G, 54th Ill. Vol. Inf. He served three years and six months, and throughout his career proved himself a brave and efficient soldier. The record of their children is as follows: Elizabeth, Mary, Louisa, David, Sarah, Jacob, Rebecca and William. Mr. Moore has a family of seven children, five of whom were born to the first marriage, one to the second and one to the last. Their names are as follows: Levi, Lincoln, Ardilla E., Charles E., Albert, Nellie and William M. Mr. Moore joined the Masonic fraternity in 1873, and is a member of Ashmore Lodge No. 390. He is ardently devoted to the principles of the order, in which he is held in high esteem. He has held several official positions in the order of the Blue Lodge, has acted as W. M. three terms, and represented the lodge three terms at the Grand Lodge at Chicago. Mr. Moore came to Illinois in 1854 and first located in Clark County, but removed to this county in the same year. His educational advantages were somewhat limited, but his native qualities of mind and heart make ample amends for the deficiency. He owns a fine farm containing forty-two acres of valuable, well-improved land, with a pleasant residence and excellent farm buildings. He has held several official positions in the township, and is a member and Trustee of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics he is a warm adherent of the Republican party. Mr. Moore possesses the esteem of the entire community, among whom he has a large circle of warm friends. He is a kind father, an affectionate husband, and is faithful in the discharge of all duties, both public and private, devolving upon him. |
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