MOODY, John C.
John C. MOODY, for thirty-six years a resident of
Henry, Illinois, is well and favorably known
throughout Marshall and Putnam counties. He is a native of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, born June 17, 1826, and is a son of Joseph
and Jane (QUIGLEY) MOODY, both of whom were also natives of Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, the father
being, however, of Scotch-Irish descent. Robert MOODY, the grandfather of
our subject, was born in
County Derry, Ireland, and when eighteen years of age left his
native land and settled in Dauphin county, Pennsylvania, where he married and reared a
family. He came to
America
prior to the Revolutionary war, and during that struggle for a
time serve his adopted country in the military service. His death occurred
in Dauphin county some time in the forties at an advanced age.
By occupation, Joseph MOODY was a farmer, and continued as such until his
death. His wife dying in 1836, two year later he left
Pennsylvania
and with his family first went to Warren
county, Ohio, where he remained
but a very short time, and then located in Miami county, that state. In 1841, he, too,
was called away. For years he was a consistent and devoted member of the
Presbyterian church, of which body his wife was also a member. Both died in
the blessed hope of an unending life beyond the grave.
Our subject was twelve years of age when he accompanied his father to
Ohio. He remained at home until his
parent’s death, when he went to live with an older brother, then married and
residing on a farm about five miles from Covington, Ohio. It had been his
aim to take a course in Miami university and he had shaped his studies
in the common schools to that end. The death of the father compelled him to
abandon the idea of a collegiate education, much to his regret.
After remaining with his brother, assisting in the farm work for three
years, in 1844, Mr. MOODY left the farm, went to
Covington
and entered upon a three years’ apprenticeship to learn the
trade of a harness and saddle maker. On completing his term of service he
took the most important step of his life, and on the 28the day of September,
1847, was united in marriage with Miss Rachel S. ORR, of Covington, Ohio,
but born near Dayton, that state, and a daughter of Joshua and Anna ORR, the
former a native of Virginia and the latter of Kentucky, both now deceased.
By this union nine children were born, six of whom are now living: Joseph
G., who for some years was engaged in mining, but is now clerking in the
store of his brother at Santa Rosa, California; Nathan W., who for twelve
years was postmaster of Fresno, California, but is now county collector of
taxes of Fresno county, that state; Robert Clarence, a boot and shoe dealer
of Santa Rosa, California; John Thomas, foreman of a large vineyard in
Fresno county, California; William, a commercial traveler, and Anna Jane,
widow of E. B. EMERICK, and the housekeeper for her father. The deceased are
Charles Rollin, Martha Elizabeth and Emma Frances.
Soon after his marriage Mr. MOODY moved to Fletcher,
Ohio, where he was engaged in the harness and
saddlery trade for six years. Constant confinement at the bench injured his
health somewhat and he sold out and for a time engaged in other work of not
such a confining nature. In 1860, however, he came to
Henry, Illinois, and for twenty-one years was
foreman in the harness shop of Louis SNYDER. Withdrawing from that shop, at
the expiration of that time, he commenced work for himself, and has since
continued in the harness trade. His work has always been of the best
quality. Learning his trade in its entirety, he has always prided himself on
his work and in giving satisfaction to his patrons.
For many years Mrs. MOODY was an invalid, and while everything was done
to alleviate her suffering and restore her to health, yet death claimed her
and the summons was answered April 16, 1880. She was a consistent Christian
woman, a member of the Methodist Episcopal church for many years, but on
account of the state of her health could not take that active part which she
so earnestly desired. She always rejoiced in the victories of the church and
manifested every interest possible. Her body now lies at rest in the
beautiful cemetery at Henry, there to wait the blessed resurrection day,
when, joined by the loved ones gone before and those who yet remain, she
will sing the songs of the Lamb, world without end.
Mr. MOODY was converted at the age of nineteen years, and united with the
Methodist Episcopal church, and has ever since been an active and useful
member. For many years he has served as steward and is now class-leader, and
for nine years was superintendent of the Methodist Episcopal Sunday school
at Henry. In the Sunday school work he has always been an efficient worker
and now has charge of an adult Bible class. He was made a Master Mason in
Ohio, and was past master when he came
to Henry. His membership is now with the Henry lodge. All in all, Mr. MOODY
is well entitled to a place in the biographical record of
Marshall
county.
Source: The Biographical Record of Bureau, Marshall and Putnam Counties, Illinois
published in 1896, page 607.
Browse ILGenWeb
