David Moats, a native of Granklin County, Pa., was born Nov. 29, 1818. His parents, Simon and Tena (Fry) Moats, were also Pennsylvanians. He removed with his parents to Wayne County, O., when he was about nine years old, and was there educated and learned the carpenter and joiner's trade. On the 25th of Septmeber, 1843, he was married to Lydia A. Clapper, who was born in Stark County, O., July 21, 1825, and was a daughter of John and Katherine Clapper, nee Hesser. Their married life has been blessed with fourteen children, twelve surviving - Ambrose P., who married Ada Helms; Mary J., wife of Oliver Turnbull; John S., married Sarah Goodwin; Austin R., married Minnie Moore; James C., an attorney, married Alta Dean; Margaret E., now Mrs. Clark Moore; Lyman, attending the Iowa Law School; Eliza E., wife of Thomas Kerr; Mary C., now Mrs. J.C. Miller; Hattie, Abraham and Charles. Mr. Moats followed hi trade until May, 1851, when he bought his present farm in Highland Township. He owns 250 acres on sections 8 and 17, 185 under fine cultivation. He is a Republican in politics, and has done much for the advancement of the interests of Clayton County. He has been especially active in Sunday-school work, and helped to organize the first Sunday-school in the township. He is one of the oldest settlers now living in Highland Township. source: History of Clayton County, Iowa, 1882, p. 846 |