THOMAS B. MOORE, a successful farmer residing in section 2, Grand Prairie Township, Jefferson County, was born on the 27th of March, 1820, in Ohio.

His father, Oliver Moore, was of Irish descent, and for many years resided in Philadelphia, where he worked at the blacksmith's trade. In an early day he emigrated to Clermont County, Ohio, and in 1827 he moved to Cincinnati.

Our subject was one of nine children of the family. His educational privileges were limited, and at the age of eighteen he began learning the baker's trade, serving an apprenticeship of a year and a half in Cincinnati. Not liking this work, however, he sought and obtained a situation in a machine shop and was employed on the building of engines for about a year. He then moved to Jeffersonville, Ind., where he worked in a factory, making edged tools. He served a two years' apprenticeship to that business and then went to Clark County, Ind., where be was engaged in operating a sawmill for a year. During this time he became acquainted with Edmond Beadles and his family, who were preparing to emigrate to Illinois, and he was induced to join them. At about sunrise on the morning of November 5, 1840, the party started, and after a journey of four weeks reached their destination, on the 5th of December, and located on section 10, Grand Prairie Township.

The acquaintance thus formed between Mr. Moore and Miss Olivia Beadles, sister of Richard Beadles, was followed by marriage in February, 1842, the wedding ceremony being performed by John Breeze, Justice of the Peace.

To this worthy couple were born thirteen children, eight of whom are still living,

1. Margaret, wife of J. R. Gardner, a successful farmer of Shiloh Township, Jefferson County
2. Azelia, wife of R. B. Hubbard, a prosperous farmer of Dahlgreen, III.
3. Luana, wife of Samuel Copple, an agriculturist of Grand Prairie Township
4. Oliver, who wedded Mary Root and owns and manages a large fruit farm
5. Edgar, who is now living in Colorado
6. Thomas B. Jr., a successful farmer, who married Mattie Dobbs, who died November 8, 1885
7. William Tell, who married Alma Garrett and is engaged in farming in Dix, Ill.
8. Susan, wife of F. M. Corners, a successful fruit grower.

The mother of this family was born November 4, 1825, and was a devout Christian lady, who for many years held membership with the Methodist Church. She was an earnest worker in the church, and the suffering and needy found in her a friend. She passed away December 29,1893, and her loss was mourned not only by her family, but by all who knew her.

After his marriage, Mr. Moore located on a farm on section 16, Grand Prairie Township, and building a smithy, worked at the blacksmith's trade until 1844. He then removed to section 14, built a residence upon his land, and for a year engaged in the operation of a sawmill, which he built for R. D. Noleman. On the expiration of that period he located one hundred and sixty acres of land on section 11, Grand Prairie Township, securing the same through a land warrant, which he had purchased of a soldier of the Mexican War. With characteristc energy he began to clear and improve his farm, and placed the entire amount under a high state of cultivation. There he made his home for eighteen years, or until 1868, after which he purchased fifty-six acres on section 2 of the same township. Here he has since made his home, being comfortably situated amidst pleasant surroundings.

For thirty-seven years he served as Justice of the Peace, and no more capable officer ever held the position. He gave five-eighths of an acre of land on which to erect a house of worship.

In politics he is a Republican, and during the war he was a zealous member of the Union League. He is a prominent and representative citizen, and has done much to improve this part of the county.

Source: "Portrait and Biographical Record of Clinton, Washington, Marion and Jefferson Counties, Illinois. Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens of the Counties, Together with Biographies and Portraits of all the Governors of the State and the Presidents of the United States,"
Chicago: Chapman Publishing Co., 1894

Submitted by: MARK STROHBECK