LOGAN COUNTY OHIO 
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File contributed to the Ohio Biographies Project by
EDELGRANDE@aol.com
March 1, 2001
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The History Of Logan County, Ohio


    Philip Moots, retired farmer; Post Office, West Liberty; is a son of 
Conrad Moots, who was born in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, in 1775, and 
was married to Anna E. Linkswiler, who was born in Germany in 1776.  This 
venerable couple emigrated to this State in 1798, locating in what is now 
Ross County, in which locality our subject was born, October 12, 1805, and 
removed with his parents in 1810; they settled on the banks of Mad River, in 
this township, in March of the same year, on the land now occupied by Piper's 
factory, living for some time in a tent, until a rude cabin could be 
constructed, and they lived in the same without floor, doors or windows until 
circumstances afforded them better accommodations.  Their nearest store at 
this time was at Urbana, where there were but three business 
houses--Reynolds', Heelan's and Gwynn's.  Indians at this time were more 
plentiful than the whites.  Conrad, his father, was a soldier in the war of 
1812.  Philip attended the first school that was taught in the township; it 
stood on the bluff, near where Mrs. Martin resides, and was taught by one 
Ellis Minchell prior to the war of 1812.  This primitive seminary was built 
of rough logs, with no floor; the light was admitted through greased paper, 
and the desks constructed of split slabs, held against the wall with wooden 
pegs; the seats were of the same material, which served the double purpose of 
seats and sleds for coasting.  At the outbreak of the war, Minchell returned 
to his home in Madison County.  The mode of traveling at this time was mostly 
on horseback.  One Oliver Cox at that time enjoyed the luxury of a wagon, 
with wooden wheels, four inches thick, with not a particle of iron about 
them.  It's owner's coming was heralded in the distance by its discordant 
creaking.  At this time there were 400 Indians quartered at Zanesfield.  Many 
instances are related by Mr. Moots which occurred in that early time, the 
recital of which must be omitted for lack of space, the substance of which 
will probably appear in the general history of the township.  Conrad Moots 
died in 1853; he was an excellent citizen, and for many years a member of the 
Lutheran Church;  Philip's father was a blacksmith, but later in life turned 
his attention to farming pursuits.  Philip remained at home until 32 years of 
age, and was then united in marriage to Eliza Moots, daughter of Philip and 
Catharine (Goodman) Moots.  After marriage, he remained near the homestead 
until 1862, when he moved a short distance east of the homestead, on the 
bluff, and built a house, where he has since resided.  Of three children born 
to him, but one is living--Oliver C., born November 4, 1849.  Daniel L., went 
out in 1862, in the 96th O.V.I., Co. 1, and after serving all through the 
war, died May, 1865, at Mobile, Ala.  Mr. Moots has been a valuable citizen 
and worthy Democrat, a consistent member of the Baptist Church and a zealous 
member of the Masonic Order, Mad River Lodge, No. 161, A., F. & A. M.