Moon family in Livingston County

Moon
(For more information about the Moon family in Livingston County, see "Origins".)

The following is an exerpt of information provided by Dr. Milton Moon: "Jacob Moon was born in Berkeley County, VA in 1781. He was married in 1806 to Leah Reese, probably the daughter of Thomas Reese and Margaret Bowen, and moved to Fayette County in or after 1808. He was in the War of 1812. After the war he farmed in Fayette County, OH until he and his family migrated to Reading Township, Livingston County, IL in 1833. He settled on the banks of the Vermillion River at a location known for many years as Moon's Point. This was the first pioneer family in Reading Township. He was a member of the first grand jury in the county in 1838 and was elected county treasurer in 1839. He was also a county commissioner for two years beginning in 1838. He spent the balance of his life in Livingston County, IL and died there in 1852. His wife Leah Moon died in 1878."

The creek that runs on the west and north sides of the cemetery appears on maps as Moon Creek, and the railroad stop in the town of Reading, about 1/2 mile south of the cemetery was once known as Moon.

The following was received from Joan Johnson of the Streatorland Historical Society: "The Ammon Moon home [is located] on Rt 18, just west of Streator... built abt. 1872, replacing the original frame structure with one built of brick.":

Ammon Moon House, circa 1872:

Ammon Moon house, circa 1872
(Photo May, 2005 by the author)

Unfortunately the front view of this beautiful house is obscured by trees.
It's well worth driving past if you're in the area, but note that it's a private home, please do not disturb the occupants.

From 1886 History of La Salle County, volume 2, page 154:
"...Jacob Moon and wife came from Ohio to Bailey's Point [Tonica in Livingston County and Priceton in Bureau County were both once known as Bailey's Point. My personal feeling is that the Bailey's Point referenced here is the former] and in 1833 moved to Moon's Point, on the borders of Livingston County."
There is also a short article about A. B. Moon on pages 161-162 (notes from that article) A. B. Moon born in Eden Twp. Jan. 27, 1834, son of Albert and Elizabeth Moon, the former born in Virginia in 1808, the latter native of Kentucky, Jan. 28, 1818. Jacob Moon, grandfather of our subject (A. B.) was born in Virginia,
settled in LIvingston Co. in 1833. Albert Moon, our subject's father was born in Green County, Ohio and
when 24 came to this county and bought a farm near Tonica. Married in winter of 1833 to Elizabeth Boyle,
daughter of David and Rachel Boyle, who settled in Putnam Co., in 1829 They had four children--Ammon B., our subject; Salanda, wife of Mr. Sawyer; Matilda, wife of H. B. Schuler, living in Kansas, and Jacob W., living on on the old homestead in Reading Twp. Albert Moon sold his land in La Salle Co, and in 1835 bought a farm in Reading Twp. where he lived till his death Nov. 19, 1865. married Mary E. Lyon in 1856 dau. of William and Elizabeth Mills Lyon, (her) father now living in Pontiac, mother died in 1882. M/M Moon have 3 children living--Nellie I, William A, Estelle E, Two children are deceased, Carrie dying in infancy, and Lillie at the age of five years. "At the time of the Indian massacre in the Black Hawk war, a company of sixteen was organized at Ottawa to bury the victims, and Albert Moon was chosen among the number."

Note: During the Indian "wars", the pioneers would go either to Ottawa or a fort near Wenona. That is probably why the family was in Ottawa at that time.

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