Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 534-535; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Marcus R. Moran. This young gentleman is numbered among
the live business men of Canton where he has for several years been
established as a photographer. He is a native of this county,
born in the county seat February 22, 1861, and was about three years
old when his parents removed to Canton. Here he received the
greater part of his education. After his parents removed to a
farm he spent a portion of his time working thereon until he had
attained his twentieth year, when he returned to the city to learn the
art of photography.
In the gallery of C. W. Mangrum young Moran acquired a good
knowledge of his art and in 1883 embarked in the business for
himself. He opened a gallery at No. 126 Main Street, where he is
still located, occupying the entire upper floor of the building and
having his large, air rooms well furnished with all the late appliances
known to photographers. His work is of superior finish and he has
no reason to be dissatisfied with the amount of patronage he
receives. He and his brother own the building in which he is
located and also the one adjoining.
The intelligence and womanly qualities of Miss Susan Trites, of
Canton Township, won the regard of Mr. Moran and after a successful
wooing they were united in marriage February 22, 1885. Mrs. Moran
is the youngest daughter of George J. and Louise Trites who came to
this county from Philadelphia in 1848. Here she was born and
reared and possesses a large circle of friends. Her capability as
a homekeeper is indicated in the comfortable surroundings and internal
arrangements of the pleasant residence at No. 209, South Main Street,
where friends are ever cordially greeted.
The social and benevolent qualities of our subject have led him
to identify himself with Jefferson Lodge No. 7, I.O.O.F., he having
obtained all the highest honors of that lodge. He is well
informed regarding general topics, and having carefully weighed the
political questions of the day, has identified himself with the
Republican party. He is a popular member of society, and has an
excellent reputation in business circles.
The parents of our subject were living in this county when their
marriage took place. The father, William H. Moran, was born in
the city of Baltimore, Md., being a son of Richard L. Moran, an early
settler in that State and of French extraction. The mother was
Susan Ann, daughter of Samuel Evans, a native of England, and was born
in the city of New York. Her parents moved to this county when
she was a young girl, locating in Lewistown where she grew to
womanhood. After her marriage to William H. Moran, the county
seat was still her home until 1864, when the family removed to
Canton. In Lewistown Mr. Moran followed blacksmithing, which
trade he had learned in the State of Mississippi. In Canton he
lived somewhat retired for a few years, then removed to a farm in
Buckheart Township, where he died in 1877. His wife and two
children survived him. The former subsequently married Robert
Sebree. She is still living but Mr. Sebree is now deceased.
The brother and sister of our subject are – William H. Moran, Jr., a
resident of Buckheart Township, and Mary L., wife of Milo G. Rader now
of Chicago.
