On May 16, 1873 the Pantagraph announced in two separate columns the stylish carriage and new harness purchased by Isaac Funk. Mr. Martin L. Moore, the local harness maker, had created a brand new double harness for Funk with gold-plated fittings. Funk then purchased a stupendous carriage from Lyman Ferre, which also had gold mountings.
Mr. Moore also had a single set harness with gold fittings for sale, so all was not lost, some other wealthy farmer could (almost) keep up with the Funk's and have nearly as grand a harness. This also amazing for the fact that Moore obviously felt there was a MARKET for another gold fitted harness in town!
Mr. Moore's work was not confined to harness alone. Another item in his shop was a full leather trunk of elaborate design. He had been a saddler in Bloomington since 1851 when he came to Bloomington as a newly fledged harness maker. By 1870, his work was in much demand -- he shipped goods throughout Central Illinois as well as to California and Wyoming. In addition to trunks, he had valises (or suitcases in our language today).
In a Pantagraph article (February 6, 1915) celebrating Mr. Moore's 86th birthday his life was detailed. He was born in 1829 in Menard County, Illinois and apprenticed to a saddler at an early age in Jacksonville. After completing his apprenticeship, he rented a horse and rode the 60 miles to Bloomington in 1851 and rented a space for his shop. In 1852 he married Miss Joanna Beaty, with whom he had seven children. She and three of their children had died before this celebration.
During the Civil War, Mr. Moore enlisted with Company K of the 94th and was assigned the job of quartermaster. He was a fierce battler and served until the end of the war, when he returned to Bloomington to continue his business.
Martin Moore lived just one month beyond his 86th birthday, having spent the last of his days happily working in his shop, which was now under the management of his son, John W. Moore.