George L. Moore 1826-1899

MOORE, BROWN

Posted By: Volunteer - Nancy Lowe
Date: 4/28/2003 at 20:16:17

At Nine o’clock Wednesday evening, June 21 1899, occurred the sad death of George L. Moore at the family residence in Bentonsport Iowa. The news of this event came as a painful surprise to every one and cast a gloom over the whole community, where he had been an honored citizen for nearly forty-five years. Mr. Moore was born in Wilmington, Dearborn county Indiana April 4 1826, and was the youngest of seven brothers, only one of whom still survives. His parents, Robert and Elizabeth Moore moved from Indiana to Iowa in 1839, settling on a farm in Harrisburg township and were among the earliest pioneers of Van Buren county, where the large family grew to vigorous manhood and womanhood. During the California gold excitement, in the early fifties (ed. 1850) George L. Moore accompanied by two brothers, joined a large emigrant party and crossed the plains to the gold fields in 1853. He was fortunate in mining speculations and laid the foundation for his future success. In 1854 he returned to Bentonsport which was then a thriving business town. August 29, 1854 he was united in marriage to Miss Anna A Brown, which union was blessed with ten children, seven of whom survive. In the same town he engaged in mercantile pursuits and remained in that business to the day of his illness. He was always a prominent figure and an important factor in the various enterprises of the town and in the government of school, church, and political party. For many years he was the trusted agent of that portion of the landed estates in this county which belong to the Richards heirs, and was the wise friend and counselor to many others. Inherently honest, with unsullied reputation, he leaves to his family the noble heritage of a good name. In Christian faith a Presbyterian, he was a member of that church for nearly forty years. The fatal illness attacked him on Friday night, June 16, and although prompt and constant medical attention of two physicians was furnished, they could afford no permanent relief. Mr Moore realized his own danger and to his wife expressed a desire to live if it were the Lord’s will; but yielded submissively to the higher power with unfaltering trust, soothed and sustained by the promise given to every earnest disciple of our Savior. Funeral services were held at the family residence on Friday afternoon June 23, and were conducted by his beloved pastor, Rev. C. S. McElhinny of Fairfield. For the comfort of the bereaved he read the 8th chapter of Romans, choosing as text verses 38-39. The very large attendance of friends from all parts of the county attested the respect in which Mr. Moore was held during his life. The body was interred in the Bentonsport cemetery to mingle with the dust of his own kindred. His presence will be greatly missed, but the mantle has fallen and he has entered the presence of the great White Throne. "He has fought the good fight, he has finished his course" and received the prize of the victor.

—(George L Moore died as the result of a ruptured appendix)

[submitted by Chuck and Joy Hanson of the Mason House Inn, Bentonsport]