Martin Moore

Martin Moore, a prominent farmer of the Fourth District, was born April 11, 1819, in Pitt County, N.C., in which State his parents were born, raised and married. His father, William Moore, while a resident of his native State, was a magistrate for a number of years, and a constable until he was forced to sell the household goods of a family. He was of so kind and sympathetic a disposition, that he resigned rather than perform such duties. He married Miss Frances Forrest, of English origin, by whom he had five sons and three daughters. In 1835, he moved his family to Tennessee, locating in the western district, Haywood County. He was a prosperous farmer and Jeffersonian Democrat. His death occurred in 1836, and his wife’s in 1873. Both were Christian people, true and honorable, but never united with any church. The grandfather Forrest was a faithful soldier of the Revolutionary war. Our subject was raised on a farm; his educational advantages were inferior, but by his own efforts and application he has acquired an extensive amount of practical information. At the age of fourteen, he began life for himself. After working as a laborer for ten years, he engaged in agriculture on his own responsibility. By hard work, economy and good management he has prospered to such an extent that he now owns 1,700 acres of land. He belongs to no church, but is liberal to all denominations, charitable institutions, and all who are in distress. For forty-three years, he has made his home in Hardeman County, where he is well known as a worthy, honest man. He is a stanch Democrat. In 1841, he married Miss Martha E. Sammons, who was born January 20, 1822. Their union resulted in the birth of twelve children, five of whom live. The oldest son, Gee. W.. was wounded at Perryville, Ky., from the effects of which he died in prison. Benjamin F. was a professor in the Medical College, at Little Rock, Ark. Mrs. Moore was an earnest member of the Primitive Baptist Church. Her death occurred in 1864. In 1868, Mr. Moore wedded Mrs. Elizabeth E. Brogden. by whom he had one son, deceased. Mrs. Moore is a Cumberland Presbyterian.

Source: “The Goodspeed Publishing Co., History of Tennessee, 1886”