OBITUARY, WILLIAM J. MOORE
William J. Moore is buried in Lot 299 in Riverside Cemetery.
This web page was produced from a xerox copy of the clipping found in the vertical file for Riverside Cemetery in the Tennessee Room, Jackson-Madison County Library. The clipping was provided by great-great grandson Bill E. White.
Newspaper Clipping, Source and Date Unknown
CLOSING SCENE OF A LONG LIFE
At the Age of 96 Years "Uncle Buck" Moore, the Oldest Man in Madison County Answers to the Summons of the Death Angel — The End Came Last Night
In the early years of the nineteenth century William J. Moore was ushered into, the world — on’Aug. 1st, 1810. In the early years of the present century, nearly a hundred years later, he left it — March 10th, 1905. Last night, Madison County lost her oldest citizen, probably the oldest white man in West Tennessee. For at 6:45 o'clock, as the evening shadows bad nearly vanquished the day and were deepening into darkness, "Uncle Buck" Moore answered to the gentle call of the death angel, and his spirit fled from the worn and aged form which had held ii prisoner for so long, to speed out through the night into the eternal light of Paradise.
Death was very gentle with. him. Tuesday night the aged man fell into a deep sleep from which he never awoke. While he was sleeping like a child, he received the kiss of death and the summons to the great White Throne.
The end came at the home of Dr. L. A. Booth, son-in-law of Mr. Moore, on West Deaderick avenue. Hope for his recovery had been abandoned yesterday. All that medical skill and tender care could do was of no avail. Nothing remained but to watch and await the last breath of the man who in four more years would have been a centenarian. And so the loved ones watched and waited around the bedside until it could be seen by a pallor which overspread the features that the sleep of life had been replaced by the sleep of death.
"Uncle Buck" Moore was born in North Carolina August 1st, 1810, as stated. He emigrated to Henderson county when but a boy and in 1864, over forty years ago, came to Madison county, where he has since resided.
Before the long to be remembered days of the Civil War, Dr. Moore dealt extensively in slaves, and in that manner accumulated something of a fortune. The larger portion of this was lost to him in the days of the reconstruction. What remained of his scattered fortune Mr. Moore invested in farm lands near Jackson and his tireless efforts to regain something of what he had lost were crowned with success. Considerable of his lost riches were recovered, due to hard work and thrift, and at different times in his life he had the pleasure of giving each one of his nine children a farm thoroughly equipped, and stocked.
Few around these parts who did not know of "Uncle Buck" Moore. Those who did, not know him personally knew of him by hearsay or sight. He was undoubtedly the oldest white man, not in point of residence, but of years, in Madison county, and probably in West Tennessee. Up till a short time ago Mr. Moore was wonderfully active for his age. He looked hale and hearty, his face was full and almost devoid of wrinkles, his color was good and one would not have judged him to be over 70 years of age.
Fourteen years ago "Uncle Buck" lost his wife. Since that time be has resided in Jackson with his son-in-law, Dr. Booth.
One brother and many descendants survive William J. Moore. His brother is C. G. Moore, of Darden, Tenn. Nine children who survive him are: Willis Moore; Watt Moore, Mrs. Nannie Leonard, Mrs. Alf Moyze, Mrs. Frank Jones, Mrs. M. V. B. Exum, Mrs. A. A. Booth and Mrs. Joe Montgomery, of Madison county, and Mrs. Jones, of Coal Hill, Ark.
Thirty-five grand children and eleven great grand children are also left behind to mourn the death of the deceased.
Riverside Cemetery will form the last resting place of "Uncle Buck" Moore. At 10 a.m. tomorrow funeral services will be held from the residence of Dr. A. A. Booth, corner of Campbell street and Deaderick avenue.