JAMES B. MOORE, a soldier in the late war, was born in Newark, Delaware, November 26, 1819. His father, John, was born in the same place, October 9, 1791, and his grandfather, Archibald, was a native of Jamestown, Virginia. The great-grandfather of our subject was born in Ireland, of Scotch ancestry, and came to America and settled in Virginia, where he spent his last years. Archibald moved from Virginia to Newark, Delaware, bought land from Joseph Eagle, and there spent his last years as a farmer. The farm is still owned by his descendants. The name of his wife was probably McDonald, and as far as known, she spent her entire life in Newcastle county. John always followed agricultural pursuits, and the house where he was born was his home throughout his entire life. His wife was Mary Webb Temple of Chester county, Pennsylvania, whose father, Samuel, was born in the same locality, and whose grandfather, Caleb, was also a native of Pennsylvania. He was a Magistrate for several years under King James. He was an extensive land owner, owning the land, including Chad's Ford and Burningham in Chester county, where the battle of Brandywine was fought. He spent his last years in Chester county, was a Quaker, and reared his family in the same faith. The grandfather of our subject was an extensive farmer and stock raiser, and spent his last days in Chester county. His wife was Elizabeth Clements. The mother of James died near Newark, Delaware, October 1883, aged eighty-three.

James was reared and educated in Newark, attending school quite steadily until twenty years of age, when he engaged in farming for five years. He then became a merchant for one year, but sold out and turned his attention to the study of law in the office of John M. Clayton, and in 1848 was admitted to the bar, and the same year came to Mt. Sterling. He practiced here until his enlistment, July 15, 1861, in Company G, Third Illinois Cavalry, and served eight months. He was honorably discharged on account of disability incurred in the service. He then accepted the position of Provost Marshal of the Ninth Illinois District, and served in that capacity two and one-half years. On account of failing eyesight, he resigned and returned home. Although not totally blind, he is so nearly so as to incapacitate him for the practice of his profession, and he lives retired in his pleasant home he has built in Mr. Sterling.

He married Cordelia Merritt on September 8, 1851. She was born in Naples, Illinois. Her father, Joseph, was born in Sussex county, Delaware, July 16, 1803. When he was eight years old his parents went to Ohio. The removal was made with two horses attached to a cart. They located in Pickaway county, where they lived until 1828, and then moved to Illinois, and were among the first settlers of Morgan county. Later they bought land in Pea Ridge township, lived there until 1850, when they came to Mt. Sterling, where the continued to reside for the remainder of their days. Mr. Merritt died in 1890. His wife died in Mt. Sterling in 1875. She was Rebecca Drew and was born in Ohio.

Mr. and Mrs. Moore have had ten children: Joseph, James B., Kate, Will, Eugene, Annie, Sladie, Lottie, Jennie and George. Mr. Moore has been a member of the Republican party since its formation. Mr. and Mrs. Moore are among the best people of Pea Ridge and are greatly respected by all who know them.