MOORE, Thomas A. - Putnam

THOMAS A. MOORE, deceased, late of Greencastle Township, son of Thomas and Nancy [Walker] Moore, was a Virginian by birth and by occupation a farmer.in early manhood he removed from Virginia to Tennessee, where he remained until 1834, when he removed to Putnam County, Indiana, where he resided until his death. He was twice married. His first wife, Jane Cox, died in 1828, leaving him one daughter, Harriet, now Mrs. Willis of Putnam County.in 1831 he married Elizabeth Nugent, of Hankins County, Tennessee. Of this marriage there were born nine children, all of whom with their mother survive. Three of the sons are attorneys and one a minister. Two of the daughters have been successful teachers in the public schools. Mr. Moore was long a leading member of the Methodist Episcopal church both in Tennessee and Indiana.in the latter State he was a pioneer of Methodism. When he settled in Putnam County, though the county had been organized twelve years, the country was almost a wilderness, and churches and schoolhouses comparatively unknown. He immediately became an earnest worker in the Church and active in the promotion of the temperance reform, then scarcely agitated in Indiana.in both of these works he continued earnest and energetic until his death. Believing he could best promote temperance by his own example, he personally abstained from the use of intoxicating drinks and refused to furnish them to persons in his employ, even when warned that such a course would cost him the friendship and assistance of his neighbors, so indispensable in pioneer life. However, he persisted in what he deemed right, and lived to see the vast majority of his friends and neighbors adopt both his views and practice in the matter.in the church he was equally zealous and energetic. Though but a layman he was a busy organizer, and every neighborhood and settlement within his reach felt the quickening influence of his zeal and activity. There were comparatively few ministers in the country. These could not always, nor indeed often, be procured to visit the sick and dying. Such ministrations as these received were very largely the work of earnest, intelligent laymen.in this work Mr. Moore performed every part allowed to one not ordained a minister, and his conduct and life were such as to eminently fit him to inspire and hold the confidence of those to whom he ministered. He was eminently a manly man.independent in thought, decided in his opinions, a natural leader, he was always found on the side of right and justice, whatever might be the question of the hour, and always ready to lend a helping hand to every worthy enterprise. His widow, Mrs. Elizabeth Moore, still lives at his old home in Putnam County.