California Biographies

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm

Source:
History of the state of California and biographical record of the San Joaquin 
Valley, California. An historical story of the state's marvelous growth from 
its earliest settlement to the present time.
Prof. James Miller Guinn , A. M.
The Chapman Publishing Co., Chicago 1905
Notes: Missing Page: 865-866,983-984,1175-1176


W. A. MOORE. Notwithstanding hardships and discouragements, of which he has experienced 
not a few, Mr. Moore, by force of persistence and persevering industry has risen to a position 
of influence among the business men of Madera and is now president of the Moore-Plate 
Company, Incorporated. Of remote Scotch-Irish descent, he is a descendant of one of the pioneer 
families of New Jersey and his great-grandfather was a native of that state, but removed to 
Northumberland county, Pa. The grandfather, Abraham, and father, Charles Moore, were natives 
of Northumberland county and both learned the mason's trade ; but, while the former followed it 
as a life occupation, the latter early turned therefrom to farm pursuits and now resides on the 
property which has been his homestead since 1858. During the Civil war be was unable to serve, 
but was in sympathy with the Union, and had two brothers who went to the front as soldiers. His 
wife. Jane Thomas, daughter of a Quaker family of Northumberland county, died in Pennsylvania 
in March of 1903. 

In a family of seven children, all still living, W. A. Moore was fourth in order of birth and 
is the only one to settle in California. He was born near Sunbury, Northumberland county, Pa., 
February 27, 1862, and as a boy aided in the cultivation of the home farm. However, his 
tastes did not lie in the direction of agriculture. Ambitious to acquire a thorough education, he 
attended Union Seminary and after teaching school for two years used his earnings to pay 
his expenses in the Bloomsburg normal school, from which he was graduated in 1885 with the 
degree of B. E. For three years afterward he engaged in teaching in his home county. The 
convention of the National Educational Association, held in California in 1888, led him to come 
to the coast and he was so pleased with the country that he abandoned his plans for return- 
ing east. After traveling over the southern part of the state he settled on a ranch at Piru City, 
Ventura county, but a year later went into town and secured a clerkship in a store. Three years 
later he embarked in business for himself, but after a year sold out in 1893. The sale proved 
an unfortunate one, as the purchaser failed and Mr. Moore lost $1,500. 

Coming to Madera in 1893, Mr. Moore became a partner with C. M. Petty in the grocery busi- 
ness. At first they carried only a small stock and conducted business with a very limited cap- 
ital. During the financial depression which swept over the country from 1893 to 1897 it 
was only by the exercise of the greatest economy and constant care that they were able to con- 
tinue in business. However, as better times came to the country and they became more widely 
known for integrity of dealings and honesty of purpose, they reaped a more gratifying success. 
In January of 1895 the store was moved to its present location, where a two-story structure is 
occupied, 25x100 feet in dimensions. Here maybe found a complete assortment of groceries, 
hardware, queensware, paints, oils. etc. In January of 1903 the Moore-Plate Company was in- 
corporated, with Mr. Moore as president, and in that capacity he has the management of the 
growing business. At the time of the incorporation of the Madera Match Company he became 
interested in it and became treasurer of the original company, serving in that capacity until its 
plant was destroyed by fire. 

In San Jose, Mr. Moore married Nettie Falconer, who was born in Nova Scotia and died 
at Madera in 1899, leaving three children, Walter LeRoy, Estella and Charles A. The second mar- 
riage of Mr. Moore was solemnized in Madera and united him with Freda C. Kicker, who was 
born in St. Louis, Mo. Of that union there is a daughter, Marie. The family is connected with 
the Presbyterian Church of Madera, in which Mr. Moore is treasurer, an elder and trustee, also 
assistant superintendent of the Sunday-school. 

The Madera Chamber of Commerce is one of the local activities which he supports, believing 
it to be an influence for the upbuilding of the town and county. Though not a partisan, he is 
stanchly Republican in his political views, while fraternally he associates with the local organiza- 
tion of Woodmen of the World.