During the Civil War, regiments were often raised in communities where soldiers knew one another. It was common for brothers, cousins, and even fathers and sons to serve in the same company. Recently, we came across an 1883 newspaper article about the extraordinary sacrifice of the Moore family from Pennsylvania. Dr. James and Harriet Barton Moore’s eight sons enlisted in the Union Army. We examined their service records and found a remarkable story of one family’s military service. All eight sons survived the war, though some were wounded and suffered from the injuries for the rest of their lives.
Kimber A. Moore was the oldest Moore son. He was born in 1817 and enlisted in October 1861 at age 43 in the Pennsylvania 77th Infantry, Company F. At the time, Kimber was married with seven children of his own. Kimber was the oldest man in his company and was greatly respected. Both officers and enlisted men often sought his counsel. He fought in many battles, including Shiloh, Corinth, Stones River, and Chickamauga. According to his obituary, he was seriously wounded and endured years of suffering. The effects of his injury eventually led to his death in 1889 at the age of 72.
John C. Moore was the second son. He was born in March 1824. When the call for volunteers came in 1861, John wanted to take up arms, but physical limitations prevented him from doing so. Instead, he enlisted to serve in the quartermaster’s department and served throughout the entire war. John died in 1895 at age 71.
Charles W. Moore was born in 1826. He was married with three children and was a respected physician when he left his practice to enlist in the Thirteenth Pennsylvania Cavalry. Charles served first as an assistant surgeon and later as a head surgeon. He tenderly bound the wounds and cared for injured soldiers, often amidst heavy fighting. He died in Nebraska in 1902 at 75.
Joseph Addison Moore was born in 1833 and enlisted in the Fifth Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry. After three months, he reenlisted as a Lieutenant in the 28th Pennsylvania Infantry. Joseph commanded his company during the Battle of Antietam and lost one-third of his company when they were either captured or killed. In 1863, he returned to the 147th with a commission as captain in Company B. This was the same company his brother James served in. During the Battle of New Hope Church, He was wounded in both legs and discharged with a disability. He was also suffering from chronic diarrhea throughout his service. Following the war, Joseph served as principal of one of Pennsylvania’s soldier’s orphans’ schools, where he helped educate nearly 1,000 of his lost comrade’s children. Joseph died in 1911
James M. Moore was born in 1835 and enlisted in 1861. James was severely injured during the Battle of Chancellorsville, suffering multiple gunshot wounds. He was also wounded at New Hope Church and was discharged with a disability. He suffered the effects of his service for the remainder of his life. Some of the battles James fought in included Gettysburg, Cedar Mountain, and Resaca. James died in 1915 in Nebraska.
Benjamin F. Moore was born in 1838 and enlisted on April 19, 1861, in Chambersburg, PA, in the Independent Light Artillery Pennsylvania Volunteers, Company D, under Capt. Charles Thomas Campbell. He also served in the Maryland 12 Infantry and the Pennsylvania 6th Cavalry. Benjamin fought in 37 different engagements during the war. His military record contains a letter dated September 1864, in which Benjamin requested five days leave to return home following the death of his mother and the severe illness of his father. Benjamin died in 1925 in Nebraska.
William Henry Harrison Moore was born in 1840. He enlisted in the Pennsylvania 126th Regiment, Company B. When he had fulfilled the term of his enlistment, he re-enlisted in the Third Artillery and was discharged along with the rest of the regiment at the war’s end. Moore fought at Antietam and Chancellorsville and died in 1886 in Nebraska.
Curran E. Moore was born in 1843 and enlisted in the Pennsylvania 202nd Regiment, Company K, in 1864. He also served in the 20th Pennsylvania Regiment, Company I. He mustered out on August 3, 1865. He also suffered health challenges from his service, including chronic diarrhea during the war. Curran died in 1926 in Nebraska.
The Moore brothers were descended from a long tradition of military service, beginning with their grandfather, who served in the Revolutionary War. To learn more about the Moore family or to discover more about your family’s military service, search Fold3® today!