David Moore Letter: [28 June 1840]
See Marion Reicker, A Time there was, MC80-1038
Date of creation:
transcribed 1980s
Biographical sketch /Administrative history:
David Moore (1801-1883), his wife Nancy Campbell (b. Collin Ireland, 1804, d. 1869) and their first child, John, immigrated to New Brunswick from Co. Donegal, Ireland, in 1826, settling first in St. Martins and relocating to New Jerusalem, Queens County in May 1857. In June 1857 they were baptised into the Presbyterian Church. The Moore’s had five other sons, including Robert Thomas (m. July 29, 1867 Matilda P. Sterritt), and Joseph, and three daughters, including Ann (m. December 22, 1852, James Graham, Petersville, Queens Co.), and Mary Jane. David had at least three brothers, including John and Thomas who immigrated to New Brunswick, and Robert, who lived in Ireland. David was granted a license to teach in 1828, applying for its renewal in 1844. He taught in various schools in the Province including at Coot Hill Settlement. He was also a writer and poet. Nancy died in Portland, Saint John on November 8, 1869 at the age of 65 of congestion of the lungs at the residence of her daughter Ann and her husband James Graham. In the Federal census of 1881 “David Moor” appears as a widower living with his son Joseph Moore and his family in Hampstead, Queens Co. He died in Queens Co. on February 24, 1883 at the age of 83.
Scope and content:
This is a transcript of a letter from David Moore of New Jerusalem, New Brunswick,
to his brother, Thomas Moore, in Donegal, Ireland. He sends news of acquaintances
and their brother John, who also immigrated to New Brunswick. The letter tells
Thomas about some of David’s children and the family’s health. David discusses
the lumber trade, and owning and cultivating land. He gives an account of how
land is distributed in New Brunswick, encouraging his brother to immigrate.
He advises that he, “marry some prudent and virtuous woman before [he] leave[s]
home, and she will be an advantage...”
Transcription of a letter from David
Moore, New Jerusalem, New Brunswick, to his brother, Thomas Moore, Churchtown,
Donegal, Ireland, 28 June 1840.