Gilbert Hicks Moore		Picture found in book "Adam and Anne Mott" by Thomas Cornell
Born: 29 July 1816 on Lombardy St. in New York
Married: 1st  07 Nov 1836 to Anna M. Comstock Married: 2nd  08 Oct 1845 to Phebe Webster
Died: 19 Dec 1868 Titusville, Crawford, PA
Buried: 22 Dec 1868 Mt Hope Cemetery, Rochester, NY

FATHER

Lindley Murray Moore

MOTHER

Abigail Lydia Mott

WIFE

1. Anna Maria Comstock         Born: 04 April 1819 Royalton, NY         Married: 07 Nov 1836         Died: 06 May 1843   Rochester, Monroe Co., NY

Anna Maria Comstock Moore

2. Phebe Webster         Born: 21 Jan 1824         Married: 08 Oct 1845

Phebe Webster Moore

CHILDREN with Anna Comstock

1. Walter Comstock Moore   b. 14 July 1837 NY
                                              d. 22 Sep 1886 PA

                m. Amanda M Harrison

2. Edward Moore b. 06 May 1839
                             d. 21 Nov 1840

3. Edward Dexter Moore b. 13 July 1841 Rochester
                                        d. 13 Oct 1921 Cook Co., IL

                m. Zoe Compton 

CHILDREN with Phebe Webster

1. Crowell Murray Moore b. 08 June 1855 Canada
                                        d. Aft 1930   Toledo, Lucas, OH

                m Clara Noteman

Notes on Gilbert H Moore
by Chase and Susan Brooke
Oct 1012 

Gilbert seems to have lived under the shadow of his precocious older brother, Edward Mott Moore.  Edward was two years older, the oldest child, and his parents, Lindley and Abigail, must have been thrilled with his promise.  In 1818 when Edward was four and Gilbert two, James Mott, his great-grandfather. wrote to Adam and Anne Mott, "The little account Anne gives respecting Edward Moore is a proof of the disposition I have often thought so observable in him; and while I wish every manly trait in his character may be cultivated and improved, I hope his parents will not do it at the expense of Gilbert’s neglect. Partiality toward a favorite child is too often to be seen in families. I do not give the hint in consequence of having observed anything of the kind." (1)

Edward was an attentive scholar and went on to medical school to become a renowned doctor.  Gilbert, on the other hand, did not do as well in school.  He paled in comparison to his brother.  He was easily swayed by "bad influences" and got into trouble.  In May of 1834 their mother, Abigail, wrote to Edward at school at Rensselaer referring to "how easily (Gilbert) is drawn off and injured by those with whom he mingles."  He also took a different political stance from his parents on the subject of slavery.(2)  He didn't want to become a farmer, but without any other training, a farmer he became.

Then Gilbert married Anna Comstock in 1836 when he was 20 (3) and their first child was born a few months later.  Edward was not informed of the marriage as it must have taken place in some haste.  In March of 1837 Edward wrote to his parents, "I heard a short time after I had been here last fall that Gil was married & heard it pretty straight but gave no credence to it as you have not said any thing about it, but I have heard it over again so positive, that I did not know but you were keeping from me until I came home  -- for fun, How is it."  However, Gilbert's sister Ann had speculated Gilbert was about to marry in July of 1836. (4)

Gilbert was married with a child on the way and thus "went into business, with his father behind him, and in the general financial revulsions of 1837-40 much of the savings of years was lost." (5)  He must have borrowed money from his father to go into the mercantile business with Otis Clapp and Lorenzo Hathaway. The ad at the right was placed in the Palmyra NY Wayne Co., Sentinel in November of 1836.   Most likely his father, Lindley Murray Moore, signed a note with this new business and when the business failed, the creditors came after Lindley too.  Abby wrote in January 1839, "As it regards our pecuniary affairs, I have but little tell thee either new or pleasing. Willis and brothers have filed a bill in chancery against the firm of Clapp Hathaway and Moore, and of course an in junction is laid upon father that he can neither buy nor sell or indeed transact business of any kind." (5a)

Gilbert and Anna lived in Farmington the first years of their marriage.  In 1838 Abigail wrote to Edward, "G's crops all look very well.  ---- Little Walter was a year old while we were there, he does not walk but creeps which is better for him as he is not very strong in his back, every one that sees him notices the strong likeness between him and his grandfather.  Anna is very thin.  ---  Anna told me that many times they had done without what may be deemed common necessaries of life such as tea coffee and sugar keeping a small quantity by in case a friend should come to see them because they have not the money to pay for them.  ---They are looking forward with much satisfaction to the sale of their crops hoping it may clear them of debt.  ---  Anna proposed to father the other day to make a change for her land at Toledo for that farm, they are both very desirous of having a home of their own, we discouraged any thought of this kind as it would plunge them too deeply in debt." (6)

In December Gilbert became involved in some kind of lawsuit, probably with his partners in the mercantile business..  Abigail writes to Edward, "1838 12th Mo 17th,  Gilbert came to see us today and let us know a little what was going on at Farmington, J Hathaway has been carrying on with a high and yet underhanded harm against G. It is too long and difficult a tale to tell, particularly when my sheet is already full, G has taken the advice of an eminent lawyer of Canandaigua, who advised him to take the case to the Supreme Court saying “such transactions smell, strong of Auburn”. G has had his affidavit made out which he read to us and intends forwarding it immediately to Albany. He also has made a regular complaint to the overseers, who met at our house last evening. What will be the result time will tell, if G gets the course it will probably be brought in as a case of fraud and I very much regret that G should have the necessity of taking such a step, I also much fear that he has been precipitate, it will not gain his endorsement in that case it will involve him with a heavy bill of cost which he is very unable to bear at present. Walter tries to talk said some words quite plain, but does not walk entirely alone, his bumps of caution are so large he dare not venture unassisted but will very readily with imaginary help - such as taking hold of one end of a string or small stick, but no soon as we let go, he will sit down, he has frequent ill turns."(7)

By June of 1839 Gilbert was trying to make it as a teacher. Abigail was writing to her daughter Ann who was staying with her Aunt Sarah.  "L Bixby and G have commenced their school, they opened with 126, have now 160 in the different departments, G has 40 under his immediate care, he seems quite disposed to do his best, making frequent inquiries of father respecting the best method of management - setting such and such difficulties etc.  Lewis says he never saw so many children together that would compare (take them as a whole ) for ignorance and want of order, but he thinks he shall be able to revolutionize them, feeling that he has gained a little in those points even in one week.  --  G has gone this morning to Farmington after Anna and the babe, will return tomorrow.  -  Anna Maria and the babe came here on first day, and as they were caught out in the rain they both have felt some inconvenience from their journey, the babe has aired much more than we like to hear him, he is a way larger, healthy, growing and fine looking babe, his name is not Murray, but Edward, they did not like Murray, and G said he thought E would not feel himself disgraced by having him called after him, time will prove whether he will be equal to Walter, who certainly is one of the most interesting children I ever saw, and what stronger proof of it shall I give, than to say that he is really a great pet of Uncle Silas's, even Thomas seemed very fond of him.

In the same letter Abigail goes on about her grandson, Walter.  Someone named Bloss had been at their home that afternoon.  "I do not say he is crazy, but I do say that on the subject of religion he is so excited that it almost if not quite amounts to a derangement; he got very earnest in conversation, and little Walter was much attracted by his manner; he stood before him and repeated many words after him and when he struck his hands together, Walter did his."

At the time that Abigail was writing this letter to Ann, she was quite pregnant with Alice Marie.  At the very end of the letter, Gilbert wrote over the top, "Mother has filled her letter so full that I have scarcely room to tell thee some very great news; and at the same time I blame mother and father most exceedingly for not giving thee some little idea of the possibility of such an occurrence, and even at this moment I am under the necessity of using a little deception to get a chance of informing thee so great a piece of news, for I have brought this letter down to my school born with the pretense of directing it & mailing it for thee.  - so, after all this preamble, My Dear sister, please don't faint when I tell thee that this morning was born unto thee a sister, a fine healthy child, and weighing 8 1/2 pounds."(8)

By July of 1839 Gilbert was already wishing for some other occupation.  Abigail makes a reference to his having said something about his desire to study law, "but as neither his father nor myself felt like encouraging this plan there was but little said." (9)  But Gilbert did not give up on the idea.  He obviously looked up to his older brother and wrote to Edward in July 1839, "I am very sorry that I did not commence the study of some profession in the same time that thou did, and even more I do not know that it is too late to begin the study of the Law, if I could do that & teach school at the same time.  What would thou think of such a plan, please advise with me freely.  I've said nothing to father about it for I do not consider him a suitable person to advise with on the subject." (10) 

In the same letter Gilbert imparts to his brother the grim news from home.   Their mother, Abigail, might have consumption.  Their sister, Alice Marie, who was just a few weeks old was very sickly.  Their father's business was improving and it was "hoped that the storm is blowing over now and that we shall again see the time that we shall be the happy family that we once were."  Gilbert closes his letter with reference to his 2nd son, Edward, "Thou know that my youngest was honored with the name of his Uncle Edward and I can epose thee thou need not be under any concern of his dishonoring his name, according to present appearances." (10)

This son Edward died in Nov of 1840.  Gilbert's wife, Anna Maria, died in 1843.  By this time his brother Edward Mott Moore had come back to Rochester to practice medicine, but there was nothing anyone could do about the consumption that took the lives of Gilbert's wife in 1843, his sister, Mary Moore in 1844, his mother, Abigail Mott Moore in 1846, and his brother Murray also in 1846.

In 1845 Gilbert married his second wife, Phebe Webster.  From the Rochester Quaker Records it appears Gilbert and his family moved to Norwich, Canada by 1854.. However, his sister Ann refers to Gilbert as being in Norwich in a letter written to Edward in 1848. And he was in the 1851 census for Norwich listed as a "Dentist" and in the 1861 census for Canada listed as "Enumerator".   Gilbert's son C Murray Moore was born in Canada in 1855.

Lindley continued to worry about his son, Gilbert.  In 1850 he wrote to his son Edward, "(Ann) says she lately rec'd a letter from Phebe, Gilbert's wife, with a short note from Walter.  It does not give much information, such as we particularly desire.  Walter says he could not write much as his father was waiting for it.  The letter was postmarked at Buffalo, so I suppose G is on one of his long gambling tours, up the lakes & down the lakes & nobody knows where.  I have written to Crowell Webster to know particularly about G & how he is getting on, with a view of ascertaining what is best to attempt to do with the children." (11)  Lindley closes this letter with, "My love to Lucy, when thou writest to her, do write to Ann.  It does her good to hear a letter from thee.  You two are the only ones of my 9 children that are left, on what affection I rely.  We must keep up that affectionate intercourse which is the sweetener of human life."

Obviously Gilbert was somewhat estranged from his father, but still wanted contact from him.  He was living in a Quaker community in Norwich, Canada and wrote a letter to his brother, Edward,  in April 1862, saying he hoped his father would visit.  See below.  (12)

In that same letter of 1862 Gilbert makes reference to his son, Edward. "Edward is getting on fine at the University of Toronto." All three of Gilbert's sons seem to have done well.

Walter Comstock Moore is listed as MD on baptism of his son Gilbert Harrison Moore in 1878 and as physician in 1880 census for Williamsport, Lycoming, PA.

Edward Dexter Moore is listed as attorney at law in Toledo in  his 1891 passport application. (13)

Murray Crowell Moore is listed as bookkeeper in 1900 census in Toledo and Deputy Clerk in 1920 and 1930 census records.

Sources:

(1) Adam and Ann Mott by Thomas Cornell, 1890, pg 109

(2) Letters from Abigail Mott Moore to her son at Rensselaer in in Troy, NY May and June of 1834, as found in the Edward Mott Moore Papers on file at the University of Rochester.   The following is from a letter from Abigail to Edward on 6th Mo. 22nd 1834

"Gilbert is a warm colonizationist, so much so that he can scarcely see a good step or motive in anti-slavery. - he attended three of these meetings he says to oblige me, but I think he had a secret wish to hear what was said."  She then goes on to write, "He does not intend to be a farmer but does not yet choose any other mode of living.  Thy father and I feel satisfied with his improvement and his conduct so far since his return home has been very correct and agreeable." In the same letter Lindley writes, "If Gilbert remains at home he will miss thee very much, as I felt a hope that thou would be able to exercise a salutary influence over him.  ----  his mind is better stored than it was a year ago, I entertain hopes that no such unpleasant circumstance will again occur, as did before he left."

(3)     Rochester Monthly Meeting, Monroe County, New York: Quaker Records

Gilbert H Moore
- m out 1837
Ch: Req cert of clear to Hartland 8-26-1836 (O) but withdrew the req next month Gilbert m out bef 3-24-1837 , dis 5-26-1837 Cert to Norwich, Canada , for his minor ch req but they found non-mbrs 4-28-1854

(4) Adam and Ann Mott by Thomas Cornell, 1890  pg 167.  Letter of Ann Moore to her cousin, James Hicks

(5) Adam and Ann Mott by Thomas Cornell, 1890    pg 175.

(5a) Letter from Abigail Mott Moore to Edward Mott Moore, 1st Mo., 24, 1839  Letter on file in Edward Mott Moore Papers at University of Rochester.

(6) Letter from Abigail Mott Moore to Edward Mott Moore, Rochester 7th Mo. 4th 1838.  Letter on file in Edward Mott Moore Papers at University of Rochester.

(7) Letter from Abigail Mott Moore to Edward Mott Moore, Rochester 12 Mo. 1838.  Letter on file in Edward Mott Moore Papers at University of Rochester

(8) Letter from Abigail, Mary and Gilbert to Ann, Rochester 6 Mo. 1st 1839.  Letter on file in Edward Mott Moore Papers at University of Rochester

(9) Letter from Abigail Mott Moore to Edward Mott Moore, Rochester, 2nd Mo. 18th, 1839. Letter on file in Edward Mott Moore Papers at University of Rochester
"I have not said anything in my last letters respecting Gilbert's prospects because I knew nothing and for the same reason I cannot say anything now.  The last time he was here he said something about studying law, but as neither his father nor myself felt like encouraging this plan, there was but little said."

(10) Letter from Gilbert Moore to Edward Mott Moore, Rochester, July 10th, 1839.  Letter on file in Edward Mott Moore Papers at University of Rochester

Rochester July 10th 1839
Dear Brother
As apologizing to thee for my long silence would be of no avail, and would sound almost like an insult, I shall not attempt it, but only make use of an old saying, “The least said the soonest minded.”
As thou hast already been informed, I suppose, I am now stationed here in Fitzhugh St next door Dr. Luke’s Church, keeping school under Lewis Bixby. It is a new business for me, although I like it better than being on a farm, on account of my suffering so much by the headache as I have for the last 6 years (ever since I had that turn of sickness caused by swimming in the Lake on Sandy.) By the way, I wish thou would recommend some course for me to adopt with regard to my affection of the head if thou could prescribe without seeing me. I spoke to Dr Mann about it some time ago, and he gave me a dose of Dr. Coleman’s abominable Emetic Cathartic pills (as thou used to call them) but I have got no benefit from them. He then told me I must be cupped in my back and neck but this I would not submit to, as I do not think that Dr Mann knows more about medicine than a clam, when you get him on any other subject than the eye, but if thou thinks that cupping would be beneficial, I will have it done forthwith.
As father has told thee of Mothers health improving so very fast, I need tell thee nothing on that subject, except that father knows very little or nothing about it. The rest of us are all alarmed about her, on account of her lungs and afraid of Dr Coleman’s and that other New York physician’s prediction being verified, as she has a slight cough almost all the time, and worse during the night, accompanied with a slight chill and considerable fever every day and sometimes more than over a day, but I do not wish to alarm thee needlessly.
But the truth of the matter is, that father knows nothing of her situation, as he only goes into her room at meal time when he finds her either sitting up in bed or in her armchair eating her meals and her appetite is good, although she does not gain strength at all, and says herself that she is not so strong as she was a week after her confinement.
Her babe is a sickly thing, in consequence of mothers protracted illness, but is without exception the most beautifully featured child I ever saw, which thou will admit is a great deal for a person to say who has two of his own, who have been generally acknowledged to be about the top of the heap.
I do not know whether father is going west or not this summer, as he shows no signs of it, and says nothing about it; I think the agency will be a good one, on the times that he takes it, and it will be impossible for him to lose anything by it, as his expenses are all found him by the company, and he has 1/4 of all he sells beside a small compensation for his time.
His business is getting in a little better shape than it was, but he says but little about it; he has been seldom seen to smile or appear to enjoy himself much until within a few weeks past, and now he appears quite like himself again. It is rather unpleasant for him to be in such a situation, as he has been for, a year or two past, considering the habits that he has been in the practice of, but it is to be hoped that the storm is blowing over now and that we shall again see the time that we shall be the happy family that we once were. ------
The school numbers now about 65 altho they are not all in attendance constantly, they were to hold have both hands full all the time. The state of learning among the children is this city is astonishing, and I do verily believe that the same number of boys cannot be found in any school in the country that are so very deficient in learning taking them as a body, but I am in hopes that with my father’s example upon my mind that I can raise the standard a little in my department at least, which I must do if ever I expect to make a business of it. I am very sorry that I did not commence the study of some profession at the same time that thou did, and even more I do not know that it is too late to begin the study of the Law, if I could do that & teach school at the same time. What would thou think of such a plan, please advise with me freely. I’ve said nothing to father about it for I do not consider him a suitable person to advise with on the subject.
I have thus scrawled along over almost the whole of a sheet of foolscap, and on looking it over, I find there is nothing in it, but as father say, it goes cheap, and so no matter.  --------
Anna’s health is at present good, but she has been rather under the weather, for her youngest child is a whopping great fellow and lugs her down most completely. Thou know that my youngest was honored with the name of his Uncle Edward and I can epose thee thou need not be under any concern of his dishonoring his name, according to present appearances.
With much affection
I am thy Brother
G H Moore
(Anna sends her love.)

(11) Letter from Lindley Murray Moore to Edward Mott Moore, West Haverford, 6th Mo. 30th, 1850.  Letter on file in Edward Mott Moore Papers at University of Rochester.

(12) Letter from Gilbert Moore to his brother Edward Mott Moore, Norwich,  Apr 20, 1862.  Letter on file in Edward Mott Moore Papers at University of Rochester.

(13) Passport Application of Edward D Moore, 1891