Guide to the James Wilson Moore Papers

This collection consists of two diaries, a memoir, four sermons, and four pieces of correspondence. It primarily documents Moore’s work as a missionary and minister for the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. in Arkansas prior to and following statehood in 1836, and his labors in establishing the Presbyterian church in that region.

Bound at the request of his son, the diaries span the years 1827-1833, 1835-1841, and 1843-1849. The bulk of the entries are from 1828 through 1831. Both diaries are labeled “Memoirs of J.W. Moore”; however Moore refers to them as his “diaries” and “memoranda.” Beginning in December 1827, the diaries primarily chronicle his journey from Milton, Pennsylvania to the Territory of Arkansas, his daily experiences as a missionary, and his work in forming what is now the First Presbyterian Church of Little Rock. Included in the volumes are detailed descriptions of Little Rock and its inhabitants prior to and following statehood, and, to a lesser extent, his observations of and interactions with African slaves and Native Americans. The diaries also contain a copy of a letter sent to an inquirer in 1851 concerning the meaning of Revelations 13:18, a final note written in 1861 (crossed out) that addresses his fears concerning the impending American Civil War, and an inscription dated September 29, 1872 (four months prior to his death), in which he reflects on the diaries.

The memoir focuses on Moore’s life until the early 1840s. It was written at the request of his son, William, at an unspecified date. The commentary highlights his early life in Pennsylvania, including his education at Princeton Theological Seminary, as well as a recollection of his experiences while laboring as a missionary in Arkansas. Also included in the memoir are photographic portraits of Moore and his wife, Elizabeth; an extract from a letter to Moore from his sister, Mary, written in 1850, concerning their family; a copy of an 18th century covenant left by Moore’s grandfather, John Woods, in which he dedicates himself and his family to the Lord; and a written verification of Moore’s licensure and ordination by the stated clerk of the Northumberland Presbytery in Pennsylvania, dated 1867. In a brief unfinished final entry dated October 20, 1872, Moore laments his eldest son’s involvement in the American Civil War.

Lacking in both the diaries and memoir are details of Moore’s involvement in the Arkansas Presbytery and extensive references to personal family history.

Moore’s sermon written in 1827 may be a copy from 1846. The correspondence includes two letters from Moore to his future wife, Elizabeth G. Green.