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Note: Obituary from the Gering Courier, Nebraska, transcribed in July 2006 by Jerry Purvis at jerry.purvis@@geringcourier.com.
From the January 4, 1924 issue of the Gering Courier
James Lowery Moore died at one o�clock this morning at the family home just south of this city. He had been critically ill during the past few weeks, pneumonia weakening an already diseased heart so that he could not finally rally, although here had been hope because of the vitality manifested by the patient throughout his illness.
Lowery Moore was one of the earliest settlers in the north Platte Valley, first locating on the table lands north of Minatare we believe in 1887. Later on the family removed to Gering Valley, where they have since made their home.
The surviving children are Rev. Leslie A. Moore of Gurley, Neb.; Prof. Irving F. Moore of Wauneta, Neb.; Ernest J. Moore, Orin W. Moore, and Miss Lillian Moore, all of Gering.
With these and the bereft wife, the community most sincerely sympathizes in this sad bereavement. The deceased was a clean, honorable and upright citizen, a man of exemplary habits and reliable in all his dealings.
From the January 11, 1924 issue of the Gering Courier
Headline: Funeral service of James L. Moore held Sunday. Neighbors and friends from far and near attended to attest sorrow in community loss.
The burial service for the late James L. Moore held Sunday afternoon was a wonderful final testimonial to the respect in which the deceased was held in the North Platte Valley where his life had been spent for almost 40 years. Rev. E.C. Fintel, district superintendent, was assisted in the services by Rev. F.J. McCaffree, Rev. E.H. Sayre, and Rev. Frank Coats. The selection of pallbearers was made from among the many old time residents who had been his associates throughout his long and useful career, as follows: George W. Lawyer, J.P. Westervelt, B.F. Gentry, Ed. J. Whipple, R.M. Hanks, and E.P. Cromer. Following the service, interment was made at West Lawn Cemetery just as the bluffs were casting their long shadows eastward.
James Lowry Moore was born in Ireland on Nov. 4, 1860. When a babe, his father died. His mother with her family came to this country, when he was five years old, and made her home at Silver Creek, Delaware County, Iowa.
At the place, he grew to manhood, first in the home of his mother (she dying when he was nine years old), then in the home of his mother�s sister.
March 3, 1886 he was united in marriage to Ella Todd, and journeyed at once to what is now Scotts Bluff County, homesteading north of Minatare. Here they remained foe eight years, enduring privations and hardships of pioneer days.
The next four years were spend in farming in and near where the city of Scottsbluff now stands. In 1898, he moved his family to the farm south of Gering, where he remained until he was called above, which was early Friday morning of last week. His age was 63 years, one month and29 days. His death followed three weeks of serious illness preceded by several months of failing health.
His going is the first break in the family circle which has been united for 30 years. Those who mourn his death are: his wife, Ella P.; his children, Ernest J. Lillian A. Orin W., all of Gering; Leslie A. of Gurley; and Irving L. of Wauneta; a sister, Mrs. William Armstrong of Bricelyn, Minn. There are 11 grandchildren, besides a host of friends and many relatives.
Mr. Moore�s most outstanding influence was his Christian life. He was converted at the age of 16 years, and began an intense consecrated Christian life and activity, which ripened as the years went by, being harvested the other day as a sheaf for the heavenland.
While residing near Minatare, he became a charter member of the church there, and was licensed to preach as a local preacher. In pioneer days he held services in the homes and school houses. Most of the churches in this section of the state have been strengthened by his preaching.
When he moved to Gering he became one of the strong members of the Methodist church, holding various offices in the church, such as trustee, steward, class leader, and Bible class teacher. The home has always been a religious center. Preachers have found there a hearty welcome. As a result of this influence, all the children are Christians, one being a minister. His life was well rounded . His Christian life did not make him impractical.
Few, if any have done more in making Scotts Bluff County what it is. He had a large part in the development of irrigation. He was one of the leaders in the building of the Gering canal. When many were discouraged, he was one of the men with faith. In all the development of the country he did his part. He did not wait for others to take the chance, then reap from their labor, but paved the way for others.
He placed emphasis on clean Christian living. Life to him was more than material things. His ambition was to give his children a college education which he did at a sacrifice. His going loses to his family a loving husband and father, to the community a clean honest citizen, to the church a pillar; but to him a mansion in the heavenly home.
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