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JOSEPH E. MOORE was born in Lisbon, Me., March 14, 1841. His father was Joseph
Moore, a a native of Parsonsfleld, York County. His great-grandfather, John Moore, came to this country in the
early part of the eighteenth century, married Miss Boothbay at Saco, and lived at Kittery and other towns in York
County, and with his son Dennis was killed in the French and Indian War. His grandfather, also named John Moore,
was a Revolutionary soldier from Scarborough, enlisting January 1, 1776, and afterwards settled in Parsonsfield.
His mother was Ann B. Pierce, of Durham, Me., a descendant of Michael Pierce, who came to Hingham, Mass., in 1646,
and settled afterward in Scituate, was a noted Indian fighter, "a captain of great bravery," and was
killed, with most of his men, in Philip's War. He was a brother of Capt. William Pierce, who came earlier, as master
of the "Paragon," in 1622, and in 1623 be brought to Plymouth the "Anne," in 1624 the "Charity,"
in 1625 the "Jacob," in 1629 the "Mayflower," and the "Lion" several trips; and in
1639 published "Pierce's Almanack," the first in book form published in the colonies. Mr. Moore is descended
on both sides from a sturdy stock, who participated actively in the settlement and development of this county.
Mr. Moore is the fifth in a family of seven children, all of whom are living. His father was a man of strong personality,
and was prominent in public affairs in town and county, and served in the Legislature. He was brought up to hard
work on a farm, his father dying when he was fourteen years old. He was educated in the common schools, but early
determined to get a higher education, and by his own energy and efforts fitted for college, and graduated with
honor in 1865, a Commencement memorable as having General Grant as its guest. He was class "Prophet"
and "Peucirtian" orator.
He read law with Judge May, in Lewiston, and Hon. A. P. Gould, in Thoinaston, and was admitted to Knox County Bar
in September, 1868 He entered into partnership with Mr. Gould in January, 1871, which continued into 1878, when
he went to Europe for a year's travel, and has since practiced law in Thomaston.
He married Ella Maud Smith, of Thomaston, a lady of high literary attainments and a writer of ability and note,
and has one child, a daughter.
He has always been a Democrat, and was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention at Cincinnati, in 1880,
and alternate to the Democratic Convention in Chicago, in 1884, being active in both. He represented Thomaston
in the Legislatures of 1878, 1883, and 1885, and was the Democratic candidate for Speaker in 1885, and member of
the Judiciary Committee and other leading committees. Being a fluent speaker, and especially happy in repartee,
he at once took a leading position. He was one of the hardest working members, and from his urbanity, courtesy,
and fairness, he was influential with all parties and had great weight in shaping legislation. He was a member
of the Commission on Revision of the Statutes of 1883. He was Collector of Customs for the District of Waldoboro
for four years, being appointed by President Cleveland. He has always been active in politics, and is regarded
one of the leaders in his party in Maine.
He has always been accorded a place among the leading lawyers of the State, and is a member of the Bar of the State
and of the Supreme and other Courts of the United States, and has practiced before them all. His legal standing
has been supplemented by high literary tastes and attainments. He delivered the address before the Medical School
at the Commencement of Bowdoin College in June, 1891, for which he received the highest praise.
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