This particular branch of the Moore family in Albany, New York, sprung from the marriage in county Down, Ireland, in the seventeenth century, of a young Englishman by name Moore, and a Scotch lassie named Hamilton, who after their marriage settled in the parish of Dromore, county Down. This was at the time when Ireland in the north was being peopled with religious refugees from Scotland, Wales and England. The descendants of this marriage are many and no tabulated genealogical descent can be made. They were good citizens and produced men noted in their communities for intelligence, thrift, and integrity. Generations lived and passed away before we can take up the family about the close of the eighteenth century with Hugh Moore, of the same parish and county as the Englishman Moore of previous mention. He married, and in 1810 sold his possessions in Ireland and started for the United States. But before embarking the health of his wife failed and she prevailed on him not to leave their home. They returned to their native county where they remained until 1840, when with their other children they joined their son, William Moore, in Albany. They settled in Albany, Rensselaer [i.e., Albany] county, where Hugh died at the age of ninety-four and his wife at the age of ninety. Children:
- Joseph, entered the military service; was with the English army in Spain, and met his death on the field of battle.
- James, married in Ireland and came to the United States in 1840, with his parents: he settled on a farm near Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he died leaving issue.
- Anna, married Thomas Rain, of Rensselaer county; both deceased, leaving a large family.
- William, see forward.
(II) William, son of Hugh Moore, was born in 1795. He married in 1821 Jean Campbell, born in county Down, of the Scotch Campbell clan, so famed in the history and song of Scotland. William and Jean Moore carried out the intent of preceding generations, and in the same year of their marriage left Ireland and took passage for Canada, landing in Quebec. From there they continued to Albany, New York, where in 1828 they built a residence on Broad street, South Albany, which was thereafter their home. In 1844 William Moore began the business of brick manufacturing, which he continued successfully until 1859, when he retired and passed the business over to his son, James C. Moore. He died in 1876. Jean (Campbell) Moore, born in 1793, died in 1868. The Moores and Campbells both in Ireland and in the United States were followers of the Presbyterian faith. Children of William and Jean (Campbell) Moore, born in Albany:
- William John, born 1826, died 1864; unmarried.
- Margaret Jean, 1828, died 1870; married Henry Babcock, who died in 1874; children:
- Margaret Jean, married John Patterson, of Glenmont, Albany county, New York;
- Joshua, married Anna James; children: Agnes Madill and Margaret Jean Babcock;
- Elizabeth, married James Hunter; children: Henry Babcock and Charlotte Hunter.
- James C., 1830, died 1901; married (first) Sarah K. Smith, who died in middle life without issue; married (second) Anna Babcock, who survives him, a resident of Albany; the two children of the second marriage are deceased. James C. succeeded to the brick manufacturing business founded by his father, which he conducted until 1901. Since his death the business has been conducted by Joshua Babcock, grandson of the founder, who still retains it in the family (1910).
- Robert H., see forward.
(III) Robert H., youngest son of William and Jean (Campbell) Moore, was born in Albany, New York, July 9, 1836, at the original homestead on Broad street, near where his entire life was spent. He was well equipped for life's battle, with a good education obtained in the public schools; the Boy's Academy and Bryant-Stratton Business College. In 1862 he started in the lumber business, with capital furnished by his father and to this he has devoted a successful business life. For several years he had as a partner John Zimmerman, deceased, and since his death Mr. Moore has continued the business alone. He has always been active and prominent in public affairs of the city. He is a leading Democrat of Albany, and in 1870 was elected to the board of aldermen from the city at large. In 1872 he was chosen to represent the second ward of Albany, re-elected in 1874 alderman-at-large and again in 1894. In 1887-88-89 he was county clerk of Albany county. His public service has been valuable and his oft-repeated re-elections testify to his high standing with the voters of his party. In 1881 he married, in Albany, Charlotte Hunter, born in county Down, Ireland, 1841, came to the United States at the age of sixteen, but her parents lived and died at their home in Ireland.