The life of Howard Russell Moore was useful, well ordered and upright, the expression of worthy purposes and high ideals, and his death on the 16th of March, 1924, was a distinct loss to Amsterdam and the occasion of deep and widespread regret. Of a generous, sympathetic and optimistic nature, his genial smile and cheerful greeting brightened the lives of those with whom he was associated, and his friends were legion. The force of his personality, the keenness of his insight and the soundness of his judgment brought him to a position of prominence in many circles of the city and his labors were a direct agency in the upbuilding, improvement and progress of his community.
Howard Russell Moore was born August 24, 1860, in Fonda, Montgomery county, New York, a son of Abraham H. and Elizabeth (Young) Moore, who removed to Amsterdam during his childhood, and here he obtained his education, completing his studies in the academy. For about thirty years he was in the service of the Dutchess Manufacturing Company of Poughkeepsie, New York, filling the position of salesman, and was numbered among their most efficient and popular employes. Later he became treasurer of the Valley View Realty Company of Amsterdam. In the conduct of his business affairs he worked toward making his city a more attractive and desirable place of residence. In 1922 Mr. Moore withdrew from the business arena and the last two years of his life were spent in the enjoyment of a well earned period of leisure.
On August 22, 1901, Mr. Moore was married to Miss Jennie A. Coe, a daughter of L. P. and Sarah Coe of Amsterdam. Mr. Moore is survived by Mrs. Moore and her mother; a brother, Edward L. Moore of Ballston Lake, New York; a half-brother, Harry L. Moore of Amsterdam; and two aunts, Mrs. N. J. De Graff of this city, and Mrs. G. Smith Webb of Middletown.
Mr. Moore was a regular attendant at the Second Presbyterian church, with which he was affiliated practically all of his life, and contributed liberally toward its maintenance. He was a stanch republican in politics and his attitude toward public affairs was broad-minded and liberal. He was vice president of the Pine Grove Cemetery Association and served as treasurer of the Montgomery County Historical Society. He was one of the best loved members of Amsterdam Lodge, No. 101, B. P. O. E., and in his association with Elkdom was loyal and true to the highest aspirations of the order, contributing in large measure to the social life of the club. At the time of his death a local paper said of him:
"Mr. Moore was an ideal citizen, with a clear view of all subjects pertaining to civic life and an interest in every activity having for its object the advancement of community welfare. * * * In his personal relations all who came in contact with him found a delightful acquaintance and a true friend. He possessed a wonderfully cheerful temperament and a spontaneous humor that livened every one he met in the business and social world as well as in his home. This element of good cheer and scintillating wit made his presence a distinct acquisition to any company. He was devoted to his family and to his relatives and was a never failing source of satisfaction and joy to his intimates. The world pays honor to a man who helps to make it brighter and better, and the loss of such a man cannot be overestimated. Such a one has passed from our community life, and the number of those who mourn is the number of men and women who have been helped by contact with his personality, and they are many."
The board of directors of the Valley View Realty Company spread upon its minutes the following:
"In the passing of Howard R. Moore, treasurer since the organization of this company, this board loses the counsel and aid of one who from the beginning had been the guiding spirit in the work of this corporation. After the short life of threescore and three years he goes to rest respected for his unswerving integrity, appreciated for his broad spirit of philanthropy, beloved for his genial comradeship, and mourned by all who have come within the influence of his outstanding personality, sparkling wit, repartee and common sense. We feel keenly the loss of a beloved friend as well as an able and devoted associate."
At a special meeting of the Montgomery County Historical Society the following resolutions were adopted upon the death of Mr. Moore:
"Again we are called upon to express our sorrow and to inscribe resolutions of sympathy in memory of one of the most active and valued members of this organization. From the time he became a member of the society, and later its treasurer, he evinced a growing interest in its welfare and was untiring in his efforts to promote its prosperity and usefulness. Under his personal direction, with indefatigable and constant attention to that department of the institution to which he was repeatedly reelected, he served the society more faithfully and ably than mere words of praise can express. His marked business ability, his genial comradeship and his salient wit made the meetings with his fellow members a pleasure not to be forgotten and thereby gave encouragement to the work in hand. We, his associates, will ever cherish his memory."