united. Although the promise has been long delayed by an unwise policy, and I myself may never live to see the full orbed sun of liberty shine on my country as once it was, yet I have strong hopes that my countrymen will yet be blest with that glorious sight."
Over his remains, one who knew him long and knew him well, uttered these eloquent and truthful words:
"Here lies one who reposes after a long feast, where much love has been. Here slumbers in peace and patience, a veteran, with all his wounds in front, and not a blot on this scutcheon, after four score years of duty well done in the fierce and ceaseless campaign of life."*
* Much of the material of
this sketch is from an able article in the Observer at Baleigh published at the
time of his death.
Mr. Moore was twice married. In 1828, he married Louisa, the daughter of George Boddie, of Nash, and, in 1835, Lucy, another daughter of the same.
Lawrence O'Bryan Branch, son of Joseph and Susan O'Bryan Branch, was born in the village of Enfield, Halifax County, North Carolina, on November 28, 1820. His grandfather was a distinguished patriot of the revolution of 1776, and the history of his state affords evidences of his daring and patriotism. His father was a gentleman in affluent circumstances, who died early. His uncle and guardian had been the governor of North Carolina, senator in congress, secretary of the navy under General Jackson, and governor of Florida.
With him young Branch went to Washington city, and his early education was conducted by S. P. Chase, afterwards Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, then a teacher in Washington. On his return to North Carolina, his studies, preparatory for college, were directed by that well known teacher, W. J. Bingham, in Orange County. In January, 1835, he was martriculated at the university of the state, and passed with great credit through the freshman class; but from some difficulties in which his brothers became involved at college, he was withdrawn by his guardian, and sent to Nassau Hall, Princeton, where he graduated in September, 1838, with the first honors, in one of the first classes of that renowned institution. He delivered at this commencement the English salutatory address, being then only eighteen years old.
He commenced the study of the law with John Marshall, at Franklin, Tennessee. During the period of his studies, the political campaign, so well known as the "Log Cabin Campaign," opened; and it is believed that his mind and pen were more active in the exciting scenes of polities than in the grave studies of the law. He early commenced political life, the firm advocate of state rights, and never for a moment, under any circumstances, swerved from such teachings.
After his studies of the law were completed, he settled at Tallahassee, Florida; but not being of age, such were thegonialmanners of the youthful stranger, that the legislature of Florida passed a special act, allowing him to be examined, and if pronounced qualified on examination by the judges, to allow him to practice. He was admitted, and practiced with great success during the years of 1841, '42 and '43.
He early evinced a fondness for military life, and served as aid to General Leigh Reed, in a campaign in Florida against the Seminole Indians.
He married in April, 1844, Miss Nancy H. Blount, only daughter of General William A. Blount, of North Carolina; and this and other circumstances caused his removal to that state, and he settled at Raleigh. His merits were soon appreciated here. He was selected as a member of the literary board, director of the bank of the state, elector on the presidential ticket (Pierce and King,) and in 1852, president of the Raleigh and Gaston railroad.
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