Ransom MOORE, who friends said, was 102 years old, died at one o'clock this morning at the home of Supervisor A.W. Thomas, near Belle Rive in Moore's Prairie township. His exact age was 102 years, six months and 20 days.

Mr. Moore, who retained his mental facilities, his eyesight and hearing to a remarkable measure for one of his advanced years, died after a long period of ill health. Death was attributed to the general infimities of old age.

A man who lived a colorful, useful life, most of which was spent in Jefferson county, Mr. Moore was able to converse with friends in an intelligent manner less than a week ago.

Funeral services will be held at two o'clock Tuesday afternoon at Hams Grove church, conducted by Rev. Raymond Pierce, a friend of Mr. Moore for the past 18 years. Burial will be in the nearby cemetery. The body will lie in state at Myers Chapel where friends may call up to the funeral hour.

Mr. Moore was born February 19, 1838.

A brick mason and plasterer, he plied his trade in Mt. Vernon for years. For many years during his lifetime he was a farmer, residing in Moore's Prairie township. While at times he lived in other states he called Jefferson county his home.

About 65 years ago his ws converted and joined the Baptist church in a Texas town. Mr. Moore liked only a few months of being as old as Uncle John Mills, who is 103 and the oldest man in Jefferson county. His wife, the former Catherine Bigham, preceded him in death about 15 years ago. "Uncle Ranse" as he was affectionaley called by his old friends , was described by the as " a real old-time pioneer American."

Source: Mt. Vernon Register News
Date: September 9, 1940
Submitted by Sharlet Bigham LaBarbera - June 20, 1998