Clarence Moore

Who was Mr Clarence Moore?

Mr Clarence Moore was a prominent American businessman, banker, and socialite who tragically perished in the sinking of the RMS Titanic on April 15, 1912. Born on March 1, 1865, in Clarksburg, West Virginia, Moore was 47 (forty-seven) years old at the time of his death. He was known for his successful career in finance, his passion for horsemanship, and his social standing in Washington, D.C.’s elite circles.

Early Life and Family

Roots in West Virginia

Clarence Moore was born into a family with strong ties to Virginia. His parents were:

Father: Jasper Yates Moore (1834-1907), a legal clerk
Mother: Frances Elizabeth Reynolds (1842-1894)

He had one younger brother, Frank Reynolds Moore (1869-1954). The Moore family resided in Harrison County, West Virginia, during Clarence’s childhood, as evidenced by census records from 1870 and 1880.

Education and Move to Washington

After completing his education at Dufferin College in Ontario, Canada, Moore’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to explore various business opportunities in West Virginia. He became involved in:

Coal mining ventures
Oil exploration
Timber properties

In 1890, Moore made a significant move that would shape his future career and social standing: he relocated to Washington, D.C., which would remain his home base for the rest of his life.

Business Career and Financial Success

Partnership with W.B. Hibbs

In 1891, Clarence Moore’s career took a pivotal turn when he partnered with W.B. Hibbs to form the banking and brokerage firm Hibbs & Co. This partnership marked the beginning of Moore’s ascent in the financial world of Washington, D.C.

Diverse Business Interests

Moore’s business acumen extended beyond banking. He diversified his portfolio to include:

Real estate investments near Leesburg, Virginia
A profitable farm in Montgomery County, Maryland, where he raised cattle and horses

Financial Standing

By 1910, Moore’s success was evident:

Annual income: $25,000 (a substantial sum for the time)
Residence: A palatial home at 1748 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, D.C.
Staff: Employed 20 servants, including a secretary, laundresses, nurses, maids, and a governess

Personal Life and Family

First Marriage

Clarence Moore’s first marriage was to Alice McLaughlin (b. 1872), daughter of Franklin McLaughlin of Philadelphia. They had two children:

Frances Sarah Preston (b. September 14, 1894)
Samuel Preston (b. July 5, 1897)

Tragically, Alice passed away on July 17, 1897, shortly after the birth of their son.

Second Marriage

On June 20, 1900, Moore remarried to Mabelle Florence Swift (b. March 28, 1878) in Beverly, Massachusetts. Mabelle was well-known in Parisian social circles. Together, they had four children:

Edwin Swift (b. November 25, 1901; d. January 11, 1907)
Jasper (b. November 30, 1905)
Clarence (b. January 20, 1910)
Lloyd (b. November 29, 1911)

Moore was a prominent figure in Washington’s high society. His social affiliations included:

Member of the Chevy Chase Club
Member of the New York Yacht Club

Passion for Horsemanship

Clarence Moore was renowned for his equestrian skills:

Considered one of the finest horsemen in Washington
Served as hunt master for the Loudon Hunt in Virginia

The Fateful Titanic Journey

Purpose of Travel

In mid-March 1912, Moore embarked on a journey to England with two primary objectives:

To purchase foxhounds for the Loudon Hunt
To attend the Grand National horse race

Titanic Boarding

Departure: Southampton on April 10, 1912
Ticket: First-class passage (number 113796)
Cost: £42, 8s
Companion: Accompanied by his English manservant, Charles Harrington

Final Moments

On the night of April 14-15, 1912:

Location: Moore was in the smoking room playing cards with fellow passengers Major Archibald Butt, Harry Widener, and William Carter
Heroism: Survivors recounted Moore’s bravery during the evacuation
Fate: Clarence Moore did not survive the sinking, and his body, if recovered, was never identified

Legacy and Aftermath

Legal Claims

Following Moore’s death, his widow Mabelle filed substantial claims against the Oceanic Steam Navigation Company:

$500,000 for loss of future income
$10,500 for loss of property (including valuable jewelry)

Family’s Future

Mabelle remarried in 1915 but later divorced
She sold the family’s Washington home to the Canadian Government in 1927
Mabelle passed away in London on February 1, 1933

Children’s Lives

Moore’s children went on to lead diverse lives:

Frances died in Paris in 1921
Samuel (Preston) became a perfumer and frequent traveler
Jasper passed away in British Columbia in 1969
Clarence attended Eton and Harvard, marrying twice
Lloyd married in 1935 but later divorced

Clarence Moore’s life, cut short by the Titanic disaster, was one of remarkable success, social prominence, and tragedy. His story remains a poignant reminder of the lives lost in one of history’s most famous maritime disasters.