Clement Clarke Moore

Date of Birth: July 15, 1779

Zodiac Sign: Cancer

Date of Death: July 10, 1863

Biography

Clement Clarke Moore was an American writer and professor best known for his poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” which later became widely known as “The Night Before Christmas.” Born into a prominent New York family, Moore’s father was Benjamin Moore, the Episcopal Bishop of New York who also served as the President of Columbia College (now Columbia University). Clement Clarke Moore’s academic career was equally distinguished; he graduated from Columbia College in 1798 and later became a professor of Oriental and Greek Literature at the General Theological Seminary in New York City, a position he held for many years. Moore’s poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas,” was first published anonymously in 1823. It has since become one of the most iconic and enduring Christmas poems in American literature, helping to shape the modern image of Santa Claus. Although Moore initially did not claim authorship, he eventually acknowledged writing it, and it was included in a collection of his works in 1844.

5 Interesting Facts about Clement Clarke Moore

1. Clement Clarke Moore’s poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” was first published anonymously in the Sentinel, a newspaper in Troy, New York, on December 23, 1823.

2. Moore’s estate, “Chelsea,” was located in what is now the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City.

3. He was a linguist and authored a two-volume Hebrew and English Lexicon.

4. Despite his literary success, Moore was initially embarrassed by the fame of his Christmas poem and did not publicly claim it until 1844.

5. Moore was a devout Episcopalian and a significant benefactor to the General Theological Seminary, donating the land on which it stands.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Clement Clarke Moore

1. “‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.”

2. “The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow gave a luster of midday to objects below.”

3. “A little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.”

4. “He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, and filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk.”

5. “Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While historical records do not provide a detailed account of Clement Clarke Moore’s net worth at its peak, he was a wealthy man due to his inheritance, landholdings, and his professorship. Adjusted for inflation, his net worth would likely be in the millions today.

Children

Clement Clarke Moore had nine children with his wife, Catherine Elizabeth Taylor. Their names were: 1. Benjamin Moore 2. Mary Elizabeth Moore 3. Clement Clarke Moore Jr. 4. Catherine Taylor Moore 5. Emily Louisa Moore 6. William Taylor Moore 7. Charity Clarke Moore 8. Cornelia Phoebe Moore 9. Margaret Augusta Moore