Tour the Private Home of a Revolutionary War Patriot
Born the seventeenth son of a distinguished Colonel, young Stephen Moore lived a life unlike most in any era, let alone the late 1700s. Known as a soldier, leader, landowner, businessman, prisoner, Congressman, father and ultimately homesteader, Revolutionary War Patriot General Stephen Moore is one of the most fascinating historical figures in North Carolina. He leaves a legacy the Person County Museum of History is proud to explore.
As a special opportunity for friends and guests of Museum, General Moore’s historic property at Mount Tirzah will open one night only for an exclusive tour, social gathering, and fundraising opportunity for the Museum. This rare gathering gives history buffs and the general public alike unprecedented access to the oldest documented home in the county.
Historic Tour of General Stephen Moore’s Home at Mount Tirzah
June 27, 2019 at 5:30 pm
Timberlake, NC (Click here for tickets and directions)
"We’re so appreciative of the support and generosity of Stephen Cox and Mike Trogden for opening their history home and grounds to us for this event," said Kathy Young, Executive Director of the Person County Museum of History.
Cox and Trodgen are the current owners and stewards of the stately hilltop property, which affords stunning views of four different counties. The June 27 tour includes a private viewing of the historic interior spaces, including the basement stone inscribed 1778, as well as the exterior gardens and graveyard.
Help Raise Funds for the Person County Museum of History
Designed to showcase history while supporting the ongoing mission of Museum, this ticketed will benefit the Person County Museum of History (a 501c3 non-profit). Tickets are $5 for Museum Members and $10 for non-members. Guests are encouraged to consider annual membership in the Person County Museum of History, and are invited to sign up before or at the event.
To learn more about the event or how to become a Museum Member, contact the Person County Museum of History at (336) 597-2884 or pcmuseum@roxboro.net.
FAST FACTS ABOUT
REVOLUTIONARY WAR PATRIOT
GENERAL STEPHEN MOORE
- Born October 30, 1734 in New York. Died December 1799 at Mount Tirzah.
- The 17th child of Colonel John and Frances Lambert Moore
- Lived in New York, Pennsylvania and North Carolina
- Owned significant property in multiple states, including a 2,000 acre estate on the Hudson River at West Point, known as Moore’s Folly
- Nothing is known of Stephen Moore’s childhood or education
- In 1754 he was apprenticed to John Watts, contractor for army supplies and a New York merchant
- Volunteered for the French and Indian War in 1756
- Ascended the ranks, was rewarded with a military post in Canada
- Left military service to enter the lumber trade, married, settled in Canada, then relocated to North Carolina in 1775 to seek new financial opportunities
- In January 1777, Moore bought a plantation on Flat River, and named the adjoining estate Mount Tirzah for its unrivaled beauty.
- In 1779, he rejoined the military as a Lieutenant Colonel in the militia, fought, was captured and held as a prison aboard the prison ship Forbay in Charles Town Harbor before his release and return to his beloved Mount Tirzah in 1781.
- Mount Tirzah is the earliest documented home built in the County.
- The Moores had ten children, seven of whom were born in North Carolina and Mount Tirzah.
- Nominated in to the North Carolina General Assembly from Caswell County in 1786 and 1787, and served one term as a Representative in the Third Congress in 1793.
- General Stephen Moore was buried in the Moore family graveyard near his house, built in 1778 and still standing.
For additional detail, visit www.ncpedia.org
