Clement Clarke Moore, American author, poet, and educator (d. 1863)
Clement Clarke Moore (July 15, 1779 – July 10, 1863) was an American writer and Professor of Oriental and Greek Literature, as well as Divinity and Biblical Learning, at the General Theological Seminary of the Protestant Episcopal Church, in New York City. The seminary was developed on land donated by Moore and it continues on this site at Ninth Avenue between 20th and 21st streets, in an area known as Chelsea Square. Moore's connection with the seminary continued for more than 25 years.
Moore gained considerable wealth by subdividing and developing other parts of his large inherited estate in what became known as the residential neighborhood of Chelsea. Before this, the urbanized part of the city ended at Houston Street on Manhattan island. For 10 years, Moore also served as a board member of the New York Institution for the Blind.
He is credited and is most widely known as the author of the Christmas poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas", first published anonymously in 1823. It later became widely known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas" and has been published in numerous illustrated versions in various languages. Scholars debate the identity of the author, calling on textual and handwriting analysis as well as other historical sources.
1779Jul, 15
Clement Clarke Moore
Choose Another Date
Events on 1779
- 14Feb
Native Hawaiians
James Cook is killed by Native Hawaiians near Kealakekua on the Island of Hawaii. - 24Jun
Great Siege of Gibraltar
American Revolutionary War: The Great Siege of Gibraltar begins. - 13Aug
Attack on Pearl Harbor
American Revolutionary War: The Royal Navy defeats the Penobscot Expedition with the most significant loss of United States naval forces prior to the attack on Pearl Harbor. - 23Sep
Battle of Flamborough Head
American Revolution: John Paul Jones on board the USS Bonhomme Richard wins the Battle of Flamborough Head. - 27Sep
John Adams
The Continental Congress appoints John Adams to travel to France as minister plenipotentiary in charge of negotiating treaties of peace and commerce with Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War.