Isaac R. Moores Jr.
Isaac Ross Moores Jr. was an American businessman and politician in the state of Oregon. The son of Isaac R. Moores, he was born in Illinois and moved to the Oregon Territory in 1852. In Oregon, he would serve in the Oregon House of Representatives, including as Speaker of that body.
Early life
Isaac Moores Jr. was born in Danville, Illinois, on February 14, 1831. His parents were Isaac senior and the former Jane Alexander. Siblings included John H., Martha A., Mary Matilda, and Charles W.. Isaac junior was educated in the local schools of Illinois before leaving for the gold fields of California in 1850. He returned to Illinois in 1852 after failing to gain a fortune.Oregon
In 1852, the Moores family traveled the Oregon Trail to the Oregon Territory, arriving in Portland in November. Isaac settled in Yamhill County where he worked as a surveyor. In October 1854, he moved to capitol, Salem. In Salem, he worked as a clerk for J. N. McDonald’s mercantile store before buying it out in 1856 with his brother John. Moores was appointed as postmaster for Salem on April 14, 1855, and held the position until October 1858. On September 2, 1856, he married Ellen R. Lamon and they would have seven children. In 1861, with the outbreak of the American Civil War he joined the Oregon Volunteer Militia. Moores was selected as colonel of the second regiment, but the militia remained in Oregon and never saw action.In 1862, he was elected to the Oregon House of Representatives. Moores served as a Republican representing Marion County. At the next session of the legislature in 1864 he served again, and was elected as Speaker of the House. He also served as Speaker during the 1865 special session of the legislature. His brother John would later serve in the Oregon State Senate and as mayor of Salem.