John Marks Moore


John Marks Moore was an American attorney, Democratic politician from Texas, a member of the Texas House of Representatives, and the Secretary of State of Texas during the term of Lawrence Sullivan Ross.

Early life

John Marks Moore was the son of George Fleming Moore, who was a chief justice of the Supreme Court of Texas. His uncle was John Marks Davenport Moore, a member of the Texas House of Representatives between 1875 and 1876. John Marks Moore attended Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia, and then attended law school at Cumberland University Law School in Lebanon, Tennessee.

Career in public service

Moore's public life began when he was elected district attorney of the Twelfth Judicial District. He was elected to the Texas House of Representatives in 1883 and held the position until 1885. Moore was the Secretary of State of Texas during Ross's term as the 19th Governor of Texas, from 1887 to 1891.

Death and legacy

Moore died on September 28, 1902, at his home in Edna, Texas. He had three children, including George Fleming Moore. Moore financed the building of the Moore-Flack House in Austin, a historic building built in 1887, during his term as Secretary of State. He sold the property in 1901 to Laura A. E. Flack. The house is also a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, which it was designated in 1984.