Homer P. Moored was born in the town of Hamden, Connecticut, in 1832. His parents were Orrin and Hamel (Hayes) Moore, both natives of New England. His father was a farmer, and Mr. Moore was reared to that calling. In 1857 he started for the great West, and located in Rice County, Minnesota, where he took up Government land and engaged in farming.
In 1862 Mr. Moore responded to the call of his country for soldiers, and enlisted in Company A, Seventh Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. The Indian outbreak soon after rendered troops necessary in northwestern Minnesota and Dakota, and his regiment was sent in that direction. He participated in that campaign until the attendant hardships so impaired his health that he was granted a furlough. Upon the expiration of his leave of absence he was detailed as a hospital steward, and placed on duty in the military hospital of Hartford and New Haven, Connecticut. He remained in that service until lie was finally so broken in health that he was discharged in 1864. He remained in Connecticut, and upon a restoration of health entered into business in Hartford, as a flour, grain and hay dealer. He continued his mercantile pursuits until 1874. In that year he came to Riverside, and purchased a twenty-acre tract of land on the north side of Bandini Avenue, about one-half mile west of Brockton avenue. He spent two years in Riverside, clearing and improving his tract, and then returned to Connecticut, where he was engaged in business pursuits until 1880. In that year he established his permanent residence upon his land, and has since devoted himself to horticulture.
Mr. Moore has a rich and prospective tract, and has each year advanced his improvements until at this date he has one of the representative groves of the colony. Ten acres are devoted to oranges, eight acres are in budded fruit, and two acres in seedlings. He has also a fine vineyard of three acres in extent, which yearly produces a large crop of raisin grapes. A noticeable production upon his farm are his apricots, of which he has 160 trees in good bearing, which in the years of 1888 and 1889 gave an average yield of $400 per acre. He has a large and choice variety of deciduous fruits and berries for table use. Everything about Mr. Moore’s groves and vineyards bespeak the thorough horticulturist, and he is justly entitled to the magnificent return he secures.
Mr. Moore is a good neighbor, an excellent citizen, and a credit to any community. For years he has been a constant member of the Methodist church, and a trustee of the church in Riverside. He is a member of Riverside Post, No. 118, G. A. R. In politics he is a life-long Republican. In 1861 Mr. Moore wedded Miss Jennie R. Ridley, a native of Connecticut. No children have blessed this union.
