Frederick Wightman Moore Papers

Collection

Identifier: MSS.0299

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The Frederick Wightman Moore Papers consist primarily of correspondence, research and lecture notes, and various writings from his career as Professor and Dean at Vanderbilt University. The collection contains 0.834 linear feet of materials. The correspondence, notes, and writings found in the collection provide a summary of Dr. Moore’s interests, specifically the teaching of History. Many of the letters are inquiries to other universities about the teaching of History in each respective school. There are also several speeches given as part of a lecture series discussing religion and sociology. The materials date roughly from 1899-1909, but approximately two-thirds of the writings from the collection are undated and have no attribution of authorship.

Dates

1899-1909

Language of Materials

English

Biography

Dr. Frederick Wightman Moore was born in East Lyme, Conn. October 18, 1863 to Mr. Ezra and Mrs. Juliette Moore. He earned his A.B in 1886 and his Ph.D. in 1890 from Yale. For two years after graduating, Dr. Moore traveled abroad pursuing his studies. During that time he spent three semesters at the University of Berlin. Between the years 1891 and 1892 Dr. Moore was a lecturer on sociology in the Wharton School of Finance of the University of Pennsylvania. In 1892 he came to Vanderbilt University as Adjunct Professor of History and Economics. From 1901 to 1908 he served as Professor of History and Economics, and Professor of History from 1909 to1911. In 1902 he became Editor of the Vanderbilt University Quarterly, and in 1904 he was awarded Dean of the Academic Department at Vanderbilt University. He held that position until the time of his death in 1911. Dr. Moore was a skilled writer, translator, and teacher. One of his most noted translations is, “Outlines of Sociology” by Dr. Ludwig Gumplowiez of the Imperial University, Gratz, Austria. A devout Christian, Dr. Moore became a member of the Immanuel Baptist Church in 1902 near the Vanderbilt campus. He was an active member in the Association of Colleges and Preparatory Schools of the Southern Schools serving as its Secretary and Treasurer in 1908. He was also a member of the American Historical Association, of the American Economical Association, and of the Tennessee Historical Association.