Madam Mary Moore
Mary Vail Jones Willson Moore was born in 1705. She came to North Carolina from Southold, Long Island. Her first marriage was to the honorable Frederick Jones of Chowan County. There were 3 children from this marriage.
Her second marriage was to Colonel William Willson, who built Clermont Plantation. At the time Clermont consisted of 2500 acres stretching from the Neuse River to Brices Creek. The ever dashing Mary Moore quickly became one of the prominent social leaders of New Bern. At the time a bridge across the Trent River did not exist. Mary Moore had a large barge rowed by 6 Uniformed servants. She had the largest pew stall at Christ Church, twice as large as the next largest. After the death of Col. Willson, Mary inherited Clermont Plantation. The Moore’s daughter, Elizabeth, was the mother of NC Governor Richard Dobbs Speight, who inherited Clermont after the death of his mother. Mary Moore’s great grandson, Richard Dobbs Speight the second, also became NC Governor. Like her first husband, Colonel Willson preceded Mary in death.
Her third and last marriage was to Rodger Moore of Orton Plantation near Wilmington. Known as “King” Rodger Moore, Mary Moore’s last husband was recognized throughout the colonies for his wealth, integrity, and influence. “King” Rodger Moore owned over 60,000 acres at the time of his death. And it was through this marriage, together with her own illustrious heritage, that she became known as “Madam”, a complimentary title given to married ladies of high station. “King” Rodger died in 1751. Before his death Mary made sure that she and her children from prior marriages were taken care of in the will. After his death Mary moved back to Clermont. The road from Clermont Plantation, to the Neuse River was given the name Madam Moore Lane in her honor. Mary was laid to rest at the Clermont cemetery. Also buried there are her daughter and her daughter’s son, Governor Richard Dobbs Speight, as well as Mary’s Great Grandson, Governor Richard Dobbs Speight Jr. Imagine, 2 governors buried in this little cemetery.
Mary Vail Jones Willson Moore-1705-1761. Quite a gal I dare say.
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