Arch A. Moore Jr. facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arch Moore
|
|
|---|---|
Moore in 1969
|
|
| 28th and 30th Governor of West Virginia | |
| In office January 14, 1985 – January 16, 1989 |
|
| Preceded by | Jay Rockefeller |
| Succeeded by | Gaston Caperton |
| In office January 13, 1969 – January 17, 1977 |
|
| Preceded by | Hulett Smith |
| Succeeded by | Jay Rockefeller |
| Chair of the National Governors Association | |
| In office September 12, 1971 – June 4, 1972 |
|
| Preceded by | Warren Hearnes |
| Succeeded by | Marvin Mandel |
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from West Virginia's 1st district |
|
| In office January 3, 1957 – January 3, 1969 |
|
| Preceded by | Bob Mollohan |
| Succeeded by | Bob Mollohan |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Arch Alfred Moore Jr.
April 16, 1923 Moundsville, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | January 7, 2015 (aged 91) Charleston, West Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse |
Shelley Riley
(m. 1949; died 2014) |
| Children | 3 (including Shelley Moore Capito) |
| Relatives | Moore Capito (grandson) Riley Moore (grandson) |
| Education | West Virginia University (BA, LLB) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1943–1946 |
| Rank |  Sergeant |
| Unit | 334th Infantry Regiment, 84th Infantry Division |
| Battles/wars | World War II • European Theater of Operations |
| Awards | Bronze Star Purple Heart Combat Infantryman Badge European Theater of Operations Ribbon, 3 battle stars |
Arch Alfred Moore Jr. (April 16, 1923 – January 7, 2015) was an American lawyer and politician. He was a member of the Republican Party. Moore served as the 28th and 30th Governor of West Virginia. He held office from 1969 to 1977 and again from 1985 to 1989. He is the longest-serving governor in West Virginia's history, with 12 years in total. His daughter, Shelley Moore Capito, is a U.S. Senator.
Later in his life, Moore faced legal challenges related to his time in office. He was found guilty of certain actions and served time in prison. After his release, he worked to clear his name.
Contents
Early Life and Military Service
Arch Moore was born in Moundsville, West Virginia, on April 16, 1923. His family had a history in politics. His grandfather and uncle were also politicians in West Virginia. Arch was good at basketball when he attended Moundsville High School. After graduating, he worked in a factory and on an oil pipeline.
He briefly went to Lafayette College. Then, he was drafted into the United States Army for World War II. He was part of the 84th Infantry Division. In November 1944, he was badly wounded in Germany. He was left for dead for two days after a battle. He had surgery to fix his face and could not speak for about a year. Public speaking became part of his recovery. He would give "lectures" to soldiers. Sergeant Moore received several awards for his service. These included the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star.
After the war, he went to West Virginia University. He earned his degree in 1948 and his law degree in 1951. While at WVU, he helped start "Mountaineer Week." This event celebrates West Virginia culture. It is still a tradition at the university today. After law school, Moore became a lawyer in Moundsville.
Serving in Congress (1957–1969)
Moore began his political career in 1952. He was elected to the West Virginia House of Delegates. In 1956, he was elected to the United States House of Representatives. He served six terms in Congress, from 1957 to 1969.
During his time in Congress, Moore strongly supported public works projects. He also supported civil rights laws. He voted for the Civil Rights Acts of 1957, 1960, 1964, and 1968. He also supported the 24th Amendment and the Voting Rights Act of 1965. These laws were important for equal rights in the United States.
Governor of West Virginia (1969–1977)
Moore was first elected governor in 1968. He won after a helicopter crash just before the election. He believed the crash helped him win. West Virginia's Constitution was changed to allow governors to serve two terms. Moore became the first governor to be re-elected in 1972.
Highway Improvements
Moore's time as governor is known for big improvements to the state's roads. West Virginia built over 225 miles (362 km) of interstate highways. This included the New River Gorge Bridge. This bridge was once the world's longest steel arch bridge. These projects were possible because of special bond amendments. By the end of his second term, major interstates like I-79 and I-64 were finished.
Buffalo Creek Flood Response
Another important event during his time was the Buffalo Creek Flood in 1972. This disaster caused a lot of damage. Moore was involved in the state's response. The state worked to help the affected areas. He had promised to build a community center for the people of Buffalo Creek. However, it was later built by a law firm.
Moore was also active in the National Governors Association. He was the chairman of this group from 1971 to 1972.
Later Political Career
After his first two terms, Moore tried to run for the United States Senate in 1978. He lost that election. In 1980, he ran for governor again but lost a close race.
Third Term as Governor (1985–1989)
In 1984, Moore ran for governor once more. He won, becoming the only West Virginia governor to serve three terms. He continued to focus on improving highways. The last major section of interstate highway in the country was completed in West Virginia during his third term. He was defeated for re-election in 1988.
Personal Life and Legacy
Arch Moore married Shelley Riley in 1949. They met while they were students at West Virginia University. They had three children. Their daughter, Shelley Moore Capito, is now a U.S. Senator. Moore's grandsons, Moore Capito and Riley Moore, are also involved in politics.
Arch Moore died on January 7, 2015, at the age of 91. This was just four days after his daughter became a U.S. Senator. He was proud of his three terms as governor. He once said that most stories about him would be positive.
His political papers are kept at the West Virginia and Regional History Center. This collection includes documents from his time as a Congressman and governor.
Images for kids
-
Moore in 1969
-
Rank of Sergeant
See Also
