Copyright © 2023 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
Kirke Moses worked for Sosman & Landis in 1885. His name was included in a list of Sosman & Landis employees who gave donations to the Grant Memorial Fund. On August 2, 1885, the Chicago Tribune listed that Kirke Moses donated twenty-five cents.
Kirke W. Moses, picture in a 1929 newspaper article.
Kirk White Moses was a younger half-brother of Thomas G. Moses; they shared the same father, Capt. Lucius Manlius Moses.
Their father was a sea captain, born in Exeter, New Hampshire on April 21, 1822. His first wife, Thomas Moses’ mother, was Mary Wingate Titcomb from Somersworth, Strafford County, New Hampshire. Exeter was located thirty miles due south of Somersworth, with each connected by water to the sea. The announcement of their marriage was published in the “Marriages” section of the Boston Evening Transcript on Aug. 22, 1849:
“At the Atlantic House, Wells Beach, Me, 14th inst, Capt. Lucius M. Moses, of ship Pactolus, to Miss MW. Titcomb, daughter of Mr. J. H. Titcomb, or Great Falls, N.H.” (page 3). Great Falls referred to the drop in Salmon Falls River. The town later became known as Somersworth. For geographical context. This area is about 76 miles north of Boston.
Location of Great Falls near Somersworth and Rollinsford.
1877 Map of Great Falls, New Hampshire.
Of the first family, Tom Moses wrote, “Father and Mother had a family of seven children. Kate, the eldest, was accidentally killed at sea. Lucius was the first boy and died at sea. Sister Lucia was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, July 23rd, 1853. I was the third child. Frank was born in 1858.” Frank was born in Massachusetts, but the fifth child, Illinois “Illie” Moses, was born in Sterling, Illinois.
Capt. Lucius Moses gave up the sea, moving inland to Sterling, Illie was born. The 1860 census listed the Moses household as including Lucius (38 yrs.), Mary (36 yrs.), Lucia (6 yrs.), Thomas (4 yrs.), Frank D. (2 yrs.) and Illie (6 months). At the time, Lucius Moses’s occupation was listed as “boot and shoe dealer.” Shortly after the census was taken, Mary became pregnant again, giving birth the following year. She passed away on Aug. 5, only a few days after giving birth to her last child, Kate, on Aug. 2, 1861. Mary was buried in her hometown of Somersworth, New Hampshire, joining her children who had predeceased her. In 1856, Lucius established a family crypt in Forest Glade Cemetery. Sadly, it needs much repair.
The gravesite of Lucius Moses, Mary Titcomb Moses and at least three of their children at Forest Glade Cemetery in Somersowth, New Hampshire.
The gravesite of Lucius Moses, Mary Wingate Titcomb Moses and at least three of their children at Forest Glade Cemetery in Somersowth, New Hampshire.
Shortly after the death of Mary Moses, Capt. Moses remarried Adaline Gowen, also from New Hampshire, Adaline was the youngest daughter of Daniel Gowen (1788-1880) and Abigail “Abba” Libby (1798-1894). Fifteen years Moses’ junior, Adaline immediately became in charge of four children, ranging in age from 2 to 8 yrs. old. Of his stepmother. Thomas Moses wrote, “When the new Mother took charge of affairs, there were many radical changes made. Many of them made my young life a burden and had a strong influence on my whole life, and also kept my nose to the grindstone.”
Kirke White Moses was the first of two sons born to Lucius and Adaline Moses, arriving on Nov. 8, 1871.
At the time of Kirke’s birth, Tom Moses’ life was quite miserable; he greatly disliked working in the tannery, wanting to become an artist in Chicago After a few failed attempts at running away, Tom finally left home for good it in 1873. That year Moses wrote, “My wild career as an Artist started in April. Father would not help me, so I started for Chicago with 10¢ in my pocket and a new pair of boots, red leather tops and copper toes; some heavy clothes and a lot of pluck.” Fortunately, Moses was able to immediately land a position at Almini’s decorative firm.
A year later, Lucius and Adaline celebrated the birth of another son. Walter Farrington Moses was born on April 4, 1874. As Lucius and Adaline began raising another set of children, Tom Moses transitioned from decorative artist to scenic artist and never looked back.
Ironically, both Kirke and Walter began their careers as painters. I like to think that Thomas Moses paved the way for his younger brothers. About the time that Tom began to really make a name for himself in Chicago, his father moved into town. The 1880 US Federal Census listed that Lucius, Adaline, Illie, Kirke and Walter were living at 331 Randolph St. Now 60 yrs. old, L. M. Moses was listed as a harness maker. Interestingly, Illinois “Illie” Moses was working as an actress by this time too. Both Illie and her brother Tom were associated with the Academy of Music by 1881. Moses and Lemuel L. Graham painted scenery for the venue, with Illie as part of the stock company. Of his work for the Academy of Music, Thomas Moses wrote, “I enjoyed the work, even if I had to do it evenings and Sundays. I received good pay for this, which all helped. The plays were mostly of the melodramatic order and required a lot of scenery.” Moses was also working at Sosman & Landis during this time. Between the summers of 1881 and 1882, Sosman & Landis was credited with delivering stock scenery collections to over seventy theaters. In 1880, Thomas Moses’ salary increased from $18.00 to $20.00 per week, a very acceptable income at the time.
With two of his children succeeding in the theatre industry, Lucius Moses was a little more lenient on his youngest sons’ career choices. By 1885, Kirke Moses was also working at Sosman & Landis. At the age of 14 yrs., old, Kirke was likely employed as a paint boy, performing a variety menial tasks to help the scenic artists. That year Tom Moses was listed as an artist, living at 106 Centre Ave; by 1888 he was living at 721 W Harrison.
In 1882, Lucius’ grocery store was listed at 307 W Rudolph; Tom was at 744 W Van Buren.
From 1885 to 1889, Lucius Moses was listed in the Chicago Directory as a manager at 301 W. Rudolph
Kirke was 19 yrs. old when his father passed away. The Sterling Standard published his obituary on Jan. 29, 1891:
“Died.
Capt. Lucius M. Moses, last Saturday evening at his residence, 301 W. Randolph St. Chicago. Funeral services were held at the residence of his son, T. G. Moses, 721 W. Harrison St., Monday p.m., when he remains accompanied by his widow were placed aboard the cars en route for Great Falls, New Hampshire where the deceased had in early life erected a tomb wherein his first wife and three children were lain before him. Capt. Moses came to Sterling some 30 years since and resided here for about 20 years during which time he was principally engaged in the tanning and saddlery trade. He then went to Chicago where he established a family grocery store in which business he was engaged at the time of his death. The deceased will be remembered by all of our older residents as a very entertaining conversationalist and a warm friend” (page 8).
Kirke continued to work as a painter, listing it as his occupation when he married on Feb. 15, 1896. His first wife was Mary Genevieve “Mamie” Christopher (b. 1878), the 21-yrs.-old daughter of Thomas Christopher and Celia King. They were married in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and celebrated the birth of their first child the following year. Dorothy Jean “Illis” Moses was born on Oct. 25, 1897.
In 1900, the small family was living in Chicago at 325 S. Clark. The 1900 US Federal Census still listed Kirke Moses’ occupation as a painter, living at 235 S. The household included Kirke, his wife Mary, daughter “Illis”, and Mother Adaline.
Sometime by 1903, their marriage ended, with Mary and their daughter moving to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and living with her parents. By 1910, Mary was working as a stenographer, living at 2840 29th Ave. S. Mary continued to work as a stenographer, but returned to using her married name by 1911. She remained in Minneapolis until 1916 when she relocated to Kansas City, Missouri. Here are her listings in the Minneapolis City Directory:
1911: Christopher, Mary G. (wid Kirk W) stenographer F J Geist 235 Temple Ct.”
1912: Christopher, Mary G. (wid Kirk W) stenogr F J Geist r 2840 29th Ave S.
1913: Christopher, Mary G. (wid Kirk W) emp agt 240 Temple Ct r 70 N 12th
1915: Christopher, Mary G. (wid Kirk W) r 2312 E 35th
1916: Christopher, Mrs. Mary G moved to Kansas City, Mo.
I have yet to discover whatever happened to Kirke’s first wife after 1916, but her parents (Thomas and Cecilia Christopher) moved back to Chicago by 1920.
Kirke married twenty-one-yrs.-old Olga Lindman on July 3, 1903, in South Haven, Michigan. Again, Kirke listed his occupation as “painter” on the marriage certificate. Their marriage was published in The True Northerner on July 10, 1903: “Kirke W. Moses, 32; Alga Lindman, 21, both of Chicago” (page 8). His second marriage also failed, but I have no idea what happened to Olga either.
On Aug. 29, 1908, Kirke married his third wife, Emma L. Schultz (1883-1971). A few days later, on Aug. 30, 1908, the St. Louis Globe-Democrat announced their marriage n “Clayton Marriage Licenses”:
“Kirke W. Moses, De Hodiamont, Missouri, and Emma L. Schultz, St. Louis” (page 7). At the time, Kirke was 35 years old, and Emma was 24 years old.
Less than a year later, Kirke and Emma celebrated the birth of a daughter in St. Louis. Ruth Moses was born on July 17, 1909, at 2849 Nebraska. It appears that Kirke only fathered two children. His obituary would list his two daughters as Mrs. Jean Tisher and Ruth McNulty.
In 1910 US Federal Census listed Kirke, Emma, and Ruth living at 2849 Nebraska Ave. in St. Louis. Kirke was now working as a paper hanger. Painters frequently worked as wallpaper hangers, especially when they began to focus on residential and commercial projects.
Interestingly, Kirke shifted from decorating to building homes. On July 16, 1912, the “St. Louis Globe-Democrat” (page 11) reported, “Buys Minnesota Avenue Lot. The Christian Brinkop Real Estate Company reports the sale of lot 30×127 feet on the west side of Minnesota Avenue, between Miami and Winnebago streets from Fred Bauer to Kirke W. Moses for $810. The purchaser will improve with modern home.”
By 1913 he was working as a carpenter and contractor. Here are his directory listings in the St. Louis Directory from 1913 to 1919:
1913: Moses, Kirke W. carp contr at 3916 Minnesota av in St. Louis.
1914: Moses, Kirke W. bldg. contr 604 Chestnut r 3916 Minnesota
1915: Contractors (Builders) section – Moses, Kirke W. 604 Chestnut
1916: Moses, Kirke W 4936 Wise av
1919: Contractors (Builders) section – Moses, Kirke W (bldr) 4936 Wise av
Tom visited Kirke’s home on Wise Ave, in St. Louis. In 1919, Moses wrote, “We had a nice time in St. Louis at Kirke Moses’ home” and “Brother Kirke and family paid us a visit in July, driving up from St. Louis.”
In 1920, the US Federal Census listed Kirke as a contractor in St. Louis, living at 4935 Wise Ave., with his wife Emma L. (36 yrs.), daughter Ruth (10 yrs.), and sister-in-law Bertha Schultz (40 yrs. old). His full-brother Walter was caring for their ailing mother in Chicago. On Nov. 13, 1920, Kirke’s 85-yrs.-old mother, Adaline Moses, died in Oak Park, Illinois. She was buried in Mound Grove Cemetery in Kankakee, Illinois, a few days later.
Kirke remained in St. Louis, working as a builder. He became quite successful by the mid-1920s. He was continually listed in the real estate section – selling homes. Kirke continued to meet his brother Tom whenever he passed through town. In 1924, Tom Moses wrote, “On the 30th, I stopped at St. Louis, where Kirke met me at the station, and we went to Volland’s studio. It is some studio. They were very anxious to have me come down and help them out, as they had more work that they could handle.”
Kirke continued to be listed as an architect and builder in St. Louis newspapers throughout the late 1920s. On Nov. 12, 1927, the St. Louis Star and Times reported, “Eight five-room bungalow single type two-family flats located in the 4100 block Minnesota Ave, each built on a lot 35 by 125 feet and constructed by Kirke W. Moses.”
Kirke W. Moses featured as a designer and builder in 1929.
He was building quite a reputation, and on April 4, 1929, was featured in the St. Louis Star (page 24). The article announced, “Kirke Moses to Build Residences in Ivanhoe Park. Veteran Contractor has erected 600 fine dwellings in St. Louis.” The article continued:
“Kirke W. Moses has been selected to erect the model homes to be built in Ivanhoe Park for the Hauer-Lustkandl Realty Company in the St. Louis Better Built Homes Movement. Associated with the building industry for over twenty years, Moses has built more than 600 fine residences in various parts of the city. The son of a Chicago contractor, he began building and construction work shortly before the World’s Fair. Before coming to St. Louis, he gained distinction in the field of building through his work in construction of the University of Texas buildings at Galveston and the Illinois Central car shops at Memphis. One of his first commissions in St. Louis was the reconstruction of the Philippine Building at the World’s Fair. Since that time, he has confined his activities to the building of fine homes. It was thoroughly in line with the policy of the St. Louis Better Built Homes Movement, that he was selected to build these model homes. The executive committee realized the importance of selecting a reputable builder. It is well known regardless of the fine materials used no home can be well built if poor construction methods are employed. The fact that his record as home builder was beyond reproach led to Moses’ selection.” Many historic newspaper articles are riddled with errors. I have yet to locate any record that suggested Kirke Moses’ father was a contractor. The only occupations that I have located for Lucius Moses are sea captain, boot and show dealer, harness maker, and grocer. That does not mean that Lucius did not build his own home or work as a carpenter, just not professionally as a contactor.
The 1930 US Federal Census listed Kirke Moses’ home address at 3643 Bowen Ave, St. Louis. His occupation was listed as a contractor in the building industry, with his household including Emma Moses (46 yrs.), sister-in-law Bertha Schultz (50 yrs.) and his niece Esther Volkering (32 yrs.). That year Kirke Moses placed several ads in the St. Louis Star and Times.
On June 12, 1930, Kirke Moses placed an advertisement in the St. Louis Star and Times:
“Mechanics.
Structurally a building may be a beautiful job and yet the Owner may be sorry that he built it.
There is so much more to building a building that the mere mechanics of building it!
Kirke W. Moses
General Contractor
3643 Bowen St.
Riverside 5089.”
Ad placed by Kirke W. Moses in 1930.
Ad placed by Kirke W. Moses in 1930.
Tom Moses continued to visit his younger brother in the last few years of his life. In 1931, Tom Moses wrote, “Arrived in St. Louis, Saturday, December 5th. Kirk was at the station to meet us. We all enjoyed our visit with them in their new home, which is very comfortable.” In 1932 Moses wrote, “May 22nd, Sunday morning, I was called to Sister Illie’s apartment, where she had passed away during the night. I wired Pitt, Gertrude, Kirke, and Walter. The next morning Kirke arrived with Emma and Rupert – having driven all night. They remained with us all night and left the next morning, the day of the funeral.”
Little changed in Kirke Moses’ life in the 1930s, but the depression took its toll, and he began to work for another contractor, A. J. Meyer. Meyer was listed as Moses’ employer on his 1942 WWII Draft Card, with business offices at the corner of Grand & Gravois in St. Louis. The draft card also listed Moses’ physical description as 5’-7”, blue eyes, gray hair, and ruddy complexion.
Moses continued to work as a builder for A. J. Meyer & Co. in the early 1940s, and then became associated with the J. Ben Miller Realty Co. Newspaper notices about Moses’ projects continued to decline throughout the 1940s.
Kirke Moses passed away on Feb. 24, 1951. His death certificate listed “Hypernephroma, Rt. Kidney” as cause of death, with “Laennec Cirrhosis arteriosclerotic heart disease” as a contributing factor. He was buried at Sunset Memorial Park and Mausoleum in Afton, Missouri.
His obituary was published in the St. Louis Globe-Democrat:
“Moses, Kirke W., 6337 Oleatha, Sat., Feb 24, 1951, dearly beloved husband of Emma Moses (nee Schultz), dear father of Mrs. Jean Tischer and Mrs. Ruth McNulty. Dear brother-in-law, father-in-law, grandfather and uncle. Funeral from KRIEGSHAUSER Mortuary, 4228 S. Kingshighway, Tues., Feb. 27, 3 PM interment Sunset Burial Park, Member of South Side Kiwanis Club” (page 34).
Kirke W. Moses gravestone in Sunset Memorial Park and Mausoleam.
I have written about Kirke Moses in the past, as he was part of the Thomas G. Moses storyline; the one that I took a break from to do these S&L employee biographies. In 2020 I was contacted by one of Kirke Moses’ descendants. His great granddaughter wrote:
“Thank you for this. Thomas Gibbs Moses was my Great Uncle. His brother, Kirke White Moses, was my Great Grandfather, whose daughter was my beloved Grandma, Ruth Moses McNulty! Our family still has a few paintings from Thomas Gibbs Moses and his brother, Walter Farrington Moses! Periodically, I search for information on my ancestors and I was happy to find this. Thanks again.”
To be continued…
The world is fortunate that your research love and compulsion is so freely shared with an appreciative and growing audience!
Wendy,
Thank you so much for this wonderful record of Kirke White Moses’ life! I will share it with the rest of our family. There were quite a few surprises. For one, his second wife. We thought my Great Grandmother, Emma Schulz was his second wife! Also, I was interested to see that he passed away from Kidney Cancer. I was diagnosed with Kidney Cancer in 2018 and had my left kidney removed in 2019. Thanks again. So wonderful to learn about our ancestors.
Sherri Cullman
You are welcome!