From Humble Beginnings
Moore’s Mill Club
Originated On The Site Of One Of
Auburn’s Oldest Grist Mills
The original Moore’s Mill, located on the eastern outskirts of Auburn, Alabama, was built by Spencer Moore, a millwright who migrated with family in tow from Delaware to the southern U.S. in the early 1830s. Moore-- who built mills throughout the Carolinas, Georgia, and Alabama-- holds the honor of being a nephew to a legend in Southern political lore; his mother, Phyllis, was a sister to Zachary Taylor, the twelfth President of the United States.
Moore was involved in the purchase of at least 4,080 acres of land in Macon, Russell, and Tallapoosa Counties (prior to the formation of Lee County), almost all of which lies in present day Lee County. It is interesting to note that during this period, three Presidents signed his Creek Indian land patents: Martin Van Buren, James Polk, and his uncle, Zachary Taylor. Spencer Moore married Susannah Graham and they had twelve children. Spencer served his country during the War of 1812. He was a contributor to the first college in Auburn, the Masonic Female College, chartered in 1847.
The Millsite on Moore's Creek
The exact date of construction of Moore’s Mill is not known, but it is believed that Spencer Moore built the mill for his youngest son, William Osborne Moore (born March 13, 1825), near Auburn prior to 1849.
The mill was located on Moore’s Creek off of Moore’s Mill Road on the outskirts of Auburn, Alabama. The old mill foundation and the remains of two millraces exist today on Moore’s Mill Golf Course, and can be seen on the right side on the fairway of Hole #8. Two hewn timbers are imbedded in the creek at the site of the Mill, which were part of the foundation structure supporting the water wheel. One of the millraces, which served to funnel water from the millpond to the water wheel, is cut into the hillside along the tee boxes on Hole #8. The photo of the mill, circa 1890, shown here, can be found in Auburn, A Pictorial History of The Loveliest Village; authors: Logue and Simms. The mill was destroyed in a fire in the 1920’s.
Passed Down Through Generations
After Spencer Moore's death in 1869 the mill and property were passed to William’s son James Osborne Moore. The last known direct descendent of Spencer Moore to live on the property was Wesley Moore. This home is the first house, presently standing, on the right side of Moore’s Mill going toward Auburn as you pass over Interstate I-85, and is located about one-half mile west of the site of the mill.
Spencer and Susannah Moore are buried in a cemetery outside of Auburn near the old Rocky Mount Church. Theirs are the only marked graves in the family cemetery. There are about 40 unmarked graves, some of which may be slaves who assisted in building Moore’s Mill and other mills in this area. The old Cemetery is not maintained but it has historical significance to the Auburn area. It is surrounded by a 100 x 100 feet rock wall enclosure standing 4 feet high and 3 feet wide, built by slaves. Monuments identify Spencer Moore born December 20, 1780, died July 27, 1869; and Susan (Susannah) Graham Moore born January 6, 1784, died August 22, 1848.
Compiled by: William E. Starke IV, GGG Grandson of Spencer Moore
12 Motts Drive, Seale, Alabama 36875-3910
Telephone: (334) 855-4553
email: starke911@aol.com
Edited by: J. Newell Floyd, Area Historical Researcher, Opelika, Alabama
