Description Clarence Leander Moore

Pictou Mourns Death of Former Principal

Clarence Leander Moore, M.A., F.R.S.C., retired principal of Pictou Academy and a former professor of biology at Dalhousie University, died at Sutherland Memorial Hospital on Thursday morning, Dec. 24, after a lengthy period of failing health.

Born in Tatamagouche, a son of the late Dr. Edmund Moore and Jessie (Morrison) Moore, he was 85 years of age.  Shortly after his birth his parents moved to Salisbury, N. B. where he lived until he entered Pictou Academy.  There he had an outstanding record as a scholar and won a George Munro scholarship to Dalhousie University.

Following his graduation he was a member of the staff of the Saint John Sun and later of the Saint John Telegraph then entered the teaching profession. After serving three years as science master at Kings County Academy, Kentville he joined the staff of Pictou Academy, then went on to take post-graduate work at Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Md., where he specialized in botany.

Returning to Nova Scotia he taught biology and at the same time attended Dalhousie Law School, from which he was graduated in 1901, being admitted to the bar that year.  He practised in Sydney for several years, in partnership with the late H. P. Duchemin, K. C., Judge Walter Crowe and others.

Teaching, however, again called Mr. Moore and he returned to Pictou Academy, then went to Sydney as supervisor of schools.  After further post-graduate studies at Harvard University he returned to Dalhousie to become professor of biology.  While there he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in recognition of his research work.

He returned to Pictou Academy in 1919, this time as principal, and remained until his retirement in 1938.  In 1944 he was appointed prothonotary of the Supreme Court and clerk of the County Court, a position which he held for five years.

He was one of the founders of the Pictou Academy Educational Foundation of which he was re-elected secretary only a short time ago.  An adherent of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church, he served for some years as chairman of the board of managers.

He is survived by his wife, the former Martha J. Maxwell of Saltsprings, two daughters, Mrs. Ervin S. Murray (Kathleen), of Halifax, and Mrs. Walton Snell (Nancy), of Gatineau, Que., and one son, William C., in Baffin Land.  A son, Henry, died in 1952.  He also leaves three sisters, Mrs. M. H. Chapman of Chicago, Mrs. William MacDougall and Mrs. L. Carter of Saint John, and one brother, Edgar, in Oregon, as well as four grandchildren.

The funeral was held Saturday afternoon, with service in St. Andrew's Church conducted by Rev. James M. Grant of Durham, interim moderator of the congregation, assisted by Rev. Aubrey H. Moore of Pictou United Church.  In his address Mr. Grant paid tribute to Mr. Moore's influence on his students, characterizing him as "a master builder, not of material things but of character."

An augmented choir led in the singing of "The Lord's My Shepherd" and "Abide With Me".

The pall bearers were Robert Kennedy, principal of Pictou Academy; George W. MacKenzie, provincial inspector of high shcools and a former principal; Dr. H. L. Scammell, Halifax, president, and ex-Sheriff W. H. Harris, vice-president of Pictou Academy Educational Foundation; Mayor Allan A. Ferguson of Pictou and A. V. Milton of New Glasgow.

Interment was at Haliburton [cemetery].