J. Hampton (Joseph Hampton) Moore

Born in Woodbury, New Jersey, on March 8, 1864, Joseph Hampton Moore was known throughout his career as J. Hampton Moore. Before entering politics, he worked as a reporter in Philadelphia, a background that helped give his writing a direct, readable style.

Moore went on to a long public career as a Republican congressman from Pennsylvania and later served two nonconsecutive terms as mayor of Philadelphia. Alongside that work, he published books including travel writing and public-affairs titles, bringing a practical, observant voice to the subjects that interested him.

He died in Philadelphia on May 2, 1950. Today, his books are especially interesting for listeners who enjoy historical nonfiction, civic history, and travel narratives seen through the eyes of someone deeply involved in American public life.