While grief likely defined their last few months here, there are other emotions that come to mind regarding the stories of my Moore ancestors at Four Locks. Other children came to Cyrus and Catherine while here. In fact, my great-great grandfather, John Howard Moore (named, I believe, for a family friend, Jonathan Hower, who happened to be married to my gg grandfather’s aunt, Elizabeth) was born in another house somewhere in this village. I will likely never know where, but wonder, when coming across foundations such as this one, if it might have been the place.
In terms of the Civil War, the birth also brings to mind questions of how, or if, events nearby raised fears in my ggg grandparents. How, for example, did the nearby battle of Antietam concern my ancestors, and how did it impact my ggg grandmother who happened to be pregnant at the time. Did events have a bearing on the birth of my gg grandfather, 12 days later? Again, one of those things I’ll likely never have answers for.
There is nothing wrong with imagining and considering possibilities in relation to ancestors, such as what I have done here. Yet, while doing so, I think there is a need to keep ourselves in check, and not allow imagination and wondering become absolutes in defining who “our people” were. More times than we would prefer, they remain nothing more than “possibilities”, and, while still being part of a need we may have to fulfill in ourselves, we should tell these as part of our family stories, but remind the listeners that they are… possibilities and not necessarily fact.
Cenantua's Blog 
Dick Stanley
September 27, 2010
They were probably too busy taking care of the house and feeding themselves (cutting wood and carrying water) to have much time for brooding over things they couldn’t change.
Robert Moore
September 27, 2010
I don’t think the mundane tasks would be so as to dehumanize. You also have to consider mourning customs of the mid-19th century as part of life.
Robert Moore
September 27, 2010
Actually, I’m curious how you came to that assessment and what it may be based on, from your perspective.
I will add, however, that you might not be considering other factors at-hand. For example, why was he lead locktender for only 1858? Was his grief so great that he was unable to continue doing the job the next year? The fact is… we don’t know, therefore it remains a possibility and can’t be dismissed until more information is obtained.
Mike Simons
September 27, 2010
One thing that comforts me is that one day according to the Bible I will know all things and I will see my kin and Jesus face to face. But until thing digging around like your doing on your old stomping grounds can be quite moving , insiteful and sometimes even fun.