Written by Norma Moore and published in the Buffalo Express
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Randolph and Ruth (Jones) Moore both lived their lives in the Flo and
Siloam communities and had great love and pride in the Christian family
standards. Randolph was born to Walker and Zelda (Yerby) Moore, who were pioneer settlers in 1866, being first time Flo homesteaders. He was taught at a young age to rely on God, have moral character and to have responsibility of the hard work of farm life. He learned well from his parents. As an obedient son, he was proud to work the long enduring hours of framing, raising livestock and the many other tasks he was given. It was well known of the Walker Moore family that Randolph was a hard working gentleman, Randolph attended Flo schools. He was smart in academic skills and was a good athlete. He received a 10th grade education. At the start of each school semester, Randolph would have to help with the harvesting of crops and in the spring he would help with the plowing and planting of crops. Randolph grew into a decent, dependable, hardworking and compassionate gentleman. He was always serious minded and gave to his community in many outstanding ways. Ruth was born in our Siloam, Flo community to Charlie and Fronia (Castles) Jones. They were lifetime settlers and very important in making Siloam be a homeland with moral character. Ruth was taught God's word and to work and have responsibilities in the farming and household chores. She was at work doing this by the age of 8 years old. She, along with her parents stayed in the field sunrise and didn't quit until late at night, working the crops. She would also get up early to help her mother with breakfast, before going to the field. Then after the farming was done for the day, she helped milk the cows, feed the chickens, gather the eggs and the help with supper. After his schooling, Randolph owned and operated a sawmill in Flo. He provided a well established business that offered many jobs to our local men and teenage boys. Ruth learned to cook and clean the house by the age of twelve. She had great talent with a needle and thread and was excellent in quilting. Her specialty was crocheting. She made many beautiful afghans, doilies, tablecloths and decorative scarves. Randolph and Ruth met through Norman Jones, the son of longtime settlers Newt and Daisy Jones of our Corinth and Siloam communities. He was a great friend of Randolph's and his sister Gladys. They all attended church and other social activities together. Randolph and Ruth fell in love and wanted to get married. However, knowing their parents wanted them to wait until they were older, ran away (eloped) with Norman and Gladys' help. Brother Enoch Parrish performed the ceremony. They lived in Flo and built a home on the Walker Moore homeland located on the Joe Barnett Road, where the Carter home is today. They were farmers, raised livestock, had chickens, and had fine gardens. Randolph ran his sawmill and Ruth was a contented homemaker who was always busy at her domestic chores. She was also beside Randolph at the framing, ranching, and all the country tasks, helping him every way she could. Ruth's hands were busy all day and long into the night before bedtime. As soon as the daily chores were done, she would be at work crocheting and other needlecrafts. She also had a green thumb at growing gardens, plants, and flowers. Walker Moore planted corn patches near their property. In 1942 a magnolia tree came up. The tree grew into a beautiful and favorite of Ruth and Randolph's. In 1947 their house burned and they lost nearly everything and the tree was burned to the ground. They felt very hurt about the tree. Soon, to their surprise, the magnolia tree began to grow again, sprouting green sprouts and growing into a beautiful tree once again. Randolph and Ruth decided to move to our Siloam community on the Charlie, Fronia Jones homeland. They built a home in August. Ruth wanted to take the magnolia tree with her, so she dug it up in the hot dry summer month and replanted it at their home in Siloam. It flourished and grew into a large beauty. It still shows its splendor today. Their daughter Zelma and grandson Randy, who live at the Randolph Moore home place now, enjoy the old magnolia tree, especially in the spring when the blossom aroma is magnificent. The large flowers are a sight to see. Zelma says she stays busy raking the leaves and seed pods, yet the tree has meant so much to the family. She feels the tree is a blessing from God, so she will continue with the raking. Randolph and Ruth worked long hours building their home in Siloam. The only help they had was from Ray and Bill Ellis of Centerville. They helped them get started. The home was lovely, well constructed and comfortable. They had a well kept yard and property and built one of the prettiest lakes of Flo and Leon County. It was stocked with many fish. It is still a beautiful place to fish, rest and relax. There have been family reunions, picnics and other family, community gatherings. Randolph and Ruth lived long productive lives. Their hobbies seemed to be work and their pride and joy was their daughter Zelma, their grandchildren Rita and Randy and their great grandchildren. They had a close-knit relationship with their relatives, neighbors and their many friends. They gave to the community in many beneficial ways. After Ruth lost Randolph, she stayed at their home for several years and was busy with the upkeep of her home and property. She with her love for animals, tended to cattle, calves and stray cats. All the stray cats seemed to find their way to her home. She had great pleasure in giving her children tender loving care. Ruth kept in touch with her relatives and friends every day by telephone. She helped people with her telephone ministry. Randolph and Ruth are gone now. They are buried at the Parker Cemetery in Flo by their many relatives. Today, their daughter Zelma, grandchildren Randy and Rita and other family members, are prominent Leon County citizens, Zelma and Randy live on the Rudolph and Ruth home place. Rita and hers make Centerville their home. Her son Ali serves in the Coast Guard. All of the Randolph and Ruth family are dedicated citizens, carrying on with the same moral character. They bring success and wealth to the community. |