Moore, Veranus A. (Veranus Alva), 1859-1931

Bacteriologist, veterinary pathologist, one of the first six faculty of the New York State Veterinary College at Cornell University, and Dean of the College, 1908-1929.

Veranus Alva Moore was born in Houndsfield (Hounsfield), NY, on April 13, 1859. He was raised in Oswego County, New York. When he was 14 years old, he stepped on a nail which caused an infection that kept him on crutches for the next ten years. During those years, Veranus struggled to finish his education while helping his mother support the family and raise his three younger brothers.

In 1883 he entered Cornell University. His work was so impressive that Dr. Simon Henry Gage recommended him for a position with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Bureau of Animal Industry before he had completed his degree. He left for Washington in January 1887, wrote his undergraduate thesis in his spare time, and returned in June to graduate with his class. The following fall he entered Columbian (now George Washington) University. He took classes in the evenings and studied during weekends and vacations and received his M.D. in 1890.

Moore's career centered around the study and control of infectious diseases afflicting food animals. He worked for the Bureau of Animal Industry until 1896, then returned to Cornell to become one of the original six professors of the newly founded New York State Veterinary College. He taught Comparative Pathology and Bacteriology as well as meat inspection. In 1908 he became the second dean of the college, succeeding James Law. He served in that post until 1929, and died only two years later on February 11, 1931.

More information about Moore can be found in the "Biography" series in this collection as well as in American National Biography