Moore, Cornelius C., 1885-1970

Cornelius C. Moore, a lawyer, banker, politician, and leader of several prominent organizations, was a pivotal contributor to American art and history through his extensive, and well developed, colonial silver collection. Committed to civic and religious duties, Moore generously contributed his time, energy, and material wealth to Rhode Island government, educational facilities, and charitable associations. In addition, he shared with the public his avid interest in colonial Rhode Island silversmiths’ work. Over several years, Moore was able to compile one of the foremost American colonial silver collections from the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries. His desire to share the historical, artistic, and educational merits of the silver, has produced substantial referential material to better appreciate the unique aspects of this collection.

The collection’s focus on Rhode Island silver work may be attributed to Cornelius C. Moore’s life-long residency in Newport, Rhode Island. Born in 1885 to John J. and Katherine M. Moore, he became a prominent citizen of Newport and the greater Rhode Island state. Before passing the bar in 1916, Moore worked as as a clerk on the Rhode Island Board of Health. Within three years, Moore established the law firm of Moore, Virgadamo, Boyle, and Lynch, where he assumed the responsibilities of a senior member. He was later awarded an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Salve Regina College in 1961. Moore also served as director (1935) and Vice-President (1942) of the Newport National Bank, before being named the bank President in 1950.

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