MOORE, CLEMENT CLARKE

born July 15, 1779, New York City died July 10, 1863, Newport, R.I., U.S. American scholar of Hebrew and teacher, now chiefly remembered for his ballad that begins, 'Twas the night before Christmas . . . . The son of the Rev. Benjamin Moore, a president of Columbia College (later University), young Moore was educated there and had a lifelong interest in church matters. He was professor of Oriental and Greek literature at the General Theological Seminary (182150). He is said to have composed A Visit from St. Nicholas to amuse his children on Christmas 1822, but, unknown to him, a house guest copied it and gave it to the press. It was first published anonymously in the Troy (N.Y.) Sentinel, Dec. 23, 1823.