Moore was born in April 1826 in Alabama. He is the son of John Moore Sr possibly from Georgia and Nicey Turner of Mobile, Alabama. He married Mahala Ann Roberts (1828–1886), daughter of Richard Roberts and Sarah Baker, on (October 23, 1847). The Roberts Family were pioneers of Jackson County, Mississippi.
During his military career John W. Moore served as Quartermaster for the 9th Mississippi Cavalry Company A. He was also part of the 17th Mississippi Cavalry at the beginning of the Civil War.
From census records and land records we get a good picture of John W. Moore's family. His children are John Percy Moore born April 1849, Eugene Moore born December 1850, Martha Ann Moore July 1853, Mahala Elizabeth Moore June 1855, Joseph "Jo" and Mascalia Moore (twins) born June 1858.
John Moore owned land that was located in the western part of Mobile County near the present day Tanner-Williams Rd. His original land claim which was legally purchase was disputed by the railroad and was subsequently part of litigation which saw his living heirs receive payment for the homestead of 1846. His land, 140 acres (0.57 km2) was not "returned" to his heirs until 1895.
Additional Information:
William Deakle that J W. Moore mentions in the letters from the battlefield was his neighbor.
Betty that he mentions in the letters was also his neighbor Betty Shem.