Moses A. Luce
| Moses A. Luce | |
|---|---|
Moses A. Luce
|
|
| Born |
May 14, 1842 Payson, Adams County, Illinois |
| Died | April 13, 1933 (aged 90) |
| Allegiance |
United States of America Union |
| Service/branch |
United States Army Union Army |
| Years of service | 1861 - 1864 |
| Rank | Sergeant |
| Unit | Company E, 4th Michigan Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Moses Augustine Luce (1842–1933) was a Sergeant in the Union Army and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions in the American Civil War. He went on to become a leading lawyer, judge and businessman in early San Diego, where he founded the prominent law firm Luce, Forward, Hamilton & Scripps.
Luce was born 14 May 1842 in Payson, Illinois to Christopher Sanborn Luce and Sarah Pottle. Through his father, he is descended from the Luce family of Rhode Island, making him a distant cousin of Stephen Bleecker Luce and Henry Robinson Luce.
He joined the army in Hillsdale, Michigan in June 1861, and was mustered out in June 1864.
Rank and organization: Sergeant, Company E, 4th Michigan Infantry. Place and date: At Laurel Hill, Va., May 10, 1864. Entered service at: Hillsdale, Michigan. Born: May 14, 1842, Payson, Adams County, Ill. Date of issue: February 7, 1895.
Citation:
Voluntarily returned in the face of the advancing enemy to the assistance of a wounded and helpless comrade, and carried him, at imminent peril, to a place of safety.
After serving with distinction in the Civil War, Moses studied at Hillsdale College and then the Albany Law School, where he graduated LL.B. 1867. At first he practised at Bushnell, Illinois, but in 1873 he migrated to San Diego.
In San Diego he helped found the leading legal firm of Luce, Forward, Kunzel & Scripps. He went on to become a leading player in business life in the growing city, in particular serving on the boards of several railroads and mining companies. He was instrumental in the founding of the Californian Southern Railroad, connecting San Diego to the Santa Fe Railroad.
He helped draft the San Diego city charter and was active in Republican politics, attending two Republican Party national conventions and a number of Californian state conventions. From 1875-80 he was a judge of the County Court of San Diego. For several decades he served as President of the Board of Trustees of the First Unitarian Church of San Diego, and was also a prominent Mason. From 1898 to 1911, he was in partnership with William A. Sloane, who would go on to serve on the California Supreme Court.
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