
| Name | Robert Altamont MOSES [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11] | |
| Birth | 9 Mar 1921 | Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina [4, 12] |
| Gender | Male | |
| HIST | I believe that this Robert A. Moses is the same as Robert Altamont Moses, who is listed as Robert’s brother. Was his father the Franklin that served as Governor of South Carolina? jkh Robert and Herbert are twins. Is this Robert A. Moses who married Harriett Pace? jkh I believe this Robert A. is Robert Altamont, who is listed as Robert A. Moses brother! Source says that Herbert A. is Elizabeth’s great-uncle. Date Published: May 23, 2009 Temple Sinai dedicates marker Keith Gedamke / The Item Rabbi Robert A. Seigel delivers the closing prayer for Temple Sinai's dedication of a historical marker Friday. By GINA VASSELLI Item Staff Writer Sitting in the shadow of Temple Sinai, dozens of people gathered Thursday afternoon for the unveiling of a marking detailing the history of the temple and the Jewish community in Sumter. The South Carolina State Historical Marker will teach and remind the community about the temple's history. "Future generations will be reading this 100 years from now and they will understand the significance of this place," said Katherine Richardson, the executive director of the Sumter County Museum. As the marker states, the Sumter Society of Israelites was formed in 1895 and the first synagogue was built in 1900. That synagogue burned and was replaced in 1913 by the Temple Sinai, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Richardson said she "had the privilege 10 years ago of putting this site on the national registry." Keith Gedamke / The Item Members of Sumter's Jewish community gather for the dedication of a historical marker at Temple Sinai on Friday. "It is part of the fabric of Sumter," she said. The marker also pays homage to the Sumter Jewish Community, which dates to about 1815. Three men brought their families to Sumter from the Jewish community in Charleston. One of those men was Franklin Moses, who Charles Broadwell, the chairman of the Sumter County Historical Commission, said was a huge part of the Sumter community. Moses, he said, served the community, the state and the country. He was a law professor, a judge and a soldier who fought for South Carolina in the Civil War. "He served in every capacity," Broadwell said. Keith Gedamke / The Item And one of the men who worked hard to erect the marker is a descendant of the Moses family, Robert A. Moses. His daughter Elizabeth Moses said Jews have been in South Carolina in the 1600s, though "not many people know it." Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen said he came to the ceremony to learn and appreciate the rich history of Sumter. "I'm glad to see that this beautiful building is being recognized as the historical marker it is for the community," McElveen said. Contact Staff Writer Gina Vasselli at gvasselli@theitem.com or (803) 774-1214. Doing it the right way: Robert Moses, Sumter businessman, community servant, husband, father, loyal friend turns 100 Robert Moses, Sumter native and resident, turns 100 today. PHOTO PROVIDED Posted Tuesday, March 9, 2021 6:00 am ‘You always felt safe when Robert had your back. When he said he would be there to catch you if you slipped and fell, you knew you would be caught.’” ALLAN KAYE, LONGTIME FAMILY FRIEND, ON ROBERT MOSES’ IMPACT ON HIS CHILDHOOD BY IVY MOORE Arts and culture contributor Sumter native and lifelong resident Robert Moses turns 100 today, and his friends and family are celebrating the milestone by reflecting on his character, personality and accomplishments. Associates use many adjectives to describe him, among them "honorable, honest, considerate, sincere, kind, modest, respectful and patient." Many know him as a successful Realtor with his brother Herbert, as owners and operators of the Henry P. Moses Co., a real estate and insurance firm, long located at 122 S. Main St. opposite the former post office. He was among the first in the state to obtain his MAI - Member of the Appraisal Institute - a trade organization that monitors appraisers and holds them to the highest standards. Born in Sumter to Henry Phillips and Charlotte Emmanuel Moses in 1921, Moses was educated in the Sumter public school system and graduated with The Citadel's Class of 1942. He served as an Air Force pilot of a single-engine aircraft during World War II. Following the war, Moses and his new wife, Harriett Pace Moses, moved back to Sumter, where they raised five daughters - Natalie, Carol, Laura, Elizabeth and Katherine. After Harriett's death in 2002, Moses married Clara Gayness Keilwert. Laura describes Moses as a father as " loving, gentle and playful a great companion and an exceptional teacher. All our lives he has taught us by giving clear step-by-step instructions. He once talked me through changing a flat tire during which he never touched the tools or the tire. I have not changed a tire since, but knowing that I could if I had to gives me confidence." An accomplished baker, famous for his scones, he "has overseen many baking sessions of us making (them)." Laura said her father also teaches "by example with thoughtful conversations on many topics." Carol noted that "he and my mother were very, very firm on being anti-prejudice and said there were good and bad people of all races and never permitted opinions otherwise. When we would hear prejudiced things other people said and ask our parents, they would take a strong stand and denounce racial prejudice. They also boycotted places that would not serve Black customers. "Doing what was right, treating people politely, fairly, honestly; putting principles over financial gain." Jay Schwartz, a longtime member of Temple Sinai, Sumter's only synagogue, who was instrumental in establishing the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, has known Moses for many years. He said when he thinks of Moses, the first thing that comes to his mind is, "He is a gentleman. Secondly, it is just special to be in his company. "Robert has meant so much to Temple Sinai over his lifetime. His service and caring for the temple cannot be matched. As the temple membership started to diminish, Robert was adamant that we could find new members and grow the congregation. While this is still a goal, he was instrumental in working with the Long Term Planning Committee, which over time put in place a plan to ensure that the temple will have purpose and meaning far into the future. "At 100, he is still called on for guidance and input. We continue to welcome and value his opinion." In addition to his service to the community and his career, Moses has many other active interests, including walking, cultivating daphnes, birdwatching, cooking, keeping up with family and friends and more. His daughters said he loves the "natural world," spending time at the beach, in the mountains, state parks and other natural areas and teaching appropriate skills to his daughters. Moses also watched his daughters' health. "Long before it was an accepted mainstream idea, Daddy limited our sugar intake. We grew up drinking unsweetened iced tea and never were allowed any sweetened cereal. But in complete inconsistence, Daddy had a well-founded reputation for his taste for chocolate. "As a parent," Carol said, "he was very involved in some (not all) aspects. He was at the office, and my mother was 'at home.' "His personality is pretty steady, consistent, fair. Good at explaining things. He helped us do garden projects (grow vegetables, flowers, etc.), make cages for the various outdoor pets; we had turtles, baby chicks, mice, snakes." Known for his storytelling talents, Laura said, "He is sociable and often relates stories of his childhood, his parents and siblings growing up in Sumter. It was hard for us to imagine having a horse, a cow, a goat and chickens in a backyard in town." Allan Kaye, another longtime friend of the family, said Moses taught him the "facts of life" of living in a small town. "My father was a New York City boy. He grew up on Manhattan and went to college and law school on Manhattan. In fact, he basically never left until he was 'invited' to join the Army before the USA was thrown into World War II," Kaye said. "So, it was Robert who took me fishing and taught me how to bait a hook and that he who catches the fish must also clean the fish. "It was Robert's quiet, confident demeanor that gave me, a small boy with a fear of heights, the confidence to climb a tree. You always felt safe when Robert had your back. When he said he would be there to catch you if you slipped and fell, you knew you would be caught." Kaye also benefited from Moses' generosity in other ways. He said, "After Robert's third daughter was born, I think he read the writing on the wall and gave me things he must have been saving for his son. One of my prized possessions growing up was Robert's leather pilot's helmet from his time as pilot in the Air Force. "Growing up in the '40s and '50s, at least in the South, there was a distinct line between which things men did and the things women did. Robert was the first man I knew who cooked and baked. He was well ahead of the times in breaking the social barriers that separated roles by sex." Moses' niece, Ginger Mahon Mize, recalled a story her mother, Ta Mahon Mize, told her. "I think of my Uncle Robert as one who embraces life playing tennis with his siblings in his 70s, traveling, hiking Mt. Leconte on a senior pass and sending detailed emails today," Mize said. Mize saw her uncle's mischievous side in her mother's story. "Uncle Robert tells of being a model child who wished to give his sister Ta a little surprise," she said. "One Christmas morning while all the family was asleep, he came down early and took all the presents out of Ta's stocking and filled it with switches. Waiting to see how surprised his sister would be, Uncle Robert was surprised at his parents' reaction! "This wonderful sparkle in his eyes continues. Uncle Robert can nurture edible mushrooms to grow in the crawl space of his home and wild birds to feed out of his hand. Uncle Robert has always been a close uncle, gentle, loving and polite man with a strong connection to his family, synagogue and community." While Robert Moses has many accomplishments for him and his family to be proud of on this day, his daughters agree, as Laura said, "To me, his greatest accomplishment is being a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and raising five independent daughters." ROBERT ALTAMONT MOSES I really don’t understand his grandchildren so I am not putting them in place. jkh Posted Tuesday, November 29, 2022 6:00 am Robert Altamont Moses, 101, died on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at his home. Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Henry Phillips Moses and Charlotte Virginia Emmanuel Moses. Surviving are his wife, Clara Gayness Moses; his four daughters, Natalie Moses (Douglas Klaucke) and children, Benjamin, Julien and Robert Pougnier; Carol Moses (David Vasconcelos) and children, Alice Moses and Aldo Pena-Moses; Katherine Moses Royer (Brad) and children, Brendan and Aaron; and Laura Moses; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Herbert A. Moses; numerous nieces and nephews from the Mahon and Moses families; and by his wife's family, Frances Gowen (Brent), Sarah Sanford (Bryan) and their children. He was predeceased by his first wife, Harriett Pace Moses; a daughter, Elizabeth Moses; a sister, Octavia Moses Mahon; and two brothers, Richard Phillips Moses and Vivian Moses. Moses was a member of the Class of 1942 at The Citadel. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. He subsequently served as an Army Air Corps Single Engine Pilot, completed his 20 years of military service as a reservist, and retired from the Air Force Reserves with the rank of major. Mr. Moses was a member of Temple Sinai and was a former Realtor and real estate appraiser with Henry P. Moses Co. Moses was a past president or chair of the S.C. Association of Realtors, the Sumter Rotary Club, the Fortnightly Club, the Sumter County Historical Society and Sumter County Master Gardeners, among others, and a scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America. In addition to community service, he had many interests, including birdwatching, baking, fishing, gardening, hiking and traveling at home and abroad with friends and family. He spoke fondly of his childhood trips to Saluda, North Carolina, and helped build his family's beach house at Pawleys Island in 1939. He was a man of honesty, integrity, curiosity, humor and kindness. He loved his family and the natural world. He taught by example and was a friend and mentor to many. The family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by Vermell Shannon and Stella Haynesworth of Carolina Caregivers. It is with deep appreciation that the family acknowledges the support of hospice staff at Amedisys. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. today at Temple Sinai with Ray Reich officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service at a reception at McKenzie Hall on the grounds of the Sumter Museum. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Temple Sinai General Fund, 13 Church St., Sumter, SC 29150; to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104; to the Sumter County Museum, P. O. Box 1456, Sumter, SC 29151; or to the charity of one's choice. Private burial will be in the Sumter Jewish Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386. ROBERT ALTAMONT MOSES • 1921 - 2022 Longtime Realtor in Sumter remembered for honesty, integrity A contract signing for construction of the new Western Auto store on South Main Street took place in March 1967. Principals are, seated from left, Whit Wharton of Boozer and Wharton, contractors; W.M. Hodge of Hodge Real Estate; and Robert Moses of Henry P. Moses Co. Standing from left are Harold Boozer of Boozer and Wharton; Richard Moses of Henry P. Moses Co.; and Charles McCreight of Demosthenes, McCreight and Riley, architects. Posted Tuesday, December 6, 2022 6:00 am BY SHELBIE GOULDING shelbie@theitem.com A man with strong ties to the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center died at the age of 101. Sumter native Robert Altamont Moses, a veteran and longtime Realtor in the community, died Nov. 26, 2022. Moses was known as a successful Realtor in Sumter alongside his brother, Herbert, and his father, Henry. Together, they owned Henry O. Moses Co., a real estate and insurance firm that was on South Main Street. Steve Creech, former mayor of Sumter, said he knew Moses through their parents; the Creech and Moses families were close for decades. He recalled his longtime friend coming back after World War II and getting into the real estate and insurance business with his father. According to Creech, Moses went into real estate appraising - something Moses was successful at. According to The Sumter Item archives, Moses was among the first in the state to obtain a Member of the Appraisal Institute. With decades of dedication to his work and his neighbors, Moses served the community in many capacities outside of helping families find their forever homes. According to his obituary, Moses attended The Citadel and graduated as part of the Class of 1942. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in the infantry and served as a pilot. He completed his 20 years of service as a reservist and retired from the Air Force Reserves as a major. He was also a family man, raising five daughters with his first wife, Harriett Pace, and a man of religion; he was a longtime member of Temple Sinai, Sumter's only synagogue. "They were part of the backbone of our Jewish community," Creech said. "One of Robert's projects in his later years is what we will do with the Temple Sinai. He was concerned what would happen with the temple." In his later years, Moses was concerned about the temple's future and worked with the late Roger Ackerman in preserving its history and presence in the community. Creech said their collaboration, along with several others in the community, led to a partnership with the Sumter County Museum to create the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center. Ray Reich, a member of Temple Sinai and friend of Moses for more than 40 years, shared that Moses was a true man of faith. Before his death, Moses asked Reich to conduct his funeral service since Sumter didn't have a rabbi. "Typically a rabbi would conduct a funeral service; however, through the past years, the congregation of Temple Sinai has diminished significantly in size as members have passed away and their children have moved to other areas," Reich said in an email. "Because we are such a small congregation, we no longer have a rabbi, and Robert wanted someone to preside over his funeral that knew him as opposed to bringing in a rabbi from out of town to do the service that didn't know Robert or the family." According to Reich, Moses loved Temple Sinai - it was an important part of his life. "I think many would have considered him our temple historian," Reich said. "When people from the Sumter community wanted to tour the temple and view these beautiful windows, Robert would be called upon to tell them about the history of the temple and about the windows. He was very active until his health no longer allowed him to do the tours." Moses' nephew, Dr. Henry Phillips Moses, a surgeon at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, seconded that his uncle was a man of deep faith and his death left a void in the family. He remembered his uncle as a kind, considerate human who was full of knowledge. One of his fondest memories with him was Moses' favorite place to visit in South Carolina. "He had a particular love for the Pawleys Island area; he taught me how to flounder fish," Moses' nephew said. "One of the many he imparted to me. His love for the outdoors, especially the beach. It was one of his happiest times when he was down there." [1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 9] | |
| HIST | I believe that this Robert A. Moses is the same as Robert Altamont Moses, who is listed as Robert’s brother. Was his father the Franklin that served as Governor of South Carolina? jkh Robert and Herbert are twins. Is this Robert A. Moses who married Harriett Pace? jkh I believe this Robert A. is Robert Altamont, who is listed as Robert A. Moses brother! Source says that Herbert A. is Elizabeth’s great-uncle. Date Published: May 23, 2009 Temple Sinai dedicates marker Keith Gedamke / The Item Rabbi Robert A. Seigel delivers the closing prayer for Temple Sinai's dedication of a historical marker Friday. By GINA VASSELLI Item Staff Writer Sitting in the shadow of Temple Sinai, dozens of people gathered Thursday afternoon for the unveiling of a marking detailing the history of the temple and the Jewish community in Sumter. The South Carolina State Historical Marker will teach and remind the community about the temple's history. "Future generations will be reading this 100 years from now and they will understand the significance of this place," said Katherine Richardson, the executive director of the Sumter County Museum. As the marker states, the Sumter Society of Israelites was formed in 1895 and the first synagogue was built in 1900. That synagogue burned and was replaced in 1913 by the Temple Sinai, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. Richardson said she "had the privilege 10 years ago of putting this site on the national registry." Keith Gedamke / The Item Members of Sumter's Jewish community gather for the dedication of a historical marker at Temple Sinai on Friday. "It is part of the fabric of Sumter," she said. The marker also pays homage to the Sumter Jewish Community, which dates to about 1815. Three men brought their families to Sumter from the Jewish community in Charleston. One of those men was Franklin Moses, who Charles Broadwell, the chairman of the Sumter County Historical Commission, said was a huge part of the Sumter community. Moses, he said, served the community, the state and the country. He was a law professor, a judge and a soldier who fought for South Carolina in the Civil War. "He served in every capacity," Broadwell said. Keith Gedamke / The Item And one of the men who worked hard to erect the marker is a descendant of the Moses family, Robert A. Moses. His daughter Elizabeth Moses said Jews have been in South Carolina in the 1600s, though "not many people know it." Sumter Mayor Joe McElveen said he came to the ceremony to learn and appreciate the rich history of Sumter. "I'm glad to see that this beautiful building is being recognized as the historical marker it is for the community," McElveen said. Contact Staff Writer Gina Vasselli at gvasselli@theitem.com or (803) 774-1214. Doing it the right way: Robert Moses, Sumter businessman, community servant, husband, father, loyal friend turns 100 Robert Moses, Sumter native and resident, turns 100 today. PHOTO PROVIDED Posted Tuesday, March 9, 2021 6:00 am ‘You always felt safe when Robert had your back. When he said he would be there to catch you if you slipped and fell, you knew you would be caught.’” ALLAN KAYE, LONGTIME FAMILY FRIEND, ON ROBERT MOSES’ IMPACT ON HIS CHILDHOOD BY IVY MOORE Arts and culture contributor Sumter native and lifelong resident Robert Moses turns 100 today, and his friends and family are celebrating the milestone by reflecting on his character, personality and accomplishments. Associates use many adjectives to describe him, among them "honorable, honest, considerate, sincere, kind, modest, respectful and patient." Many know him as a successful Realtor with his brother Herbert, as owners and operators of the Henry P. Moses Co., a real estate and insurance firm, long located at 122 S. Main St. opposite the former post office. He was among the first in the state to obtain his MAI - Member of the Appraisal Institute - a trade organization that monitors appraisers and holds them to the highest standards. Born in Sumter to Henry Phillips and Charlotte Emmanuel Moses in 1921, Moses was educated in the Sumter public school system and graduated with The Citadel's Class of 1942. He served as an Air Force pilot of a single-engine aircraft during World War II. Following the war, Moses and his new wife, Harriett Pace Moses, moved back to Sumter, where they raised five daughters - Natalie, Carol, Laura, Elizabeth and Katherine. After Harriett's death in 2002, Moses married Clara Gayness Keilwert. Laura describes Moses as a father as " loving, gentle and playful a great companion and an exceptional teacher. All our lives he has taught us by giving clear step-by-step instructions. He once talked me through changing a flat tire during which he never touched the tools or the tire. I have not changed a tire since, but knowing that I could if I had to gives me confidence." An accomplished baker, famous for his scones, he "has overseen many baking sessions of us making (them)." Laura said her father also teaches "by example with thoughtful conversations on many topics." Carol noted that "he and my mother were very, very firm on being anti-prejudice and said there were good and bad people of all races and never permitted opinions otherwise. When we would hear prejudiced things other people said and ask our parents, they would take a strong stand and denounce racial prejudice. They also boycotted places that would not serve Black customers. "Doing what was right, treating people politely, fairly, honestly; putting principles over financial gain." Jay Schwartz, a longtime member of Temple Sinai, Sumter's only synagogue, who was instrumental in establishing the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, has known Moses for many years. He said when he thinks of Moses, the first thing that comes to his mind is, "He is a gentleman. Secondly, it is just special to be in his company. "Robert has meant so much to Temple Sinai over his lifetime. His service and caring for the temple cannot be matched. As the temple membership started to diminish, Robert was adamant that we could find new members and grow the congregation. While this is still a goal, he was instrumental in working with the Long Term Planning Committee, which over time put in place a plan to ensure that the temple will have purpose and meaning far into the future. "At 100, he is still called on for guidance and input. We continue to welcome and value his opinion." In addition to his service to the community and his career, Moses has many other active interests, including walking, cultivating daphnes, birdwatching, cooking, keeping up with family and friends and more. His daughters said he loves the "natural world," spending time at the beach, in the mountains, state parks and other natural areas and teaching appropriate skills to his daughters. Moses also watched his daughters' health. "Long before it was an accepted mainstream idea, Daddy limited our sugar intake. We grew up drinking unsweetened iced tea and never were allowed any sweetened cereal. But in complete inconsistence, Daddy had a well-founded reputation for his taste for chocolate. "As a parent," Carol said, "he was very involved in some (not all) aspects. He was at the office, and my mother was 'at home.' "His personality is pretty steady, consistent, fair. Good at explaining things. He helped us do garden projects (grow vegetables, flowers, etc.), make cages for the various outdoor pets; we had turtles, baby chicks, mice, snakes." Known for his storytelling talents, Laura said, "He is sociable and often relates stories of his childhood, his parents and siblings growing up in Sumter. It was hard for us to imagine having a horse, a cow, a goat and chickens in a backyard in town." Allan Kaye, another longtime friend of the family, said Moses taught him the "facts of life" of living in a small town. "My father was a New York City boy. He grew up on Manhattan and went to college and law school on Manhattan. In fact, he basically never left until he was 'invited' to join the Army before the USA was thrown into World War II," Kaye said. "So, it was Robert who took me fishing and taught me how to bait a hook and that he who catches the fish must also clean the fish. "It was Robert's quiet, confident demeanor that gave me, a small boy with a fear of heights, the confidence to climb a tree. You always felt safe when Robert had your back. When he said he would be there to catch you if you slipped and fell, you knew you would be caught." Kaye also benefited from Moses' generosity in other ways. He said, "After Robert's third daughter was born, I think he read the writing on the wall and gave me things he must have been saving for his son. One of my prized possessions growing up was Robert's leather pilot's helmet from his time as pilot in the Air Force. "Growing up in the '40s and '50s, at least in the South, there was a distinct line between which things men did and the things women did. Robert was the first man I knew who cooked and baked. He was well ahead of the times in breaking the social barriers that separated roles by sex." Moses' niece, Ginger Mahon Mize, recalled a story her mother, Ta Mahon Mize, told her. "I think of my Uncle Robert as one who embraces life playing tennis with his siblings in his 70s, traveling, hiking Mt. Leconte on a senior pass and sending detailed emails today," Mize said. Mize saw her uncle's mischievous side in her mother's story. "Uncle Robert tells of being a model child who wished to give his sister Ta a little surprise," she said. "One Christmas morning while all the family was asleep, he came down early and took all the presents out of Ta's stocking and filled it with switches. Waiting to see how surprised his sister would be, Uncle Robert was surprised at his parents' reaction! "This wonderful sparkle in his eyes continues. Uncle Robert can nurture edible mushrooms to grow in the crawl space of his home and wild birds to feed out of his hand. Uncle Robert has always been a close uncle, gentle, loving and polite man with a strong connection to his family, synagogue and community." While Robert Moses has many accomplishments for him and his family to be proud of on this day, his daughters agree, as Laura said, "To me, his greatest accomplishment is being a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather and raising five independent daughters." ROBERT ALTAMONT MOSES I really don’t understand his grandchildren so I am not putting them in place. jkh Posted Tuesday, November 29, 2022 6:00 am Robert Altamont Moses, 101, died on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2022, at his home. Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late Henry Phillips Moses and Charlotte Virginia Emmanuel Moses. Surviving are his wife, Clara Gayness Moses; his four daughters, Natalie Moses (Douglas Klaucke) and children, Benjamin, Julien and Robert Pougnier; Carol Moses (David Vasconcelos) and children, Alice Moses and Aldo Pena-Moses; Katherine Moses Royer (Brad) and children, Brendan and Aaron; and Laura Moses; and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Herbert A. Moses; numerous nieces and nephews from the Mahon and Moses families; and by his wife's family, Frances Gowen (Brent), Sarah Sanford (Bryan) and their children. He was predeceased by his first wife, Harriett Pace Moses; a daughter, Elizabeth Moses; a sister, Octavia Moses Mahon; and two brothers, Richard Phillips Moses and Vivian Moses. Moses was a member of the Class of 1942 at The Citadel. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. He subsequently served as an Army Air Corps Single Engine Pilot, completed his 20 years of military service as a reservist, and retired from the Air Force Reserves with the rank of major. Mr. Moses was a member of Temple Sinai and was a former Realtor and real estate appraiser with Henry P. Moses Co. Moses was a past president or chair of the S.C. Association of Realtors, the Sumter Rotary Club, the Fortnightly Club, the Sumter County Historical Society and Sumter County Master Gardeners, among others, and a scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America. In addition to community service, he had many interests, including birdwatching, baking, fishing, gardening, hiking and traveling at home and abroad with friends and family. He spoke fondly of his childhood trips to Saluda, North Carolina, and helped build his family's beach house at Pawleys Island in 1939. He was a man of honesty, integrity, curiosity, humor and kindness. He loved his family and the natural world. He taught by example and was a friend and mentor to many. The family is grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by Vermell Shannon and Stella Haynesworth of Carolina Caregivers. It is with deep appreciation that the family acknowledges the support of hospice staff at Amedisys. Memorial services will be held at 2 p.m. today at Temple Sinai with Ray Reich officiating. The family will receive friends following the memorial service at a reception at McKenzie Hall on the grounds of the Sumter Museum. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Temple Sinai General Fund, 13 Church St., Sumter, SC 29150; to the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104; to the Sumter County Museum, P. O. Box 1456, Sumter, SC 29151; or to the charity of one's choice. Private burial will be in the Sumter Jewish Cemetery. Online condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386. ROBERT ALTAMONT MOSES • 1921 - 2022 Longtime Realtor in Sumter remembered for honesty, integrity A contract signing for construction of the new Western Auto store on South Main Street took place in March 1967. Principals are, seated from left, Whit Wharton of Boozer and Wharton, contractors; W.M. Hodge of Hodge Real Estate; and Robert Moses of Henry P. Moses Co. Standing from left are Harold Boozer of Boozer and Wharton; Richard Moses of Henry P. Moses Co.; and Charles McCreight of Demosthenes, McCreight and Riley, architects. Posted Tuesday, December 6, 2022 6:00 am BY SHELBIE GOULDING shelbie@theitem.com A man with strong ties to the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center died at the age of 101. Sumter native Robert Altamont Moses, a veteran and longtime Realtor in the community, died Nov. 26, 2022. Moses was known as a successful Realtor in Sumter alongside his brother, Herbert, and his father, Henry. Together, they owned Henry O. Moses Co., a real estate and insurance firm that was on South Main Street. Steve Creech, former mayor of Sumter, said he knew Moses through their parents; the Creech and Moses families were close for decades. He recalled his longtime friend coming back after World War II and getting into the real estate and insurance business with his father. According to Creech, Moses went into real estate appraising - something Moses was successful at. According to The Sumter Item archives, Moses was among the first in the state to obtain a Member of the Appraisal Institute. With decades of dedication to his work and his neighbors, Moses served the community in many capacities outside of helping families find their forever homes. According to his obituary, Moses attended The Citadel and graduated as part of the Class of 1942. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in the infantry and served as a pilot. He completed his 20 years of service as a reservist and retired from the Air Force Reserves as a major. He was also a family man, raising five daughters with his first wife, Harriett Pace, and a man of religion; he was a longtime member of Temple Sinai, Sumter's only synagogue. "They were part of the backbone of our Jewish community," Creech said. "One of Robert's projects in his later years is what we will do with the Temple Sinai. He was concerned what would happen with the temple." In his later years, Moses was concerned about the temple's future and worked with the late Roger Ackerman in preserving its history and presence in the community. Creech said their collaboration, along with several others in the community, led to a partnership with the Sumter County Museum to create the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center. Ray Reich, a member of Temple Sinai and friend of Moses for more than 40 years, shared that Moses was a true man of faith. Before his death, Moses asked Reich to conduct his funeral service since Sumter didn't have a rabbi. "Typically a rabbi would conduct a funeral service; however, through the past years, the congregation of Temple Sinai has diminished significantly in size as members have passed away and their children have moved to other areas," Reich said in an email. "Because we are such a small congregation, we no longer have a rabbi, and Robert wanted someone to preside over his funeral that knew him as opposed to bringing in a rabbi from out of town to do the service that didn't know Robert or the family." According to Reich, Moses loved Temple Sinai - it was an important part of his life. "I think many would have considered him our temple historian," Reich said. "When people from the Sumter community wanted to tour the temple and view these beautiful windows, Robert would be called upon to tell them about the history of the temple and about the windows. He was very active until his health no longer allowed him to do the tours." Moses' nephew, Dr. Henry Phillips Moses, a surgeon at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, seconded that his uncle was a man of deep faith and his death left a void in the family. He remembered his uncle as a kind, considerate human who was full of knowledge. One of his fondest memories with him was Moses' favorite place to visit in South Carolina. "He had a particular love for the Pawleys Island area; he taught me how to flounder fish," Moses' nephew said. "One of the many he imparted to me. His love for the outdoors, especially the beach. It was one of his happiest times when he was down there." | |
| MILI | He served as an Air Force pilot of a single-engine aircraft during World War II. He was a member of the Class of 1942 at The Citadel. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. He subsequently served as an Army Air Corps Single Engine Pilot, completed his 20 years of military service as a reservist, and retired from the Air Force Reserves with the rank of major. [4, 8] | |
| MILI | He served as an Air Force pilot of a single-engine aircraft during World War II. He was a member of the Class of 1942 at The Citadel. Upon graduation, he joined the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant in the Infantry. He subsequently served as an Army Air Corps Single Engine Pilot, completed his 20 years of military service as a reservist, and retired from the Air Force Reserves with the rank of major. | |
| _UID | B53391AC857F459F980CF48212BF979C2B96 | |
| _UID | B53391AC857F459F980CF48212BF979C2B96 | |
| Death | 26 Nov 2022 | at his home, (Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina) |
| Burial | 29 Nov 2022 | Sumter Jewish Cemetery, 701 W. Oakland Avenue, Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina [8] |
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| Person ID | I242391 | Singleton and Related Families |
| Last Modified | 5 Apr 2025 | |
| Father | Henry Phillips/Philips MOSES, b. 27 Sep 1886, Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina d. 27 Feb 1945, Sumter, Sumter County, South Carolina (Age 58 years) | |
| Mother | Charlotte Virginia EMANUEL, b. 15 Jan 1889, St. Augustine, Florida | |
| Marriage | 17 Jun 1912 | New York, New York [12] |
| _UID | 000F2B2E9D5F4FCB9F8931B576F0FA8E7ACB | |
| _UID | 000F2B2E9D5F4FCB9F8931B576F0FA8E7ACB | |
| Family ID | F44011 | Group Sheet | Family Chart |
| Family 1 | Harriett PACE d. 2002 | |||||||||||
| _UID | 8D41594CF5244CB680D3E2518693858133C1 | |||||||||||
| _UID | 8D41594CF5244CB680D3E2518693858133C1 | |||||||||||
| Children |
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| Family ID | F163691 | Group Sheet | Family Chart | ||||||||||
| Last Modified | 23 Mar 2026 | |||||||||||
| Family 2 | Clara GAYNESS | |
| _UID | 0527D477C3104695BCD481B5CAFEC651CA43 | |
| _UID | 0527D477C3104695BCD481B5CAFEC651CA43 | |
| Family ID | F212303 | Group Sheet | Family Chart |
| Last Modified | 5 Aug 2018 | |
| Sources |
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