Colonel David Moore commanded Missouri Union militia and the 21st Missouri Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War. He led a bayonet charge at the Battle of Athens in 1861, was severely wounded at Shiloh (losing his right leg), and fought at Iuka, Corinth, and in the Vicksburg campaign. Brevetted brigadier general in 1865, he later farmed in Canton, Missouri, and served in the state senate.