FANG in Nashville in Davidson County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Ella Sheppard (Moore)

1851 - 1914

Photographed By R. E. Smith, September 2, 2007

1. Ella Sheppard (Moore) Marker

Inscription. Ella Sheppard, an original Fisk Jubilee Singer, lecturer and teacher, was born on February 4, 1851. She entered Fisk in 1868, and was selected to join the group of nine singers that set out on October 6, 1871 to raise funds to save the school. She also served as pianist and assistant director for this group which introduced spirituals to the world. After seven years, the Singers had raised $150,000 and brought the cause of Black education to the attention of millions. Her home stood on this site

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 3A 142.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 4, 1851.

Location. 36° 9.97′ N, 86° 48.185′ W. Marker is in Nashville, Tennessee, in Davidson County. It is in FANG. Marker is on 17th Avenue North, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Nashville TN 37208, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Samuel Allen McElwee (within shouting distance of this marker); William Edward Burghardt DuBois (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Carl Van Vechten Art Gallery

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(about 400 feet away); The Harris Music Building (about 500 feet away); Fisk Memorial Chapel (about 500 feet away); Cravath Hall (about 500 feet away); The Little Theatre (about 600 feet away); Fisk University (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Nashville.

Additional commentary.
1. Ella Sheppard Moore's grandson ( George Cravath Moore Jr.)
My wife and I are Black Memorabilia collectors and several years ago we acquired at auction a diary belonging to Christine Prather of Chattanooga, TN. She was a student of Fisk, Class of 1933. Her boyfriend was George Moore Jr., nicknamed "Caddy Boy".

He was traveling with his football team from Fisk to Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and was killed in an automobile accident in 1927 near Huntsville, Alabama. He was the son of Dr. George J. Moore (Ella Sheppard's Moore's son)and his wife Julia Merrill Moore of Chicago, IL. "Caddy Boy" was the first grandchild born to one of the original Jubilee singers. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

Photographed By R. E. Smith, September 2, 2007

2. Ella Sheppard (Moore) Marker

— Submitted September 30, 2008, by Gary W Brown of Versailles, Kentucky.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 2,505 times since then and 31 times this year. Last updated on January 10, 2013, by George Sheppard Moore Alexander of Atlanta, Georgei. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 26, 2008, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.