Jack B. Moore

Information and photos for this page provided by: Mike Moore, Robert Moore and Kathlene Gilpin.

Jack B. Moore co-founder of the Carson & Barnes Circus.

Jack Bonham Moore was born on January 18, 1919 in Marshall, Texas to parents Solon Barnett Moore and Martha Elizabeth Branch. In 1939 Jack married Angela Chastain, (4/15/1922 - 1998).

After serving in the United States Navy during World War II, Jack and Angela formed a partnership with Kelly Swim and started a tent picture show, which they named The "Jack and Kelley's Bear Track Shows" the small show toured through Texas and Louisiana and wintered in Marshall. TX.. They began acquiring and training animals which they would present after the movies. Soon they stopped showing movies and began featuring animal and country western acts, the show was renamed "Tex Carson's Jamboree and Wild Animal Show".

In 1952 Jack and family moved to Hugo, Oklahoma where he met D. R. Miller who was co-owner of the Al G. Kelly and Miller Brothers Circus. In 1953, Moore and Miller formed a partnership, Miller leased tents, equipment and an elephant (Mabel), to the show. In 1954, the now larger circus went out as the "Tex Carson Circus". Jack, Martha and their four children Wanda, Mike, Martha, and Madelyn all worked and performed on the show helping to bring it to a success.

In 1958 Moore renamed his show the Carson & Barnes Circus. Under Jack's management the circus continued to prosper and grow, the circus now traveled on thirty trucks.

On March 15, 1969 after a long illness Jack B. Moore died in Hugo, Oklahoma.

Jack's half interest in the show was now owned by his widow Angela under the corporation name "Moore Equipment Company D.B.A. Carson & Barnes Circus Inc." Angela was listed as president, son Mike Moore as vice-president and Ted Bowman as secretary and treasurer. D. R. Miller gradually purchased the Moore family's interest and became the sole owner in 1971.

Jack B. Moore's legacy, the Carson & Barnes Circus continues to operate to this day.