James Moody

Who was James Moody?

James Moody was a loyalist volunteer during the American Revolution who became a farmer and political figure in Nova Scotia. He represented Annapolis County in the Nova Scotia House of Assembly from 1793 to 1806.

He was born in New Jersey, the son of John Moody. After he refused to give up his allegiance to Britain and swear loyalty to the United States, Moody was harassed and shot at, so he joined the New Jersey Volunteers. He was captured in 1780 but managed to escape to New York City. After that, for a time, he was put into service intercepting rebel correspondence. In 1782, Moody went to England; he married Jane Lynson, his second wife, that same year. Also that year, he published Lieut. James Moody’s narrative of his exertions and sufferings in the cause of government, since the year 1776, an account of his experiences during the American Revolution. He went to Nova Scotia in 1782 and settled at Sissaboo. Moody built ships there and also constructed mills. He served as a captain in the Royal Nova Scotia Regiment, a colonel in the local militia and road commissioner. He died in Sissaboo.