Clement Clarke Moore
Poet
American author who wrote the 1823 Christmas poem, "A Visit from St. Nicholas," which later became known as "'Twas the Night Before Christmas." He also had a prominent career as a professor of divinity and literature.
He graduated from Columbia College in 1798 and went on to write an 1804 pamphlet that criticized then-presidential candidate Thomas Jefferson's religious beliefs.
His description of St. Nicholas in his their poem formed the basis for the modern idea of Santa Claus.
His parents were named Charity Clarke and Benjamin Moore. He married Catharine Elizabeth Taylor, with whom he had several children.
His image of Santa Claus influenced the performance of actor Edmund Gwenn in the classic Christmas film, Miracle on 34th Street.