Sadie "Mother" Moon
1880-1956
Mother Moon's real name was Sadie Moon, but she was called "Mother Moon" by those who knew as she had been like a mother to them and by others because of her caring attitude and quiet motherly demeanor. Sadie reached out selflessly whenever there was the opportunity to better the lives of others. She treated all children as if they were hers even though she was raising ten children of her own.
Sadie helped many who were sick or needy in her community. She helped mothers who did not know how to care for their sick children, not stopping to worry that she herself might become sick. She taught Sunday School for boys for 16 years, teaching them to give generously of their time and service but reminding them to give "quietly." To the boys who later were sent to war, Sadie tirelessly wrote letters of encouragement. At Christmas most of the cards she received were from those boys whose lives she had touched.
The homeless known as "tramps" or "hobos" rode the railway freight trains across the country and when many of them stopped off in Macomb for handouts and meals, they found their way to Sadie Moon's house because in those days, hobos left a chalk mark on the houses where others coming later were sure to find a free meal. "Mother Moon" would not allow her family to erase the chalk mark even in times when her family felt they had just enough food for themselves.
Sadie's generous nature and gentle motherly guidance earned her the title, "Mother Moon". This is a reminder to us all that social service and activism starts with humble beginnings and begins to grow and branch out from there to affect many lives coming after.
All women who care for the well being of others may carry the title "Mother." This is a reminder to us that social service and activism starts with humble beginnings and begins to grow and branch out to affect many lives.
"A life of service is one of immeasurable impact. We have all been blessed with "Mother Moons" in our lives. They leave us a powerful legacy and a wonderful model of a life well-lived...." Jane Leighy Justis (Community Foundation of NE Iowa Brochure).
Her legacy lives on today in the "Mother Moon Service Scholarship" offered to graduating seniors at Macomb Senior High School.
Photos and information courtesy of Malpass Library Archives and John Moon.
Sadie helped many who were sick or needy in her community. She helped mothers who did not know how to care for their sick children, not stopping to worry that she herself might become sick. She taught Sunday School for boys for 16 years, teaching them to give generously of their time and service but reminding them to give "quietly." To the boys who later were sent to war, Sadie tirelessly wrote letters of encouragement. At Christmas most of the cards she received were from those boys whose lives she had touched.
The homeless known as "tramps" or "hobos" rode the railway freight trains across the country and when many of them stopped off in Macomb for handouts and meals, they found their way to Sadie Moon's house because in those days, hobos left a chalk mark on the houses where others coming later were sure to find a free meal. "Mother Moon" would not allow her family to erase the chalk mark even in times when her family felt they had just enough food for themselves.
Sadie's generous nature and gentle motherly guidance earned her the title, "Mother Moon". This is a reminder to us all that social service and activism starts with humble beginnings and begins to grow and branch out from there to affect many lives coming after.
All women who care for the well being of others may carry the title "Mother." This is a reminder to us that social service and activism starts with humble beginnings and begins to grow and branch out to affect many lives.
"A life of service is one of immeasurable impact. We have all been blessed with "Mother Moons" in our lives. They leave us a powerful legacy and a wonderful model of a life well-lived...." Jane Leighy Justis (Community Foundation of NE Iowa Brochure).
Her legacy lives on today in the "Mother Moon Service Scholarship" offered to graduating seniors at Macomb Senior High School.
Photos and information courtesy of Malpass Library Archives and John Moon.