Who is Rev. John Mood and How is He Famous in Charleston's History?

What makes someone famous? Talent, courage, determination, or even having goodwill? If these are the characteristics that make up a famous person, then John Mood should undeniably be considered famous.

John Mood was born in 1792, in Charleston, South Carolina. Mood's father, Peter Mood Sr., emigrated from Germany and started his silversmith company in Charleston. According to Green-Wood.com, Peter Mood Sr. trained John Mood to be a silversmith along with his brother, Peter Mood Jr., and they eventually,  ran their business together. However, John Mood is known for many other reasons besides being a successful silversmith.

Rev. John Mood (photo from Green-Wood.com)

Mood's silver products are very well known to collectors and antique shops. The Charleston Museum even has a silver ladle marked by John Mood. You can find many of Mood's products for sale, and they are very desirable today. Mood made many different products including gravy boats, spoons, jewelry, and even slave badges. Now you are probably wondering what John Mood, a silversmith, has to do with slave badges, continue reading to find out.

Pap Boat made by John Mood. A Pap Boat was used for feeding pap into
 infants' mouths. Pap was one of the first meals introduced to infants.
(photo from oldsouthsilver.com)