1841: Moody’s father died tragically

Moody’s father died tragically in 1841, leaving Betsey with seven children, eight months pregnant with twins, and saddled with debt. Aided by relatives and the local Unitarian minister, the family held on as best they could. Faced with severe financial straits, Betsey often sent the boys away during the winter months to live with other families. Schooling, in this situation, became a luxury. At best, Moody received four years of education, attending the local school as he could between the ages of six and ten.