Samuel Moon was born to a Quaker family in Downingtown and his early interest in art was evidenced by the sketches he made on the high backs of the pews during the long Friends Meetings. His portrayal of the congregants was so accurate that the sketches were left on the pews for many years after he left. His career in art began with ornamental painting and gilding of chairs for his father’s furniture business.

Moon settled in Easton in 1830 where he painted religious scenes, as well as landscapes, portraits, miniature portraits and copies of old masters. His largest painting was a religious canvas that was 8 feet by 12 feet entitled, “Resurrection of Lazarus.”

Moon married Matilda Lehn White, daughter of William (Chippy) White in 1835. It was in Chippy White’s tavern on Centre Square where the founders of Lafayette College first gathered to plan the school. Samuel and Matilda had eight children and he and his family lived in Easton for 30 years while he made his living painting portraits of wealthy people from the area as well as Philadelphia and Bucks County. The Sigal Museum in Easton has a large collection of his portraits many of which are on display in the decorative arts galley. Moon was self-taught and did not sign his paintings, but certain special qualities of his work make it recognizable.