Two Moon Meridas facts for kids

Two Moon Meridas (around 1888 – 1933) was an American who sold herbal medicine. He became well-known for saying he was born into the Sioux nation.

Who Was Two Moon Meridas?

Two Moon Meridas was born Chico Colon Meridan. His parents, Chico Meridan and Mary Tumoon, were from Mexico. Meridas often said he was born in Devils Lake, North Dakota. However, this was never fully proven. His birth date was recorded as August 29, 1888, on his marriage certificate. But this information is also not completely confirmed.

Starting His Medicine Business

By 1914, Meridas began selling natural medicines on the streets. He worked in big cities like Philadelphia and New York City. In New York, he met Helen Gertrude Nugent, and they later got married. Soon after, they moved to Waterbury, Connecticut. There, Meridas started selling his special herbal medicines from his home.

During the 1918 flu outbreak, newspapers reported something amazing. They said that none of Meridas's patients got sick or died. This made him very famous and brought him many more customers. His most popular product was called "Bitter Oil." It was a laxative that he sold as a "cure-all" for many different problems.

Growing His Business Empire

In 1921, Meridas moved to a bigger house. He opened a large and successful herb business. It was located in a storefront at 1898 East Main Street. By 1925, his business grew so much that he built his own laboratory. This lab was at 1864 East Main Street.

His company became very big. He even had a group of buses for his salespeople. He also owned an airplane! Meridas only charged money for his products. He never charged for his advice. He spent a lot of money on himself. But he also secretly gave money to charities and helped people who were poor.

Honored as a Chief

In 1928, Meridas was given a special honor. He received the ceremonial key to Atlantic City, New Jersey. This happened after he opened his "Indian Temple" there.

Throughout his life, Meridas said he was a Pueblo Indian. However, the United States Department of the Interior did not officially agree. They would not confirm that he was an American Indian. Still, his advertisements always presented him as one.

On August 6, 1930, something important happened. The Oglala Lakota Sioux people gave him an honorary title. They called him a chief. They did this because he helped them financially during the Great Depression.

In October 1930, Meridas and his wife traveled to Europe. They even met Pope Pius XI. Later, in 1932, Meridas faced some challenges. People questioned his right to practice medicine in New York and Connecticut. In November 1932, Meridas brought 26 Sioux people to Waterbury. They spoke in his defense. Some even said they had been part of the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn. They also confirmed that Meridas had been named an Honorary Chief of the Sioux. They celebrated at Meridas's estate in Connecticut.

The End of His Journey

Two Moon Meridas passed away on November 3, 1933. He died in Waterbury, Connecticut. He is buried in Hillside Cemetery in Roslyn, Pennsylvania.