Anne Marie Reeves Jarvis was a young Appalachian homemaker who, beginning in 1858, attempted to improve sanitation and nursing procedures through women's clubs in what she called " Mothers Friendship Day."
It wasn't Anne Marie, but her daughter, Anna Jarvis, who created the Mother's Day that we celebrate today.
Anna spent many years caring for her aging and ailing mother. Anne Marie died on May 9, 1905 and Anna missed her terribly. In 1907, Anna Jarvis attempted to establish Mother's Day "honor Mothers, living and dead." Her efforts paid off.
The first Mother's day was celebrated on May 10, 1908 and honored the late Anne Reeves Jarvis. After this initial celebration, Mothers Day caught on. The Mothers Day International Association was established on December 12, 1912, to promote and encourage meaningful observances of the event. And on May 9, 1914, a presidential proclamation declared that every year the second Sunday in May be reserved as Mother's Day.