Tehama-Plumas-Tuolumne County CA Archives Biographies.....Mooney, Hugh 1826 - 
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Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com February 6, 2007, 8:11 pm

Author: Lewis Publishing Co. (1891)

HUGH MOONEY, one of the early settlers and well-known citizens of Tehama County,
came to California in 1852, and to Red Bluff in 1854. He is a native of County
Down, Ireland, born July 15, 1826. He is the oldest of a family of seven
children, five sons and two daughters. His parents, Bernard and Nellie Mooney,
were both natives of Ireland, and were devout Catholics. His father was a
blacksmith and also carried on farming in a small way. Mr. Mooney received his
education in the Hibernian schools, and he says "Devilish poor schools they
were, too." He learned the blacksmith's trade in his father's shop. When he
became twenty years of age he decided that there was not much chance for a man
to rise in Ireland and concluded he would try his fortune in the United States.
Upon his arrival in America he worked at his trade in Philadelphia, Pittsburg
and at Cincinnati, remaining in the latter place three years. He then went to
the lead mines in Wisconsin. There he met with bad luck. His partner defrauded
him, and he lost the $90 he had put into the business and six months' work. From
that place he went to Galena, Jo Daviess County, Illinois, and worked three months.

  At this time he was seized with a desire to come to California. April 1, 1852,
he went to St. Louis. He continued his way westward, stopping at St. Joseph,
Missouri. When he reached that place he had just $60, and there he worked for
six months. He shod the horses for four Scotchmen who were making preparations
to go to California; and with these gentlemen he made a bargain whereby he was
to travel to the Golden State in their company. They charged him $100 for board
and transportation. Fifty dollars he paid cash and gave his note for $50 to be
paid when they reached California. Their animals soon gave out and a greater
part of the journey was made on foot. When they reached Sacramento Mr. Mooney
found a good friend in James McGuire, who let him have a gold slug, $50, with
which to pay his note, and he worked for his friend at $6 per day until he had
$600. He then thought he would try his luck in the mines. Went to Rabbit Creek,
Poor Man's Creek and Sutter Creek, and expended his $600 in about six months
time, after which he returned to Marysville, barefooted and financially,
embarrassed. His feet were not only bare but they were extremely sore when he
passed the Oregon House. There he fell in with a former acquaintance, who
laughed at him and asked him where he was going. He replied that he did not
know. This friend insisted on taking him to the Stage and Steamboat Hotel with
him, and there Mr. Mooney stopped until his feet began to get well. Then he
sought employment and worked for Mr. Drake two months, after which he returned
to Sacramento and was again employed by Mr. McGuire. Mr. Mooney worked for him
until he quit the general blacksmith business. In 1854 he came to Red Bluff with
William Fag, and worked for him for three years, at $7 per day and board. During
that time he made $3,000, and he says he has never felt so rich since. He then
started to Philadelphia for a visit, and, when there, learned by letter that his
father was sick. He went to Ireland and visited his father and friends. During
his four months' stay in his native land he spent his money freely, made his
father a valuable present, and when he returned to California he had but $500
left. He went to work again with his usual vim and soon earned $2,000. A dull
time came on at Red Bluff and an old Yankee asked Mr. Mooney to accompany him to
Tehama. He went, and in 1858 opened his first shop and carried on business there
for eight years. During that time he purchased 200 acres of land, located one
mile north of Tehama, and in addition to his work in the shop also conducted the
ranch. He soon found, however, that one business was enough for him and he sold
his shop and devoted his whole time and attention to the farm. Two years after
his first purchase he added 200 more acres to his ranch, making 400 acres in one
body, the cost of the whole being $20 per acre. In 1876 he purchased 2,000
acres, four miles north of Tehama, at $15 per acre. After giving his personal
supervision to both places for seven years he rented the latter place and still
has it rented. His time is now given to the management of his home farm. He
erected buildings on both places, and has built a beautiful and expensive
residence, where he resides with his family. Mr. Mooney has been remarkably
successful in his business undertakings; and to God he is thankful for his many
blessings, for health and ability to make and enjoy his beautiful home.

  In 1858 Mr. Mooney was married. The union has been blessed with five children,
all born in Tehama County and all now living. The children have received their
education in the Catholic schools.

  Mr. Mooney has always voted the Democratic ticket; was a Union Democrat and
voted for Stephen A. Douglas for President. He has frequently held the office of
School Trustee since 1860. In 1884 he was elected one of the Supervisors of the
county, was re-elected to the same office and now holds that position.


Additional Comments:
Extracted from

Memorial and Biographical History of Northern California.

Illustrated, Containing a History of this Important Section of the Pacific Coast
from the Earliest Period of its Occupancy to the Present Time, together with
Glimpses of its Prospective Future; Full-Page Steel Portraits of its most
Eminent Men, and Biographical Mention of many of its Pioneers and also of
Prominent Citizens of To-day.

"A people that takes no pride in the noble achievements of remote ancestors will
never achieve anything worthy to be remembered with pride by remote
descendents." – Macauley.

CHICAGO
THE LEWIS PUBLISHING COMPANY
1891.


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