Wexford Wanderings

Another early family of settlers into the Wexford valley was Michael Mooney and his family, who came from Dublin, Ireland. They survived the hazardous voyage across the Atlantic Ocean to immigrate to the United States in 1939 by way of Savannah, Georgia.

The family traveled westward through several states looking for a piece of God’s country to settle down and raise a family. Along the way, Michael helped on the building of the Erie Canal and worked for a short period in the lead mines in Galena, IL. The family traveled north along the Mississippi River, stopping in Allamakee County, where they found the perfect site to settle down, build a log cabin, and farm.

When they arrived, there were only eight families with farms in Lafayette Township. By hard work, industry, thriftiness, and good management, they raised their family and increased the size and value of their farm.

Like all of the early settlers to Allamakee County, they faced many perils and dangers that can occur unexpectedly. In the autumn, the long thick prairie grass and built up debris of leaves and tree limbs are a tinderbox for fire, and such was the case in 1852 when a prairie fire burned down their log cabin. The fast moving prairie fire was a red scourge that rapidly moved over hills and valleys like a monstrous fiery wave burning all in its path.

These fast moving prairie fires imperiled travelers and were a constant fear for homesteaders. The fires moved with tremendous speed, stopping only at rivers or when there was a large break in prairie vegetation. Luckily, all members of the Mooney family escaped unharmed, even the youngest baby who was less than one month old. It is really depressing to see all of your hard work and effort put into your home going up in smoke and flames, but the family persevered and ultimately succeeded.

Michael Mooney and his family decided to build their new two-story home out of native limestone that would withstand the worst of any possible prairie fires. They went to a nearby limestone quarry and painstakingly cut the stone to size and hauled the rocks back. They carefully assembled and constructed the native stone into a fine house.

Even today, the outer foundation and walls of the limestone structure are still in remarkable good condition and can be seen when driving along Sweet Ridge Drive, a gravel road leading from Thompson Corners toward the blacktop leading to the Wexford Church.

The Mooney family and their descendants are an integral part of the Wexford community. They are excellent neighbors, faithful parishioners, and active participants in activities and events within the area.