Daniel Mooney, proprietor of a fine and valuable farm in section 18 of Compromise Township, came to America from Ireland about the close of the Civil War, and has had a long and active career in America for more than half a century.
He was born in the north of Ireland, a son of Peter and Mary (Graham) Mooney. His parents died in the old country when Daniel was about twenty years of age. He had the usual education given to Irish boys, and about the time his parents died, having heard much of the opportunities of America, he came to this country, first joining his cousin, Patrick Grimes. From New York he came on to Illinois, having friends in Sangamon County, and was soon working at farm labor at wages of $20 a month. One of the great events with which he associates his coming to America was the assassination of President Lincoln at the close of the Civil War.
Central Illinois was by no means so attractive or beautiful as old Ireland, but Mr. Mooney had the true Irish grit and determination and determined to make the best of his circumstances. While working as a farm hand on the raw prairie there were many unpleasant things to contend with, including mosquitoes and flies, fever and ague. He was industrious, and in a few years felt justified in taking the next serious step in life.
At Lincoln in Logan County, Illinois, he married Miss Margaret Kearney. After their marriage they rented land in Logan County and were soon making a good living for themselves and their increasing household. Five children came to them, Peter, Daniel, Margaret, Lydia and Anna. When Anna was ten months old the beloved mother entered into rest. Thus left alone in the world, with five orphan children, Mr. Mooney had many additional trials and responsibilities.
He married for his second wife Mary Nolan, a native of County Tipperary, Ireland. In the meantime Mr. Mooney had bought eighty acres, in Compromise Township of Champaign County, and here his best successes as a farmer and business man have been realized. In the course of time his estate grew to 24O acres, and it was improved with commodious farm buildings and home, by the planting of fruit and shade trees, and the entire tract now stands as a monument to his industry.
By his second marriage there were three children, two sons and one daughter, named Mary, Michael and John. The children were all educated in the district schools, Mary subsequently continuing her studies in the Sisters school at Champaign, while Michael took a course in the Catholic College at Kankakee.
The record of the children who have married is as follows: Peter Mooney married Anna Buck, and their three daughters and one son are named Stella, Kate; Daniel and Mary. Margaret Mooney is the wife of John O’Donnel. Lydia married Russell Fitten and has four children, John, Frances and twins. Anna Mooney is the wife of Spence Raymer. Mary Mooney married John Coffey. Michael Mooney by his marriage to Rene Lynch has two sons, Patrick and Eugene. The sons Daniel and John are still at home with their father and have active charge of the management of the farm, whose cultivation and thrifty appearance testify to their progressiveness and energy in this business.
Mr. Mooney is one of the^ public spirited citizens of Compromise Township and has filled the offices of road commissioner and school director. He and his family are members of the Catholic Church at Penfield and in politics he is a Democrat of broad views and liberal in support of all good causes. His friends, and acquaintances in Compromise Township recognize in him a thorough gentleman and a man of absolute integrity, whose word is as good as his bond.