Tehama County
Biographies
GEORGE COCKING
is one of the worthy residents of Red Bluff who has made his way in the world by honest toil and the judicious investment of his savings. He is a native of England, born at Balderton, near Newark, October 29, 1839. His parents, Thomas and Ann Cocking, were both English people. To them were born seven children, of whom George is the fifth. He received his education in his native land, and, some time after reaching the years of manhood, went to New Zealand. He arrived at that place in August, 1864, and worked there as a farm hand and was also employed on the railroad, remaining two years and a half. He then came to California. At Sacramento he was variously employed until he was taken sick, and there lay in the hospital for some time. Upon his recovery he went on the Central Pacific Railroad to Humboldt City, and worked on the road until it was completed. He was brakeman and afterward conductor. From there he went to Santa Cruz, where he worked in the redwoods, and where, for a time, he was employed in a paper manufactory. He returned to Sacramento and came to Tehama on the first passenger train that crossed the river at Tehama. He then spent several years in railroad employ. Mr. Cocking quit that business to engage in draying at Red Bluff and bought a horse and truck and was thus employed for two years. From time to time he had invested his spare money in property, and now owns eight houses and lots, which he rents. Excepting the care of his property, collecting rents, etc., he has retired from business.
Mr. Cocking was married in 1874. Mrs. Cocking is now (1890) an invalid. Politically the subject of this sketch is a Republican.
Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
pp 563-564
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler
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 there 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 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 for 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.
Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891
pp 564-566
Transcribed by Kathy Sedler