My Genealogy Hound

MALOY, JOHN, engineer. Sec. 33, P.O. Rockbridge. John is a native of the Emerald Isle, born in Galway County, Jan. 6, 1840; son of Patrick and Hanora M.; Patrick is a well-to-do farmer, and is still living in his native country. John came to this country during his fourteenth year; he having had for some time previous a longing desire to come to this country, but his father did everything to dissuade him from it, and would not consent to his coming; but John secretly resolved in his mind that, the first opportunity which presented itself, he would turn his back upon the home of his father; so, on pretense of going to the Fair, and there finding a friend about to take shipping for America, he embarked with him, and in due time arrived in New York. He first went to Pennsylvania, and hired out at six dollars per month, remaining there one year. He having a cousin in this county, and learning his address, came out here, and worked for several men in the locality, first hiring to Jeff Dixon for one year; then to W. P. Witt; then to James Vallentine, with whom he remained nine years in all. He being an expert hand, his services were always in demand. Worked two years for James Vanarsdale; worked one year in Morgan County. In 1866, went to Brighton, remaining about one year. Jan. 2, 1866, was married at Alton, by Father Mangan, to Julia Crowley. The same year he moved to “Dublin,” where he farmed three years on some land that he owned. During the Winter was engineer at the Rockbridge Mills. In the Fall of 1870 he moved to Rockbridge, and worked on the section, in the employ of the Rockford Road, two years. During the war he was in Captain Mulligan’s company for four months; was at the battle of Lexington; was taken prisoner by Price, and afterward parolled. Is a member of the Catholic Church, and “votes for men, not party.” During the last six years has been in charge of the tank and pumping works, running the engine, and is deemed by the company a trusty and efficient man. He has never yet been discharged from any service in which he has been engaged. Has six children now living: Michael H., born Jan. 3, 1867; Mary E., John H., William A., Charles F., and Thomas P.