| Fr William Moloney lately arrived from Ireland took up a tempory position in Sierra Valley where lived about 1000 people many of them Ranchers in 1868 . He is noted as being the first Missionary to visit the north of Pumas County . Visiting Johnsville on Deer Creek , Quincy, Indian Valley, Susanville and Honey Lake Valley in Lassen County . He was the first Priest in Lassen County . The records show that Fr William Moloney was very active on the Missions in California and Nevada .He gave 40yrs service to the Church in this area . Journies of 50 miles were common . At times he would be 100 miles from the end of the trail at Downieville where mining took place in 1880 . He named his famous Horse Charley . In the mountain area of Northern California travel in winter was difficult with deep snow drifts . To travel you would need a pine board 4" wide and 8 to 12ft long fixed to the soles of shoes a long stick was needed for balance . A priest had to be strong and fit to cope with the hardships of Missionary life . It took 6 weeks to make the circuit from Truckee to Alturas and back home again . Fr William Moloney son of Tadhg and Kate Enright born Coilagurteen, Knockanure in 1841 Ordained 1864, died Sutter Creek 1903 . He was a brother of M T Moloney Solicitor General Ottawa .Inscriptions on Family Headstone Gale Cemetery , Timothy Moloney died Nov 1st 1885 aged 93yrs . Memorial Erected by their son Maurice Moloney Ottawa Ill. USA . Also remembered son John Moloney who died Jan 19th 1904 .his wife Ellen died 13th April 1908 .son Edward Moloney died Nov 5th 1872 aged 27yrs. |