John Thomas (“Jack”) Mooney (1908–1985)

John Thomas “Jack” Mooney was born and raised in Branch. His family had long roots in the Cape Shore: his mother was a Careen from Point Lance and the Careens were among the first permanent settlers on the Cape.

Jack was a fisherman and had his own boat for cod fishing; he also caught salmon for his family’s use in the river that ran through Branch. He hunted caribou, moose, duck, and other local game. He also had gardens for root vegetables, and kept a few cows and sheep as well. He married Catherine English from Branch; they had seven children.

Jack was known as a good singer, with a wide and varied repertoire from many sources. Some of his songs were brought back by friends and family who were forced to emigrate to mainland Canada or the United States to find work; others came from American military personnel stationed at the base in Argentia. Jack also learned songs from broadcasts picked up on a battery radio, and from other workers in the lumberwoods of western Newfoundland. In 1978, when Aidan O’Hara asked Jack where he got his songs, Jack explained:

Jack’s son, Eugene, recalls that Jack would often come home in the evening and lay on the sofa in the kitchen, singing songs until it was time for bed. Eugene learned many of his songs playing on the floor whilst his father sang beside him.

Jack’s reputation as a singer meant that he was often invited to house parties to sing. Especially over the Christmas season, neighbours would also call into Jack’s house to hear a bit of music. Also, collectors were interested in his songs, sometimes dropping in with a bottle of rum or the offer of a few dollars in exchange for a song or two.

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Biographical Information

Courtesy of Eugene Mooney