From the book History of Walworth County Wisconsin, by Albert Clayton Beckwith, 
publ. 1912 - Pages 564 - 565
 
REV. JOHN WILLIAM VAHEY, son of James Henry VAHEY and Mary DEVITT, grandson of 
Patrick VAHEY and Margaret O'HORA, great-grandson of Fergus VAHEY and Margaret 
PRENDERGAST, was born near Castlebar, county Mayo, Connaught, June, 1830.  He 
came in 1848 already advanced in scholarship, to the Lazarist seminary at St. 
Louis.  He studied law and practiced four years in the courts of Missouri.  In 
1854 he received priest's orders at Dubuque.  Her served at the federal 
military prison at Alton as chaplain.  In his active career as a parish priest 
at fifteen towns of Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Wisconsin, he built several 
churches, including that at Elkhorn.  He had also at times lectured to classes 
in philosophy and language.  He wrote and published several books and was 
protagonist for the church in several newspaper controversies with Episcopal 
clergymen.  He bought a farm within city limits, having become disabled for the 
service of the altar, but in a short time retired to find what rest remained in 
this life, and died June 27, 1903.  He had a wide range of secular knowledge 
and his wit was ready for most emergencies.  His personal qualities drew to him 
many friends not of his ancient communion.  A faithful sister, Miss Margaret, 
cared for him in his health and in his long last sickness and lives to keep his 
memory green.

Submitted By:  Carol
(carolann612@charter.net)