Rooney Family Tree

William was born in Canada and moved to Minneapolis, with his parents, when he was three years old. They lived there three years, and then moved to Raymond township where they homesteaded 160 acres located about 2 1/2 mile southwest of Padua. Their original farm machinery consisted of a breaking plow and a cradle.

William continued to live there for the next 70 years until his death, at age 76 years. From a wilderness of hazel brush and oak trees, the Rooney's, in two generations had built one of the nicest and most modern farm homes in the township. During the first years, Will Rooney, walked from his home to St Cloud, a distance of at least fifty miles, for supplies such as flour, sugar, coffee and salt.

For almost half a century, he served as chairman of the school board in District 7 and was also a director of the creamery board at Padua.

Cause of death: Cerebral thrombosis (Paralysis of right side and muscles of respiration on right); with contributory causes of congestive bronchitis (due to the right sided respiratory paralysis). Scrotal hernia, left side, for 20 years. Ambrose Gaffaney attended his funeral.

ROONEY, WILL

Will Rooney was born October 29, 1863 at Ottawa Canada. His parents were John Rooney and Mary (McCool) Rooney. John and Mary (McCool) Rooney were born in Ireland. They were the parents of the following children: Michael; James; John; Hugh; Patrick; Tom; Will; Mary Anna; Catherine; Sarah; and Lisa.
John and Mary (McCool) Rooney came to Minnesota in 1866 and homesteaded 160 acres of land in Raymond Township, which is now occupied by Will Rooney. His farm machinery consisted of a breaking plow and cradle.
Will Rooney was married to Helene Riedel on April 5, 1889. Her parents were Peter and Mathilda (Schultz) Riedel. Helen Riedel was born in Germany June 7, 1877. There were married in St. Anthony's Catholic Church at Padua by Father Welp.
To this union were born twelve children who are: Edmund J., born March 4, 1900; Joseph D., born October 12, 1901; Felix J. born October 16, 1902; Walter E., born July 29, 1904; Mary Helena, born May 3, 1906; Agnes Mathilda, born September 2, 1908; Emmet W., born June 18, 1910 ; Leo A., born May 10, 1912; Robert G., born August 22, 1914; Howard A., born August 13, 1916; Leonard J., born March 19, 1918; Catherine Marvel, born April 29, 1920. There are thirteen grandchildren. The boys are all farming in Raymond township except Emmet who is a bookkeeper .
Will Rooney has been a member of the school board for forty-five years .
From a wilderness of hazel brush and oak trees the Rooneys, in two generations, have built one of the nicest and most modern farm homes in the township. During the first years Will Rooney walked from his home to St. Cloud, a distance of at least fifty miles, for supplies such as flour, sugar, coffee and salt.
The Rooney family is of the Catholic faith.

Interviewed: Will RooneyDate: September 15, 1936
By: Dorothy Hansmann