Background
Rooney, John Jerome was born on March 19, 1866 in Binghamton, New York, United States. Son of John Jay and Ellen T. (Shanahan) Rooney.
Rooney, John Jerome was born on March 19, 1866 in Binghamton, New York, United States. Son of John Jay and Ellen T. (Shanahan) Rooney.
Moved with family to Philadelphia. Bachelor of Arts (head of class), Mount St. Mary’s College, Maryland., 1884, A.M., 1886, Doctor of Laws, 1908. Member of staff of Philadelphia Record, five years.
Member New York bar, practicing chiefly in mercantile, customs and revenue cases. Presiding judge Court of Claims, State of New York, January 1, 1913-1916. Special counsel City of New York, 1920.
During war with Spain wrote “The Men Behind the Guns” (the first use of that phrase). “Hobson of Santiago,” “Victor Blue,” “McElrath, of Malate,” “John Nichols of Spartanburg,” “Apples Finkey, the Waterboy,” “The Way in the Navy,” “Reilly of F,” “The Riveter,” and other verse on the war, later published in book form under title, The Men Behind the Guns. Also wrote “Right Makes Might,” official hymn of City of New York, sung first by public school children at the 250th anniversary of the founding of the city.
Wrote “The Little Star in the Window,” interpretation of the service flag in the World War. Also “The Holy Year,” poem, read at opening of exercises of the Holy Year in New York City.
Member New York bar, practicing chiefly in mercantile, customs and revenue cases. Presiding judge Court of Claims, State of New York, January 1, 1913-1916. Member Democratic County Committee, New York County, Society of Tammany or Columbian Order.
Married Marie Collins, 1903. Children: John Jerome, Dunstan Collins, Roderick Shanahan, Moira Jerome.