Rutland

ROONEY, Michael F.

Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of 
Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, p 341 
(portrait p 341)

Michael F. ROONEY, of Mendon [Rutland County, Vermont], was born 27 December 
1863 in West Rutland [Rutland County, Vermont], son of Thomas and Ellen 
(McLAUGHLIN) ROONEY. Receiving his early education in the public and private 
schools of West Rutland and Clarendon [also in Rutland County], he has later 
devoted much attention to study and reading, especially in matters relating 
to state legislation. In 1888 he settled in the town of Mendon, where he 
engaged in farming and lumbering. His business has steadily increased in 
magnitude and prosperity, and he is now running a steam saw mill, which 
employs a large force of hands. Though yet a young man and living in a rural 
community, he has met with unusual success financially and politically.

Democrat; resident of a strong Republican town; he has been the recipient of 
many responsible positions at the hands of his fellow citizens, and has 
always discharged these trusts with credit to himself and satisfaction to his 
constituents. In 1890 he was elected representative from Mendon. In his 
first legislative experience he showed himself an active and conservative 
member of the House, securing an appropriation for his town, also introducing 
the fortnightly [every two weeks] payment bill, which measure became a law in 
the state. He was largely influential on the committees on highways and 
bridges. Two years afterward he again received the same compliment, though 
opposed by one of the strongest and ablest Republicans of the town. In this 
Legislature he also displayed the same vigor as at first, doing duty again on 
the same committees as before. Mr. ROONEY is a Catholic in religious 
preference, but has always been a hearty and liberal supporter of all 
Christian institutions.

Submitted by Cathy Kubly