OBIT: Joseph C. ROONEY, 1896, Lancaster, Lancaster Co, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by
Kathleen Frailey Puls kathleenpuls@comcast.net July 30, 2011, 2:25 pm

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Mr. Joseph C. Rooney, a Well-Known Citizen, Passes Away

   One of Lancaster's oldest, and most respected citizens, in the person of 
Mr. Joseph C. Rooney, passed away yesterday morning at 6:30 o'clock, at his 
home, No. 24 North Charlotte street, Mr. Rooney's death was due to a stroke of 
paralysis.  He had been in his usual good health on Thursday and was about the 
house as formerly.  On Thursday evening his son, Wesley, went to his father's 
home and took him to his own home on North Mary street.  It was while here 
that he was stricken with paralysis, his right side being affected.  He was 
removed to his home in a coupe, but gradually sank until death relieved him.  
About two years ago he was stricken with paralysis and at that time his left 
side was rendered useless.
   Mr. Rooney was born and raised in this city (correction: born and raised in 
Dublin, Ireland), and at the breaking of the civil war responded to the call 
of President Lincoln for troops.  He enlisted in Company B of the Pennsylvania 
Reserves, and served with distinction for a period of three years and six 
months.  At the close of the war he returned to this city and accepted the 
position of janitor at Franklin and Marshall college.  He was a tailor by 
occupation, having learned the trade before enlisting in the army, and he 
relinquished the janitorship to engage in the tailoring business.  He then 
removed to Lititz and later to Millersville, finally coming to this city about 
twenty years ago.  He accepted a position with Jacob Harnish the West King 
street dry goods merchant, who also carried on the tailoring business.  Mr. 
Rooney remained with Harnish for eighteen years and was employed as cutter.  
Two years ago he was compelled to cease active work owing to his being 
paralyzed.  He did, however, go to the store and do some little work on 
numerous occasions.
   Mr. Rooney was a member of the Reformed church, having become a member of 
it while being a janitor at the college.  He was one of the oldest members of 
the Monterey Lodge, No. 242, I. O. O. F.  For forty years he had retained 
membership in the order.  He was also a member of the Union Veteran Legion of 
this city.  In politics Mr. Rooney was a staunch Republican.  He never missed 
an opportunity to cast his ballot, although for several years past he was 
quite feeble.  Mr. Rooney was well-known in this city where he had many 
friends.  He was of a jovial disposition and his pleasant manner made him a 
host of friends who will hear of his death with regret.  The deceased would 
have been seventy-five years old had he lived until to-morrow.  He is survived 
by his wife and one son, Wesley A., he being the only surviving child out of a 
family of ten.  The funeral will be held on Monday afternoon at two o'clock 
with interment at Lancaster cemetery. 


The Morning News, Lancaster, PA, Saturday, April 11, 1896