[1] Cooney was born in Norwood, Ontario, Canada, and received a limited education in Catholic schools.

Cooney moved to Butte, Montana in July, 1891, and found employment in a grocery store.

Elected lieutenant governor in 1932, Cooney served until March 13, 1933, when he assumed the duties of Governor John Edward Erickson, who resigned so that Cooney could appoint him to Thomas J. Walsh's senate seat after Walsh's untimely death.

Cooney is credited for reforming the state liquor laws and establishing a water conservation program.

[3] Cooney died of heart failure on December 15, 1935, and was succeeded by Lieutenant Governor Elmer Holt.