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FRANK H. COONEY, the ninth governor of Montana, was born in Norwood, Ontario, Canada on December 31, 1872. His education was limited and attained in the Catholic schools of his native country. After dropping out of school at the age of fourteen, Cooney worked menial jobs in Ontario. He eventually established the Cooney Brokerage Company in Butte, Montana, and expanded his business with holdings in the livestock and agricultural fields. He also served as the lieutenant governor of Montana from 1932 to 1933. On March 13, 1933 Governor John E. Erickson resigned from office, and Cooney, who was the lieutenant governor at the time, assumed the duties of the governorship. During his tenure, he quickly appointed former Governor Erickson to a U.S. Senate vacancy, which caused political clashes in the Democratic party. Also, water conservation programs were endorsed; and several appointments were made to the relief commission. While in office, Governor Frank H. Cooney suffered heart difficulties, and consequently, passed away on December 15, 1935. He was buried in the St. Mary's Cemetery in Missoula, Montana.

Sources:

Sobel, Robert, and John Raimo, eds. Biographical Directory of the Governors of the United States, 1789-1978, Vol. 3, Westport, Conn.; Meckler Books, 1978. 4 vols.

News Article (March 26, 1998). Helena Independent Record.

News Article (January 15, 1998). Helena Independent Record.

News Article (January 20, 1934). Helena Daily Independent.

Stout, Tom, ed. Montana, its story and biography; A history of aboriginal and territorial Montana and three decades of statehood, under the editorial supervision of Tom Stout. Chicago and New York: The American Historical Society, 1921.

Montana Governor's Papers, 1889-1905 (MC 35A). Montana Historical Society.

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