Percival 'P.J.' Cooney

May 19, 1871 - March 17, 1932

Taught Manual Arts at SPHS from 1910 - 1912

Author Passes Away at Home in El Monte

Percival John Cooney, teach in the South Pasadena High School from 1910 to 1912, and nationally known author, died at his home in El Monte a week ago and funeral services were held in that city Saturday.

Mr Cooney was born in Petersboro, Canada and was educated at Ottawa University and Pratt University, Brooklyn. He was engaged in teaching in the public schools and in newspaper work in Butte, Montana from 1897 to 1902. He was editor and manager of the Telegram, Deadwood, South Dakota from 1904 to 1908.

He came to California in 1908 to take a position as director of Manual Arts and visual education in the high school in Ontario, a position which he held until he came to South Pasadena. Since he left South Pasadena he has held positions in the public schools of Imperial City, Perris, and El Monte.

During all the years that he was engaged in teaching he has followed with much zest his inclination toward creative writing. His two best known books are Dons of the Old Pueblo, a historical novel of old Spanish Days which centers around Los Angeles and the Rancho San Pasqual; and The Kinsman. Both of these books have been widely read.

Mr Cooney was the author of many short stories dealing with pre-conquest California and Mexican life in the Southwest. He was a member of the Historical Society of Southern California and the Celtic Club of Los Angeles. Mr Cooney as an active political leader, having served as a member of the Democratic County Central Committee for several years.

Mr Cooney married Wilhemena Keppner of Butte, Montana in 1904, who survives with two sons, Arthur Bryon Cooney, general science teacher in the South Pasadena Junior High School, and John P Cooney, of El Monte.

South Pasadena Foothill Review, March 25, 1932