John P. Cooney became a wholesale dealer in foreign and domestic liquors, wines, and cigars at 100 Canal Street in Providence in 1862. One year later he was manufacturing his own syrups, cordials, and stomach bitters and by 1875 he was also selling a variety of teas.

In 1876 he got involved in the brewery business when he joined with his friend and fellow wholesaler James Hanley to form Cooney & Hanley, Brewers. They took over the Merchants Brewery which was located at 87 East Avenue in Pawtucket.

Unfortunately, Cooney became seriously ill in 1879 and liquidated his share of the partnership to Hanley. He died the same year at the age of 41. The name of the brewery was changed to James Hanley & Co., and prospered.