Every lineage has its beginning in the oblivion that precedes historic knowledge. In this respect, the Looney genealogy is not different from any other. The first glimmering of this knowledge is generally tradition, handed down through families from generation to generation. Thus has it been with the Looney family. Each branch has held fast to the old traditions, and made contribution of newer ones of equal glory.

Traditions are so numberous and fanciful among the Looney descendants of America that to omit any of them is to sever a link binding the whole. Thus we call attention to the various legends most common among the many branches that came to the American Colonies in the early part of 1700.