Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 407-408; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Major K. Sweney, a worthy farmer of Lee Township, is the oldest
child of Montgomery and Mary M. (Kehr) Sweney, who began their
residence in this county in the spring of 1838. The father was born in
Ireland in 1787, and the mother in Northumberland County, Pa., in 1795.
After their removal to this county they located on section 24, Lee
Township, where the father died in 1868. The mother survived until 1882
when she also entered into rest. The parental family included four sons
and four daughters.
The birth of our subject took place in Northumberland County,
Pa., August 13, 1817, and he remained there until the fall of 1837. He
then came to this county where he followed his trade of a printer until
1839, when he abandoned it and began farming. He returned to his native
State, lived there until 1846 and then came again to Illinois. Locating
where he now resides on section 23, Lee Township. There are now but
three persons living in the township that were here when Mr. Sweney
made his settlement. He was obliged to go to Canton for mail and to pay
twenty-five cents postage on a letter. Mr. Sweney is now the owner of
one hundred and ninety acres of good land, most of which he has
personally improve. He has one hundred and sixty acres under
cultivation and in its management evinces a good understanding of farm
methods and a degree of enterprise that is worthy of emulation.
The marriage of our subject and Miss Elizabeth TenBrook was
celebrated at the bride's home in Northumberland County, Pa., December
8, 1842. Mrs. Sweney was born in that county February 27, 1825, being a
daughter of Andrew and Elinor (Correy) TenBrook. Her father was born in
New Jersey and the mother in the same county as herself, and both died
in the Keystone State.
The family of Mr. and Mrs. Sweney consists of eight living
children and three have been removed from them by death. John J.
married Susan W. Lewis and lives in Lee Township; William M., married
Elizabeth Risely and makes his home in Peoria; Flora A., became the
wife of Robert Bivans and lives in Macon, Macon County; James W., still
occupies his place under the parental roof; Andrew T., who married
Louisa F. Smith, lives in Cowley County, Kan.; Albert B. married Anna
Anistine and his home is in Cheyenne County, Neb.; Lizzie A., is the
wife of C. S. Sperling, their home being in Bushnell, McDonough County;
Edward I., is still with his parents; Fannie who was born September 20,
1860, had entered upon a promising womanhood when called from time to
eternity, September 20,1882. The family has been reared on the farm now
occupied by the parents and every effort has been made to give them
good educations and bring them up in the way they should be.
Mr. Sweney is a democrat by inheritance but takes no active part
in politics. He has served his fellow-citizens in the capacities of
School Director, Assessor and Pathmaster, and in each position has won
commendation. He and his wife belong to the Good Templars order and
each of their children is also identified therewith, Edward being State
Deputy. Mr. and Mrs. Sweney are members of the Presbyterian Church in
which our subject has been Elder. They are held in good repute by all
who know them and have many sincere friends throughout the community.
