John L. Sweeney 1828-1915

SWEENEY, GRAY, CLINE

Posted By: Beverly Gerdts (email)
Date: 3/1/2025 at 09:56:13

The Wapello Republican, Columbus Junction, IA
Thursday, March 18, 1915
Page 1

John L. Sweeney, a pioneer resident of Wapello and one of the most prominent citizens of this community for more than 50 years, died at his home here Wednesday March 17, his death being due simple to old age, a gradual wearing out of the machinery of the human body. No resident of Wapello has been identified with the civic progress and management of the city for a longer period than was Mr. Sweeney and during the active years of his life no one was more prominent or showed a keener interest in the city's welfare.

His death also is removed the surviving charter member of the Presbyterian church here, of which he was elder and trustee for years. Both Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney were charter members of the church and at her death two years ago, it left her husband the last survivor of the little crowd that launched the Presbyterian denomination at Wapello.

Mr. Sweeney was born near Salem, Washington county, Indiana, August 29, 1828 and in the fall of 1850 came west settling near Grandview. He was married there to Miss Sarah Gray, July 27, 1853 and came to Wapello in 1855, one year later signing the application for a charter under which Wapello became a city. Four children are left to survive, Johnson T., of Chicago, Daniel W., of Cedar Rapids, Mrs. Lillian Cline, of Crab Orchard, Tenn., and Miss Izola Sweeney, superintendent of the Louisa county schools, at home. He is also survived by two brothers, George of Wapello and David of Davenport. The funeral will be held at 2 o'clock Friday afternoon from the Presbyterian church with Rev. Cameron, of Morning Sun, officiating.