Col. J. H. Sweney has been a resident of Mitchell County since 1855. He is by profession a lawyer, and was for a time connected with the Mitchell County Bank, being one of its founders. He was born n Warren Co., Penn., Oct. 2, 1845, being the son of Hugh and Ester A. Sweney.
When he was nine years of age his parents emigrated to Mitchell Co., Iowa, where they endured the hardships of pioneer life. In August, 1862, he enlisted in the 27th Iowa Volunteer Infantry, company K, participating in the battles of Pleasant Hill, Tupelo, Old Town Creek, Nashville, siege of Mobile and others. He was mustered out at Clinton, Iowa, Aug. 8, 1865, at the age of nineteen, with rank of sergeant, after which he returned to Mitchell county.
He graduated from the law department of Iowa State University, and in 1881 began the practice of law in Osage, where he has since lived. In 1880 he was commissioned lieutenant colonel of the 6th regiment, Iowa National Guards. He is a Knight Templar.
He was married in 1867 to Charlotte, daughter of E. C. Johnson. They have one child living--Galil. In 1883 Mr. Sweney was nominated by the republican party in forty-first senatorial district, composed of the counties of Howard, Mitchell and Worth, as its candidate for State Senator, and after the hottest campaign ever known in this locality, he was elected over his opponent, Hon. Cyrus Foreman (democrat), by about 700 majority.
From: History of Mitchell and Worth Counties, Iowa, 1883; Page 191
Transcribed by Gordon Felland, Nov. 2003