Biographical Sketch of William R. Sweeney - Chariton County, Missouri William R. SWEENEY. Prominent in the social and business circles of Chariton county, worthy of mention in this Biographical Record, is the subject of this sketch. Chariton county is the home of many vigorous, enterprising men of strict integrity and business activity, but none more justly entitled to the confidence reposed in them or the esteem and respect in which they are held by their fellow citizens than our subject. Mr. Sweeney was born June 5, 1861, in McDonough county, Ill. In 1870 his parents removed to this state, settling upon a beautiful tract of land two and one-half miles northwest of Salisbury . At an early age he was impressed with the importance of an education and applied himself in a fitting manner. At the age of 17 years, having attended the public schools in Salisbury, he was granted a certificate and was employed to teach a term in his home district, giving excellent satisfaction. At the close of his school he went to Kirksville, taking a ten month's course at the State Normal where by close study and application he made rapid advancement as a seeker of knowledge. On returning home he again enlisted in that noblest of professions, that of school teaching successfully conducting six successive terms. Being favorably impressed with the drug business, our subject dismissed aspirations in other directions and in 1886 came to Salisbury for the purpose of compounding drugs. When we say that he is now the proprietor of one of the best drug stores in the city, a registered pharmacist, with a generous patronage, the reader can at once appreciate the efforts put forth by our subject while laying the foundation for his present position. Providence has smiled upon Mr. Sweeney in more ways than one during his brief career. On the 22nd day of July 1891, it was his good fortune to be united in marriage to Miss Flora Koenig, of Huntsville, Mo., a most estimable lady. Though five years have passed since this union occurred, Mr. and Mrs. Sweeney are still enjoying their honeymoon as happy and contented as when the officiating minister pronounced them man and wife. Politically, Mr. Sweeney is a staunch republican, who's ability and party loyalty have been recognized and appreciated. He is an honored member of the 1. 0. 0. F. and Knights of Pythias orders, in which societies he has held a number of positions of distinction and honor. Religiously, he affiliates with the Christian church. Being well educated, experienced in his chosen profession, full of energy, enterprise and of popular manners, he gives every promise of becoming a successful, and a leading business man of the county and useful member to society. -------------------------------------------------------------------------- File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by Willard Smith USGENWEB NOTICE: In keeping with our policy of providing free genealogical information on the Internet, data may be freely used for personal research and by non-commercial entities, as long as this message remains on all copied material. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material for profit or any form of presentation, must obtain the written consent of the file submitter, or their legal representative, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------