Morning journal and courier., 1883-09-10
Col. J. J. Sweeney.

His Death OR Saturday N1Kht-An N Active
 Career.
 Many friends have learned with sorrow of the death of Col Joseph J. Sweeney, which had been looked for at any time for week past, and which occurred Saturday night be- tween Il and 12 o'clock. His death occurring ere yet he had reached the noon of man hoods years will be much regretted. A year ago he suffered great prostration of his strength from 8 severe attack of pneumonia, but with his previous apparently vigorous health and activity his full recovery was hoped for. But this hope was disappointed. Two years ago he expressed apprehension to friends thathe would go the way his father did, whose death was caused by kidney disease. Although he resumed business his health was shattered and continued to fail nntil alarming symptoms led him to take a trip to Europe in the hope that change of air and scene might produce the wished for bene- fit. The trip, however, left him more pros trated than he went, and during his absence he was very i'll. Since his return he had failed swiftly and for 8 number of weeks past had been confined to his bed at his resi-
 
 Clark. MT. Sweeney was possessed of more than ordinary ability and made his way along by means of his own efforts. Col. Sweeney was born in Ireland January 20, 1s47 Edu- Cated at Ennis college he became, when quite young, clerk in the Springfield, Mass, armory, and later with Smith < Wesson. For seven years he was private secretary to the late Lieutenant Gov ernor Winchester. During the service he aided in the introduction of the Hotchkiss gun into use in the regular army of the Uni. ted States. A few years ago while on busi- ness trip in the West he was with the com mand of General Smith, the Indian fighter, in the Indian war in progress in the North west. He brought back many interesting experiences. In the fall of 1878 he was elected member of the Board of Education of this city, serving three years. At the meeting at which he was nominated, held at the Atheneum, he was called out and made sensible, compact and vigorous speech which gave much satisfaction to the meeting, to most of whom he was then stranger. After the death of Mir. Winchester he resigned his position at the armory and occupied the position of secretary at the J. M. Marlin gun shop in this city, which he held for some time having also some interest in the concern. He resigned this position and was appointed assistant adiutant general of the State, and was an aide de camp on the staff of the Governor. These positions are made vacant by his death. Deceased was a we'll built, fine appearing gentleman of good address, and whatever he undertook he gave to it his whole powers. Socially he made many friends, and he was an upright and honorable man.
 We learn also that at one time in his youth Ee contemplated becoming physician. This was after he became clerk in the Spring field armory. He commenced his studies, but owing to difficulties arising he abandoned the intention. Deceased leaves wife to deeply mourn his loss. She is sister of Dr. Dever- .eaux of this city. Deceased leaves also a moth- CT and two sisters to mourn. They also reside here. Deceased was one of the prominent members of the Knights of St. Patrick of this city and of the St. Vincent Mutual Burial association, of which he was at one time di- rector. The funeral will take place to-mor- row (Fuesday) morning at 10 o'clock from St. Mary's church. It is probable that the Rev. Mr. Slocum, of South Norwalk, former ly of St. Patrick's church this city, which the deceased formerly attended, and warm per sonal friend of Colonel Sweeney, will make an address at the services.