The county record. [volume] (Kingstree, S.C.) 1885-1975, 1900-09-20

Young McSweeney's struggle for a
livelihood began before he reach
ed his tenth year He sold
newspapers and clerked in
book store. While clerking he at
tended night school, and became very
fond Of reading and writing.
While in the book store he met Mr..
Augustine Ford, member Of COM
pany that had just begun the publica-
ton Of a paper known as the Gazette.
This was in 1867.
McSweeney afterwards worked for
Burke & Ford, job printers. From
there he went to Edward Perry's
where he completed his apprenticeship
as a job printer. AT this time Wash
ington and Lee University, Of Lexing-
ton. Va, had offered scholarship to
the Charleston Typographical! Union,
which was to be awarded to the most
deserving OF the young men then en-
ployed in Charleston printing offices.
BY majority of votes Of members OF
the Union young McSweeney was
cohsen and the scholarship given to
him. On account Of the lack Of means
he found that he could not pay for his
board and clothing, and was obliged,
after spending part Of the session, to
give up his desire for collegiate edu-
cation. Like all good typos at that
time, he was a union printer, and serv-
ed Columbia Typographical Union. as
corresponding secretary and aftef-
wards as president.
He was among the first to sign the
roll for recognition Of the PhoeniT
Hook and Lader Company, and served
as secretary Of tie company for e
number Of years.
Nc McSweeneys record as Demo-
crat is we'll known, and he did faithful
work for the party in 1875.
McSweeney moved to Ninety-Six, in
Abbeville county, and commenced the
publication Of the Ninety-Six Guardi-
an. This was his first business venture.
He had capital OF $65. and purchased
a secondhand press and outfit for $500,
paying s55 cash as first payment.
But he had energy and was a good
workman and gave the people a newsy
paper. lived economically, and in the
course of a year he paid every dollar
that he owed.
On the 22nd OF August, 1879, the
Jrst issue OF the Hampton County
Guardian appeared, and it has been.
published ever since by Mr.. McSween-
ey. The paper has been we'll managed
and is looked upon today as one OF the
best in the State. Mr.. McSweeney has
ever been foremost in everything CAL
culated to help his town and country.
He is regared as one OF the best busi-
ness men in his section, and has been
successful In every undertaking. His
progressive spirit Is seen in different
parts of Hampton, and he has develop
ed and improved every lot purchased
by him in that town.
He has shown his confidence In
Hampton county and her people by in
vesting every dollar he has made in his
| county.
The school hocse in Hampton was
built by money loaned to the town by
a few citizens. The resolution was Of
fered by Mr.. McSweeney at public
meeting and it was unanimously
agreed to.
AS intendant OF the town he after.
wards saw every dollar Of indebted
ness paid. He served for FIVE terms, and
then declined reelection.
Mr.. McSweeney also took a promi-
nent part in building the Methodist
and Baptist churches. He not only
contributed literally, but solicited sub
scriptions in Augusta and Charleston
He is a member of the Methodist
church and contributes literally Of hi:
means to its support.
McSweeney has always been promi'
nent in politics, and has been three
times honored as a delegate to the Ma
tional Democratic Convention.
At the first St. Louis convention ir
1883 he voTd for Cleveland and Thur.
man, and at the convention in July
1896, he voted for Bryan and Sewall.
He served the Democracy OF his
country for ten years as county Chair
man. declining in 1894, when he was
elected to the Legislature.
He has always taken great interest
in the military of his State, and was
on the staff OF General Stokes and
General Moore with the rank OF Major
and Lieutenant Colonel. During his r
vice in the Legislature he was chair
man OF the committee on military.
Mr.. McSweeney takes keen interest
in all educational matters, and was for
several years trustee OF the South
Carolina College and member Of the
Board of Visitors OF the Citadel, and
by virtue Of his office is chairman OF
both boards at present.
He is member Of the order Of knights
n, Honor and the Knights of PythiaS,