History of the Restoration Movement


William Elza Sweeney

1877-1963

The Life Of W.E. Sweeney

William Elza Sweeney was born December 4, 1877 in Paris, Kentucky. He was the son of John Steele and Alice Monin Sweeney. W.E. grew up in a Christian home. His father, J. S. Sweeney was a gospel preacher, and also grandfather, G. E. Sweeney, were gospel preachers.

He was educated at Kentucky University. In 1899 he was graduated from the law department of the University of Louisville. During the Spanish War, he served in Company I, Second Kentucky U.S. Volunteer Infantry.

He practiced law in the states of Kentucky, Wyoming and in Chicago, Illinois. Sweeney was twice elected as Prosecuting Attorney.

He began preaching in 1908. Through the years he preached in Evansville, Indiana; Danville, Indiana; Baltimore, Maryland, and in Johnson City, Tennessee.

William married Mary Gooch Anderson in Clifton Forge, Virginia in 1916. Together they had four children, Mary, Susan, Margaret and William E., Jr.

W.E. Sweeney passed from this life May 23, 1963. He is buried in the family plot at Paris, Kentucky.

Directions To The Burial Site of the Sweeneys

The Sweeneys are buried in the cemetery at Paris, Kentucky. Heading northeast out of Lexington on the Paris Pike. (Hwy.27/68). As you enter from the south end of town, look for a white wall on the left that looks like the front of a castle. This is the entrance into the cemetery. Enter the cemetery past the offices and stay to the right. The road will dead end (no pun intended!). Turn to the right, and right back to the left. Then proceed toward the rear of the cemetery. Turn to the right, and right back to the left. Then proceed toward the rear of the cemetery counting to the third left turn. Just before the third left turn, stop the car. Up on the rise to the left is the Sweeney plot. At least three generations of Sweeneys are buried there, J. S. Sweeney, was E. S.'s father, and G. E. Sweeney was his grandfather, both of which were preachers. Four siblings are also there including two of which were preachers, E.S. Sweeney, and of course W.E. Sweeney.

GPS Coordinates
38°12'14.1"N 84°15'52.9"W
or D.d. 38.203917,-84.264700


Entrance to Paris Cemetery


Lois Jeanne King
Wife Of
W.E. Sweeney, Jr.
1922-1985


William E. Sweeney
US Army
World War II
March 17, 1924
June 22, 2009
82D Airborne


Willaim Elza Sweeney, Jr.
Devoted Husband Of
Lois Jeanne King
1924-2009
SWEETOBIL1@CABLELYNX.COM


Mary Gooch Anderson
Wife of
William Elza Sweeney
Mar. 17, 1886 - May 13, 1971


William Elza Sweeney
Son Of
John S. & Alice M. Sweeney
Dec. 4, 1877 - May 23, 1963
He Preached The Word - He Kept The Faith

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