The Late JOHN GRATTAN SWEENEY was born in Dublin, Ireland, in
1822. He came to this country with his uncle when only eight
years old, and located at Rome, New York. In 1850 he enlisted in
the regular army as a private in the Sixth Infantry, and saw
service in Mexico and the frontier. In 1851 he was promoted to
the rank of corporal, and later in the year to sergeant. He
received an honorable discharge in 1855, and coming to this state
(Michigan) located at Banks in 1868. He married Margaret
McKittrick, of Detroit, bringing her to Banks. Subsequently he
removed to Wenona, and in 1866 was elected sheriff of Bay County.
After serving a short time in that capacity he resigned and was
elected supervisor of Bangor Township, which office he held for
nine years. His wife and four boys survive him. His domestic
relations were always happy and agreeable. He was a kind father
and an affectionate husband. Mrs. Sweeney is deserving of much
praise in having kept her boys together and teaching them the
habits of industry. They are all good workers, and make their
home with their mother at the old homestead on Midland Street,
West Bay City.