On the 15th of July, 1852, Rev. Sweeney was united in marriage to Miss Angeline Allen, of Marion county, Oregon, a daughter of Samuel and Sarah (Benson) Allen. Of the three children born to Rev. and Mrs. Sweeney, Adelia, the eldest, died at the age of fifteen years. Those still living are Samuel B. and Mrs. Adna Sharpstein.
On account of throat trouble Mr. Sweeney and his family went to California in 1858 and remained in that state for about four years, during which time he taught school for a year and a half at Sonoma, being principal of the female department of a Presbyterian college. In 1862 he again came north, going with the gold seekers to Clearwater, Idaho, where he devoted his time to the work of the ministry and to his duties as justice of the peace. In 1867 he removed to Umatilla Landing on the Columbia river in Oregon, where he not only engaged in preaching but also taught school. There was no organized church at that place but he was paid about six hundred dollars by popular subscription, which was the best salary he had ever received for his ministerial services up to that time. For one year he served as superintendent of schools for Umatilla county.
In 1869 Mr. Sweeney returned to California, traveling by way of the Columbia river and Pacific ocean, and during his sojourn in that state taught school under supervision of the church at Collegeville, about eight miles from Stockton, in San Joaquin county for a year and a half, and on his retirement from that work returned to Oregon, spending two years at Albany. From there he came to western Washington about 1872 and did considerable missionary work among the pioneers of this region, traveling over a large territory, more than one hundred miles in extent. He started the first Presbyterian church in Walla Walla with but two members. He preached in Waitsburg, Dayton, Pomeroy and Colfax and often held services in school houses and groves throughout the country. Failing health at length caused him to retire from the active work of the ministry after thirty-five years of most faithful service. He preached occasionally up to the year 1900. His wife was a most competent help and by her good management made the sunset of his life much easier financially. His unselfish life and devotion to the work of the Master gained him the unqualified regard of all with whom he came in contact. Although now eighty-one years of age, Mrs. Sweeney is still well preserved, being strong and active and able to do considerable work, including the care of her own garden. Her intellect seems unimpaired and she appears to be much younger than she really is. She was always a faithful wife, a capable financier and a hard worker, being able to support herself and children and secure the property which kept Mr. Sweeney in comfort during his declining years.
GUY S. DEMARIS.
An excellent farm of one hundred and thirty acres pays tribute to the care and labor bestowed upon it by Guy S. Demaris, whose place is situated on section 12, township 7 north, range 37 east, in Walla Walla county. He was born November 4, 1885, on the farm where he now resides, his parents being Orlando and Mary (Lewis) Demaris, who are mentioned elsewhere in this work. His youthful days were spent under the parental roof and he early became familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, dividing his time between the acquirement of an education in the district schools, the pleasures of the playground and the work of the fields. He also had the advantage of a business course in the Empire Business College at Walla Walla and after completing his studies he worked for his brothers, Fred and David, in connection with their farming operations. In 1912 he began farming on his own account and has since given his attention to general agricultural pursuits. He took charge of the old home place of one hundred and thirty acres, which he is now cultivating, and the neat and thrifty appearance of his place indicates his careful supervision and his practical and progressive methods. The farm is divided into fields of convenient size by well kept fences, there are substantial buildings upon the land and he utilizes the latest improved machinery in carrying on the work of the fields. He annually harvests good crops and is winning success as the years go by.
On the 25th of December, 1906, Mr. Demaris was united in marriage to Miss Gertrude Tash, a daughter of Andrew J. Tash, one of the pioneers of Walla Walla county, still living on Mill creek. To this marriage were born two children but both have passed away.
In his political views Mr. Demaris is a democrat but not an office seeker. He belongs to Welcome Lodge, No. 117, I. O. O. F., of Dixie, and to Walla Walla Encampment, No. 3, and is also a member of the Uniformed Rank, Canton No. 1, of Walla Walla. He and his wife hold membership in the Presbyterian church and in social circles they occupy an enviable position, many of the best homes of their section of the county extending to them warm-hearted hospitality and welcome. Their good qualities are many and in matters of friendship they are always loyal and true.
JAMES T. ALLEN, D. M. D.