Born in Liberty, Kentucky, Sweeney attended the common schools and Bethany College.

He was admitted to the bar in 1853 and commenced practice in Liberty, Kentucky.

He served as presidential elector on the Democratic ticket of Douglas and Johnson in 1860.

He resumed the practice of law in Owensboro, Kentucky, and died there April 21, 1895.

This article incorporates public domain material from the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress