SWEANEY --Sweeney/Swiney > to NC/VA by 1730's:
Our "Sweeney" family is the only line that I know of in the US who has consistently spelled their name "SWEANEY"although the name is found under the various other spellings -- we always have SWEANEY on the tombstone.Earlist family that I know of came from prob. Ireland, ? Donegal, by the early 1700's to the NC Eastern shore Cos. or down from Southern VA.We find our Jeremiah Sweaney mar.1812 Person Co., NC.Other names assoc. with this family are Levi, James, John, Woodson and Cadmus -- the last I have found is Dutch but I'm now wondering if it is a corruption of McAdams/Mccadmus. Any clues as to why this family has perpetuated this "ea" spelling and its orgin?I have heard that most Sweeney families origniated in the Orkney Isles.Any info appreciated.Patillo