Buried Sweeney Cem, (Rt 24) Appomattox, Appomattox Co, VA).
Notes for 1ST LT. JOEL WALKER SWEENEY:
Inventor of the 5 String Banjo
"Lynchburg Virginian"
11 December, 1845
"Old Joe Sweeney"
This immutable Banjo player is to perform at the Theatre tonight, (Thursday). He is a native born Virginian, reared in old
Buckingham Co. (soon to be Appomattox), and after an absence of several years in Europe, where he performed to the astonishment
of the Crowned heads there, he was returned among us, and will make his original Virginia instrument gladder the hearts of the
citizens and convulge their sides with laughter. He has with him Frank Bower the greatest Ethiopian extravaganza extant. - - Go
and see them tonight.
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"Lynchburg Virginian"
2 July, 1848
"Appomattox"
There will be a Barbecue and Dinner in celebration of the 4th of July next, at Clover Hill - at which time there will be a
Sabbath School address, and procession of the different schools - the Declaration of Independence read and an Address delivered
on the occasion. A parade by the Troop and a Band of Music in attendance, by Joe Swinney.
THE MANAGERS.
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More About 1ST LT. JOEL WALKER SWEENEY:
Fact 1: Banger (Musician); Banjo, violin, harmonica
Fact 2: Inventor of Banjo/5th string
Fact 3: Banjo player for General J.E.B. Stuart
Fact 4: 24 April 1850, 1st Lt./174th Regiment/Virginia Militia
Fact 5: 29 October 1860, Was attended by Dr. William Diuguid Christian at death
Fact 6: 1838, Joined a circus in Lynchburg/played banjo concerts
Fact 7: April 1839, Appeared in New York City for the first time
Fact 8: 1843, Went to England with the "Sands Great American Circus Company"
Fact 9: 23 January 1843, Played the English Opera House (now the Lyceum Theatre) in London
Fact 10: Played for Queen Victoria & royal functions for two years
Fact 11: Died of measles
Fact 12: House was used as hospital during latter days of the War.
Fact 13: Engaged but never married