SWENEY, John Robson, musician, born in West Chester, Pennsylvania, 31 December, 1837. He received a common-school education, and gave early evidences of musical talent. He was leader of a band during the civil war, and upon the cessation of hostilities resumed instruction in music at his native place, shortly thereafter essaying his first attempt at the composition of Sunday-school music. His songs were first brought before the public by his teaching them to the Sunday-school under his leadership. The local reputation that he thus acquired enabled him to find a publisher to issue them in pamphlet-form. A demand for his music was created almost immediately, and each year increased his hold upon public favor. In 1874 the degree of M. B. was conferred upon him by the Pennsylvania military academy, where he has been professor of vocal and instrumental music for eighteen years. In 1884 he received the degree of Mus. D. His Sunday-school songs are used not only everywhere in the United States, but in the missions in China, Japan, India, and Africa, and his name as a composer of this kind of music is widely known. He now (1888) has charge of the music in Bethany Presbyterian church, Philadelphia. His publications are "Gems of Praise" (Philadelphia, 1877) ; "The Garner" (1878) ; "Joy to the World" (Cincinnati, 1878) ; "The Quiver" (Philadelphia, 1880) ; "The Wells of Salvation" (1881) ; "Anthems and Voluntaries "(1881) ; "Songs of Redeeming Love" (2 vols., 1882-'7) ; "Songs of Triumph" (1882) ; "Our Sabbath Home" (1884) ; "Melodious Sonnets" (1885); "Songs of Joy and Gladness " (Boston, 1885); "Joyful Wing" (Philadelphia, 1886) ; "Infant Praises " (1887); " Banner Anthem Book" (1887) ; "Glad Hallelujahs" (1887)" and "Showers of Blessing" (1888).