Jordan Sweeney, first cousin six times removed, was born 16 November 1806 in Casey County, Kentucky. The grandson of Moses Sweeney, his parents were Charles Welby Sweeney and Frances Shackleford. His wife, whom he married 20 September 1829 in Casey County, had one of the best names ever: Permelia Pigg. Permelia was born about 1810, also in Casey County.
The Baby Name Wizard site indicates that Permelia was the name originally chosen for Melanie Wilkes in Gone with the Wind, but that it has never ranked in the top 1000 baby names. Shocking.
Jordan and Permelia had five children, all given much more normal names than their mother: Mary A., Charles Willis, Frances, Elizabeth Ellen, and Amanda H. Jordan died 2 August 1845, and Permelia about 1845. Both are buried in the Sweeney/Drake Family Cemetery in Casey County.
Related articles
