Parents: James and Mary (Sullivan) Sweeney, Sr.
Full Siblings: Patrick, Julia, Kathryn, Martha, Marie, Hannah
Half-Siblings: Grace, Elizabeth, James, Florence, Frank, Viola, Madeline, Lawrence
Spouse: Jesse Newton Sours (married October 8, 1904)
Children: None
Born on a farm in Hadley, Michigan, Bridget, husband, Jesse, and her sister, Marie, joined the circus. Prior to going "big-time", with "Sells-Floto" and "Barnum & Bailey" circuses, Bridget and Jesse performed at carnivals, including several in Ohio, his place of birth, where the newlyweds first lived.
Jesse was an elephant trainer, while Bridget and Marie, known as "The Sweeney Sisters", performed various aerial acts. Because of her unique ability to perform an act that consisted of spinning in mid-air, while hanging from a rope by her teeth, she became known as "Beatrice Sweeney, the Human Gyroscope". She was equally talented with a swinging ladder and other difficult trapeze acts.
Why was she called "Beatrice"? Is it her middle name? No one seems to know. Even her family called her "Bea". So, perhaps, it wasn't just her professional name.
On home visits, because she always entertained her brothers and sisters, by going to the barn and performing her acts, she was quite the novelty for these little country children. On one visit, near Christmas, her brother, Frank, stated that she brought a gift for each of her 14 siblings. When the circus came to Detroit, Michigan, recalled cousin, Eileen (Sweeney) Ciardello, her proud Sweeney family was in the audience.
"Seattle Daily Times", 1-8-1922: "Beatrice Sweeney has a picturesque and daring offering, which is a dainty diversion, of beautiful gymnastics."
"The Oregonian", 1-16-1922: "Beatrice Sweeney is a gymnast who puts her faith in her back molars and swings by 'em in mid-air."
It's believed that her sister, Marie, went by the name, "Bess Newton".
"Wyoming State Tribune", 2-18-1918: "Beatrice Sweeney and Bess Newton, in a clever acrobatic act which features a mystery box, suspended from a trapeze...."
So popular was she that her picture appeared on several "Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey Circus" posters. Soon after her circus career (1918-1924) ended, she moved back to Michigan, with Jesse, where she opened a beauty shop, in her Pontiac home, and he took a job with the railroad. Bea's sister, Hannah, and Hannah's 3 daughters lived with them. Hannah worked in the beauty shop.
Cousin Eileen also related that, during a performance, both Beatrice and Marie fell, breaking several bones. After recovery, the circus offered them $500 a week to tour/perform in Europe, but they declined. (Next paragraph details Bea's fall.)
In the July 1923 issue of "Popular Science" magazine, an article titled, "The Circus - A Mechanical Wonder Show", says:
"Another accident that taught us a lesson in mechanics occurred in Albany, NY, three years ago. We were using the usual hook arrangement on a block and fall, for suspending a gag to be gripped between the teeth of performers in a teeth-swinging act. We had a tape mousing over the hook and, to all appearances, it was supported only by the tape mousing. When Beatrice Sweeney, one of our star performers, let go with both hands, to swing by her teeth, she fell 35 feet. She was in the hospital 12 weeks and that was the end of the hook-and-mousing arrangement."
In her last years, brother, Frank, visited her often, and reported that she was badly crippled (obviously due to circus injuries like those from the above tragedy!)
For more info about Bea's circus career, go to the "Sweeney Clan" website, where she's listed under "Talented Sweeneys".
Many thanks to all who helped me create this memorial. Anyone possessing more info and/or photos of Bea, please click on my name and e-mail me. Thank you. Mary Abbey
"WE LOVED HER IN LIFE; LET US NOT FORGET HER IN DEATH."
Full Siblings: Patrick, Julia, Kathryn, Martha, Marie, Hannah
Half-Siblings: Grace, Elizabeth, James, Florence, Frank, Viola, Madeline, Lawrence
Spouse: Jesse Newton Sours (married October 8, 1904)
Children: None
Born on a farm in Hadley, Michigan, Bridget, husband, Jesse, and her sister, Marie, joined the circus. Prior to going "big-time", with "Sells-Floto" and "Barnum & Bailey" circuses, Bridget and Jesse performed at carnivals, including several in Ohio, his place of birth, where the newlyweds first lived.
Jesse was an elephant trainer, while Bridget and Marie, known as "The Sweeney Sisters", performed various aerial acts. Because of her unique ability to perform an act that consisted of spinning in mid-air, while hanging from a rope by her teeth, she became known as "Beatrice Sweeney, the Human Gyroscope". She was equally talented with a swinging ladder and other difficult trapeze acts.
Why was she called "Beatrice"? Is it her middle name? No one seems to know. Even her family called her "Bea". So, perhaps, it wasn't just her professional name.
On home visits, because she always entertained her brothers and sisters, by going to the barn and performing her acts, she was quite the novelty for these little country children. On one visit, near Christmas, her brother, Frank, stated that she brought a gift for each of her 14 siblings. When the circus came to Detroit, Michigan, recalled cousin, Eileen (Sweeney) Ciardello, her proud Sweeney family was in the audience.
"Seattle Daily Times", 1-8-1922: "Beatrice Sweeney has a picturesque and daring offering, which is a dainty diversion, of beautiful gymnastics."
"The Oregonian", 1-16-1922: "Beatrice Sweeney is a gymnast who puts her faith in her back molars and swings by 'em in mid-air."
It's believed that her sister, Marie, went by the name, "Bess Newton".
"Wyoming State Tribune", 2-18-1918: "Beatrice Sweeney and Bess Newton, in a clever acrobatic act which features a mystery box, suspended from a trapeze...."
So popular was she that her picture appeared on several "Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey Circus" posters. Soon after her circus career (1918-1924) ended, she moved back to Michigan, with Jesse, where she opened a beauty shop, in her Pontiac home, and he took a job with the railroad. Bea's sister, Hannah, and Hannah's 3 daughters lived with them. Hannah worked in the beauty shop.
Cousin Eileen also related that, during a performance, both Beatrice and Marie fell, breaking several bones. After recovery, the circus offered them $500 a week to tour/perform in Europe, but they declined. (Next paragraph details Bea's fall.)
In the July 1923 issue of "Popular Science" magazine, an article titled, "The Circus - A Mechanical Wonder Show", says:
"Another accident that taught us a lesson in mechanics occurred in Albany, NY, three years ago. We were using the usual hook arrangement on a block and fall, for suspending a gag to be gripped between the teeth of performers in a teeth-swinging act. We had a tape mousing over the hook and, to all appearances, it was supported only by the tape mousing. When Beatrice Sweeney, one of our star performers, let go with both hands, to swing by her teeth, she fell 35 feet. She was in the hospital 12 weeks and that was the end of the hook-and-mousing arrangement."
In her last years, brother, Frank, visited her often, and reported that she was badly crippled (obviously due to circus injuries like those from the above tragedy!)
For more info about Bea's circus career, go to the "Sweeney Clan" website, where she's listed under "Talented Sweeneys".
Many thanks to all who helped me create this memorial. Anyone possessing more info and/or photos of Bea, please click on my name and e-mail me. Thank you. Mary Abbey
"WE LOVED HER IN LIFE; LET US NOT FORGET HER IN DEATH."
Parents: James and Mary (Sullivan) Sweeney, Sr.
Full Siblings: Patrick, Julia, Kathryn, Martha, Marie, Hannah
Half-Siblings: Grace, Elizabeth, James, Florence, Frank, Viola, Madeline, Lawrence
Spouse: Jesse Newton Sours (married October 8, 1904)
Children: None
Born on a farm in Hadley, Michigan, Bridget, husband, Jesse, and her sister, Marie, joined the circus. Prior to going "big-time", with "Sells-Floto" and "Barnum & Bailey" circuses, Bridget and Jesse performed at carnivals, including several in Ohio, his place of birth, where the newlyweds first lived.
Jesse was an elephant trainer, while Bridget and Marie, known as "The Sweeney Sisters", performed various aerial acts. Because of her unique ability to perform an act that consisted of spinning in mid-air, while hanging from a rope by her teeth, she became known as "Beatrice Sweeney, the Human Gyroscope". She was equally talented with a swinging ladder and other difficult trapeze acts.
Why was she called "Beatrice"? Is it her middle name? No one seems to know. Even her family called her "Bea". So, perhaps, it wasn't just her professional name.
On home visits, because she always entertained her brothers and sisters, by going to the barn and performing her acts, she was quite the novelty for these little country children. On one visit, near Christmas, her brother, Frank, stated that she brought a gift for each of her 14 siblings. When the circus came to Detroit, Michigan, recalled cousin, Eileen (Sweeney) Ciardello, her proud Sweeney family was in the audience.
"Seattle Daily Times", 1-8-1922: "Beatrice Sweeney has a picturesque and daring offering, which is a dainty diversion, of beautiful gymnastics."
"The Oregonian", 1-16-1922: "Beatrice Sweeney is a gymnast who puts her faith in her back molars and swings by 'em in mid-air."
It's believed that her sister, Marie, went by the name, "Bess Newton".
"Wyoming State Tribune", 2-18-1918: "Beatrice Sweeney and Bess Newton, in a clever acrobatic act which features a mystery box, suspended from a trapeze...."
So popular was she that her picture appeared on several "Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey Circus" posters. Soon after her circus career (1918-1924) ended, she moved back to Michigan, with Jesse, where she opened a beauty shop, in her Pontiac home, and he took a job with the railroad. Bea's sister, Hannah, and Hannah's 3 daughters lived with them. Hannah worked in the beauty shop.
Cousin Eileen also related that, during a performance, both Beatrice and Marie fell, breaking several bones. After recovery, the circus offered them $500 a week to tour/perform in Europe, but they declined. (Next paragraph details Bea's fall.)
In the July 1923 issue of "Popular Science" magazine, an article titled, "The Circus - A Mechanical Wonder Show", says:
"Another accident that taught us a lesson in mechanics occurred in Albany, NY, three years ago. We were using the usual hook arrangement on a block and fall, for suspending a gag to be gripped between the teeth of performers in a teeth-swinging act. We had a tape mousing over the hook and, to all appearances, it was supported only by the tape mousing. When Beatrice Sweeney, one of our star performers, let go with both hands, to swing by her teeth, she fell 35 feet. She was in the hospital 12 weeks and that was the end of the hook-and-mousing arrangement."
In her last years, brother, Frank, visited her often, and reported that she was badly crippled (obviously due to circus injuries like those from the above tragedy!)
For more info about Bea's circus career, go to the "Sweeney Clan" website, where she's listed under "Talented Sweeneys".
Many thanks to all who helped me create this memorial. Anyone possessing more info and/or photos of Bea, please click on my name and e-mail me. Thank you. Mary Abbey
"WE LOVED HER IN LIFE; LET US NOT FORGET HER IN DEATH."
Full Siblings: Patrick, Julia, Kathryn, Martha, Marie, Hannah
Half-Siblings: Grace, Elizabeth, James, Florence, Frank, Viola, Madeline, Lawrence
Spouse: Jesse Newton Sours (married October 8, 1904)
Children: None
Born on a farm in Hadley, Michigan, Bridget, husband, Jesse, and her sister, Marie, joined the circus. Prior to going "big-time", with "Sells-Floto" and "Barnum & Bailey" circuses, Bridget and Jesse performed at carnivals, including several in Ohio, his place of birth, where the newlyweds first lived.
Jesse was an elephant trainer, while Bridget and Marie, known as "The Sweeney Sisters", performed various aerial acts. Because of her unique ability to perform an act that consisted of spinning in mid-air, while hanging from a rope by her teeth, she became known as "Beatrice Sweeney, the Human Gyroscope". She was equally talented with a swinging ladder and other difficult trapeze acts.
Why was she called "Beatrice"? Is it her middle name? No one seems to know. Even her family called her "Bea". So, perhaps, it wasn't just her professional name.
On home visits, because she always entertained her brothers and sisters, by going to the barn and performing her acts, she was quite the novelty for these little country children. On one visit, near Christmas, her brother, Frank, stated that she brought a gift for each of her 14 siblings. When the circus came to Detroit, Michigan, recalled cousin, Eileen (Sweeney) Ciardello, her proud Sweeney family was in the audience.
"Seattle Daily Times", 1-8-1922: "Beatrice Sweeney has a picturesque and daring offering, which is a dainty diversion, of beautiful gymnastics."
"The Oregonian", 1-16-1922: "Beatrice Sweeney is a gymnast who puts her faith in her back molars and swings by 'em in mid-air."
It's believed that her sister, Marie, went by the name, "Bess Newton".
"Wyoming State Tribune", 2-18-1918: "Beatrice Sweeney and Bess Newton, in a clever acrobatic act which features a mystery box, suspended from a trapeze...."
So popular was she that her picture appeared on several "Ringling Bros & Barnum & Bailey Circus" posters. Soon after her circus career (1918-1924) ended, she moved back to Michigan, with Jesse, where she opened a beauty shop, in her Pontiac home, and he took a job with the railroad. Bea's sister, Hannah, and Hannah's 3 daughters lived with them. Hannah worked in the beauty shop.
Cousin Eileen also related that, during a performance, both Beatrice and Marie fell, breaking several bones. After recovery, the circus offered them $500 a week to tour/perform in Europe, but they declined. (Next paragraph details Bea's fall.)
In the July 1923 issue of "Popular Science" magazine, an article titled, "The Circus - A Mechanical Wonder Show", says:
"Another accident that taught us a lesson in mechanics occurred in Albany, NY, three years ago. We were using the usual hook arrangement on a block and fall, for suspending a gag to be gripped between the teeth of performers in a teeth-swinging act. We had a tape mousing over the hook and, to all appearances, it was supported only by the tape mousing. When Beatrice Sweeney, one of our star performers, let go with both hands, to swing by her teeth, she fell 35 feet. She was in the hospital 12 weeks and that was the end of the hook-and-mousing arrangement."
In her last years, brother, Frank, visited her often, and reported that she was badly crippled (obviously due to circus injuries like those from the above tragedy!)
For more info about Bea's circus career, go to the "Sweeney Clan" website, where she's listed under "Talented Sweeneys".
Many thanks to all who helped me create this memorial. Anyone possessing more info and/or photos of Bea, please click on my name and e-mail me. Thank you. Mary Abbey
"WE LOVED HER IN LIFE; LET US NOT FORGET HER IN DEATH."
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