Biography of John Swisher, 1902, Baker Co., Oregon
Surnames: Swisher, Hunter, Counsan, Conser, Potuine

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Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
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An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, pub. 1902
by Western Historical Pub. Co. of Chicago. page 281

John Swisher

Mr. Swisher was born in October, 1835, in the state of Pennsylvania, being the
son of Jacob and Mary (Hunter) Swisher, both natives of the Keystone state,
and there, also they lie buried at the present time. In 1860 our subject
stepped forth from the parental nest and began the duties and conflicts of
life for himself. His first trip was the memorable one that so many of the
worthy pioneers of this region participated in, crossing the plains with ox
teams. As early as 1860 was this trip made by Mr. Swisher and the Golden state
was his destination, but two years later he sought out this land and settled
here until 1867. Then he returned to the states and the following year again
came to this region and took a squatter's claim in Eagle valley, and there
devoted his energies to the improvement of the same until 1885, when he
removed to his present place. During his residence in this valley he has had
much trouble with the Indians, but they have ever been overmatched by the
doughty and intrepid man of courage that settled here to stay, and the badge
of his victory is the fact that he is here today spending the golden years of
his life in quietness in the valley where savage cunning was so often
displayed to drive him hence.

In 1872 occurred the marriage of Mr. Swisher and Miss Sarah, daughter of
Thomas and Sarah Cunsan. Seven years later, on November 27, Mrs. Swisher was
called from the duties of life and her husband with two infants was left to do
battle on the frontier alone. The two children mentioned were Anna, now wife
of H. P. Swisher; and Jennie, wife of O. Potuine. Mr. Swisher did nobly and
persevered through all of these hardships and troubles. Today he owns a fine
farm and is engaged in its culture and in stock raising, and his life has been
such that he is greatly esteemed by his fellows, and beloved by all.