BIO: J. H. Swiler, Cumberland County, PA

Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Judy Bookwalter

Copyright 2011.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/
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History of Cumberland and Adams Counties, Pennsylvania.
Containing History of the Counties, Their Townships, Towns, Villages, 
Schools, Churches, Industries, Etc.; Portraits of Early Settlers and 
Prominent Men; Biographies; History of Pennsylvania; Statistical and 
Miscellaneous Matter, Etc., Etc.  Illustrated.  Chicago: Warner, Beers 
& Co., 1886.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/beers/beers.htm
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                                PART II.

             HISTORY OF CUMBERLAND COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

                             CHAPTER LVIII.

    SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP AND BOROUGH OF MOUNT HOLLY SPRINGS.

561  SOUTH MIDDLETON TOWNSHIP.

  J. H. SWILER, merchant, proprietor of general store in Hickorytown, 
P. O. Carlisle, was born in Silver Spring Township, this county, July 
22, 1835, son of John and Isabella (Eckels) Swiler, natives of 
Pennsylvania, of English origin, and who were the parents of three 
sons.  In early life John Swiler was a teacher, in later years he was a 
farmer; he died in 1839.  Isabella (Eckels) Swiler died May 20, 1858, 
aged forty-seven years and twenty-eight days.  Our subject, the second 
child, was reared on the farm, received his education in the common 
schools, and worked on the farm until he was seventeen years old, when 
he entered a store at West Fairview, this county, and clerked for one 
year, for George W. Fessler.  He then went to York County, Penn., and 
was there employed as a clerk, in all, about five years.  In 1859-60 he 
clerked for Joshua Culp and J. J. Coble, in Hogestown, Cumberland Co., 
Penn.  In 1861 Mr. Swiler established his present industry, and by 
strict attention to business and honest dealing with his customers has 
succeeded well.  He keeps a much larger stock than is usually carried 
in country stores.  He was married, January 9, 1861, to Martha E., 
daughter of George Beistline, and of English origin.  Their children 
are Sadie I, wife of Christian Bricker, and Maggie Florence.  
Politically Mr. Swiler is a Democrat.  He has been school director for 
nine years.  He is a member of Silver Spring Lodge, No. 598, I. O. O. 
F.