BIO: JOHN A. SWARNER, Cumberland County, Pennsylvania
   
  Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by Joe Patterson
  OCRed by Judy Banja

  Copyright 2004.  All rights reserved.
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/
  _____________________________________________________________

  >From Biographical Annals of Cumberland County, Pennsylvania,
  Chicago: The Genealogical Publishing Co., 1905, pages 476-477
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  NOTE: Use this web address to access other bios:
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    JOHN A. SWARNER. The fruitful Cumberland Valley is the home of many
  successful agriculturists, who have found within its borders wealth and
  prominence, and among them may be mentioned John A. Swarner, of South
  Middleton township, who is a son of the late highly respected George Swarner.
    
    George Swarner was born in 1800, in Lancaster county, and received but a
  limited education. He participated in the War of 1812, being stationed at
  Philadelphia. After the war, he located in Perry county, Pa., and there died.
  His children were as follows:
    
    Henry B., of West Pennsboro township, who married first Mary Parkinson,
  daughter of Reuben Parkinson, and second Mary Reiber; John A.; George W., who
  married Kattie Zinn, daughter of Philip Zinn, and has two children, Frank (who
  is married and lives in Dickinson township), and Charlie (at home); William,
  who died in 1896; Annie, who married H. C. Swigert, of Carlisle; Minnie and
  Mina, twins, both married and residing in Carlisle.
    
    John A. Swarner was born in 1841 in Perry county, and after taking a public
  school course, taught in that county for two years. In 1862, he enlisted in
  Company G, 133d. P. V. I., and participated in the battles of Fredericksburg
  and Chancellorsville, and was honorably discharged in 1863. The following
  year he reenlisted, and was placed in the quartermaster's department, and
  there continued until the close of the war.
    
    Returning home Mr. Swarner married Fannie Bear, daughter of John and Mary
  Bear. At one time John Bear was associate judge of Perry county. Mrs. Bear is
  still living, being now in her eighty-first year. After his marriage, Mr.
  Swarner remained in Perry county for two years, engaged in farming, but in
  1868 he removed to South Middleton township, Cumberland county, and in 1895
  he purchased the old Brindle farm of ninety acres in this township, upon
  which he has since resided, making many improvements until he now has one of
  the finest farms in the township, and he is highly respected by all who know
  him. His success has been gained by earnest and persistent labor, and great
  thrift.
    
    The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Swarner are: Minnie B., who married
  Edward Burgett; Annie L., who married James B. Noaker, has two children,
  Jessie and Edna, and lives with her father; Alfred C., in Ne-
    
    CUMBERLAND COUNTY.  477
    
  braska; Emma H., who married Albert Ilgenfritz, and has two children, John
  and Olive; Harry E., who married Annie Ward, daughter of Jacob and Mary Ward;
  Rose E., at home; and George A., at home, assisting his father on the farm.
    
    Mr. Swarner is a member of the First Lutheran Church, of Carlisle, as is
  also Mrs. Swarner. In politics he is a stanch Democrat, and by his able
  administration of the affairs of a number of the township offices intrusted
  to him, has proved himself a conscientious public servant and good citizen.