BIO:  JOHN B. SWARTZ, 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 540-541
  _____________________________________________________________

  NOTE: Use this web address to access other bios:
  http://www.usgwarchives.net/pa/cumberland/zeamer/


    JOHN B. SWARTZ, a man of intelligence and excellent business capacity,
  who is largely interested in the development of Cumberland county, was born
  on a farm in Huntingdon county, Pa., Dec. 31, 1842, son of Joseph and Susan
  (Shade) Swartz, worthy citizens of German descent.
  
    Joseph Swartz, the father, was born in Perry county, Pa., in 1826, and he died

    CUMBERLAND COUNTY.  541

  Feb. 18, 1890. He was one of the prosperous farmers of Hopewell township,
  Cumberland county at the time of his demise. In religious belief he was a
  Baptist, while in political matters, he voted the Democratic ticket. His
  wife, Susan Shade, was born in Perry county, in 1827. The following children
  were born of their marriage, all of whom lived to maturity: Jesse; Catherine;
  John B.; Peter B.; Samuel M.; Martha M., wife of Matthew Kling; Elizabeth,
  deceased; Joseph, deceased; David, deceased; Anna, deceased; and Daniel, deceased.

    John B. Swartz was educated at the district school in Perry county, near
  which he resided, and he moved with his parents to Hopewell township,
  Cumberland county, where he continued his studies two winters. Until he was
  twenty-four the young man remained with his father on the farm, then, in
  November, 1866, he married Miss Elizabeth Mitchel, of Hopewell township,
  daughter of William and Mary Hannah Mitchel, born in that township, Jan. 31,
  1841. After his marriage Mr. Swartz settled in Hopewell, on a rented farm,
  and engaged in farming and stock raising, in which he was quite successful.
  Later, he bought a farm in Mifflin township, and moved there, soon buying a
  farm adjoining, making 300 acres in all, and upon it he erected an excellent
  house and barn. He continued to live upon it until 1900. In the meanwhile he
  erected a sawmill, which he operated, his product being hard lumber suitable
  for railroad use and car building. In 1900 he removed to Newville, where he
  has since made his home, looking after his various interests, his son Joseph
  renting the farm.

    The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Swartz were: Mervin H., of Hopewell
  township, a successful merchant; Frank S., of Newville, where he conducts a
  blacksmith and repair shop, and sells machinery; William N., in the United
  States mail service, his route being from Newville and Heberlig to Tabor;
  Joseph A., farming the home place; Ralph, who engages in farming, and also
  operates a milk separator; John A., of Bridgewater, Mifflin township, where
  he conducts a feed mill and engages in farming; Rena, at home. Mr. Swartz is
  a Democrat in politics, and ably served as assessor of Mifflin township for
  three years, was auditor for two years, and supervisor two years. Mrs. Swartz
  is a member of the United Brethren Church.