My Genealogy Hound

DANIEL WILLIAMS SWEM, an artist by profession, now prosperously following the occupation of general agriculture, is also a highly successful stock-raiser, handling some of the finest horses bred in the State of Michigan. Residing upon a fine homestead located in Weesaw Township, Berrien County, he has held with able fidelity the official position of Justice of the Peace, and is highly esteemed by the home community. Mr. Swem was born in Columbiana County, Ohio, April 14, 1843. His parents, John and Sarah (Glass) Swem, made their home for some length of time in the Buckeye State, but the father was a native of New Jersey, born in 1810. He however removed with his parents to Ohio in an early day, and was there reared, educated and married, and finally emigrated from near Lima to Berrien County, Mich., settling in Galien Township in 1862, and making this part of the State his residence until 1868, when he removed to Shelby County, Mo., and lived in that locality ten years. The father then returned to Berrien County, where he later died in about 1887. He was of German and Scotch descent, and devoted the labor of his life to the pursuit of agriculture. The mother was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Berrien County, in 1888. The parents were in early life members of the Baptist Church and afterward joined the Christian Church. They were both active in good work and highly respected by all who knew them. Ten children had blessed the home, seven sons and three daughters.

Daniel W., the fifth in order of birth, was reared near Lima, Ohio, and attended the district schools, receiving a good common education. In July, 1861, when about eighteen years of age, he enlisted in Company I, Twenty-seventh Ohio Infantry, as a private and, afterward promoted, became Corporal and later First Sergeant. Our subject had a brother, John, in the same company. Until his discharge, July 31, 1865, Mr. Swem constantly participated in scenes of danger and privation, but, never wounded or taken prisoner, actively engaged in twenty-two of the fiercest battles of the rebellion. He was present at the fights of Blackwater, Mo., New Madrid, Mo., Tiptonville, Ky., Island No. 10, siege of Corinth, Iuka, second battle of Corinth, and Hatchee Bridge. He took part in the campaign and march through Georgia, and was in the battle of New Berne, N. C., the last battle in which he engaged. His brother John, the color-bearer, also marvelously escaped capture or wounds, having only received a wound sufficient to draw blood. Another brother, William Swem, courageously fought in the Fifth-fourth Ohio Infantry. After the discharge of our subject from the army in which he had so faithfully served every day for four years, he went to Jacksonville, Ill., and studied his profession under the teaching of T. T. Delzell, an able instructor. Becoming thoroughly versed in his art, he was known as Prof. Swem, for fifteen years devoting his time and labor to his chosen avocation. For two years he traveled and successfully gave lessons in his art, but finally determined to spend the remainder of his life in the tilling of the soil and stock-raising, in which branch of farming Mr. Swem has acquired a reputation, especially as a breeder of fine horses, not long since selling a span for $900.

In 1867, Daniel Williams Swem and Miss Corinthia Paddock, a native of Weesaw Township, were united in marriage. Unto our subject and his estimable wife have been born four sons and two daughters. Olefa is the wife of George W. Painter; Elmo is at home; T. Guy, C. Clyde, Dale and T. Dot complete the group who yet gather in the parents’ home. Mr. Swem is not connected with any church, but is known as a liberal-minded man of sterling integrity. Fraternally, he is a member of Custer Post No. 208, G. A. R., at Galien and was a charter member and held the office of Commander two terms and was the second Representative to the State Encampment. He is likewise a member of the Farmers’ Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Berrien. He is a member of Galien Lodge No. 347, L O. O. F., and has filled all the chairs and represented his lodge at the Grand Lodge at Lansing. Mrs. Swem is a Rebecca degree member and will represent her lodge at Lansing this fall. Our subject is now Vice-President and has been President of the Anti-Horse Thief Association, and is connected with all township enterprises conducing to mutual welfare. Politically, he has with one exception identified himself with the Republican party, the exception being when he voted for Weaver as the candidate of the Greenback party. He cast his first Presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln and has closely adhered to the principles of the “Party of Reform.” Mr. Swem has with ability discharged the duties of Justice of the Peace of Weesaw Township and, a man of earnest purpose, a strong advocate of temperance, and ever to be found upon the side of right and justice, commands the esteem of all his fellow-townsmen.