My Genealogy Hound

J. CHARLES SWISHER. A position of prominence among the agriculturists of Pettis County is held by the subject of this sketch, who owns and operates a valuable farm on section 32, township 44, range 23. This place, which he purchased in 1891, consists of one hundred and sixty-two acres, upon which have been introduced all the improvements of a modern and first-class farm. The value of the place has been increased by the erection of substantial buildings, adapted for the convenience of the family and for the promotion of the work of the farm.

A native of Ohio, our subject was born in Gallia County, in 1857. The family of which he is a member consisted of eleven children, of whom he was the ninth in order of birth. His parents, Samuel and Sarah N. (Fauber) Swisher, were born and reared in Virginia. They were there married, and about 1845 packed together their household goods and started overland for the Buckeye State. There the father occupied himself in farm work, making that section his home for about twenty years. In 1865 they took up the line of march to this state, choosing Pettis County as their future abiding-place, and, purchasing the farm which our subject now owns, lived there until their decease, the mother passing away in 1885, and the father two years later. Having left Ohio when a lad of nine years, the education of our subject was carried on principally in the schools of Missouri. After the death of his father he assumed the management of the farm, and now finds himself in a position of prominence among the agriculturists of his township. Although he raises a large amount of grain each year, he devotes the most of his time to stock-raising, keeping on hand several head of fine horses, besides cattle and swine of good breeds.

The marriage of our subject with Miss Philipene Espenshied took place in April, 1888, she being the daughter of Henry and Catherine (Miller) Espenshied, natives of Germany. Mrs. Swisher was born in St. Louis, this state, and by her union with our subject has become the mother of two children, Henry S. and Augusta. Mr. Swisher is a member in good standing of the Congregational Church, and as such fills an honorable position in the social circles of his community. He is a member of the Foresters, a beneficiary and insurance organization. Politically he is a Republican, always supporting the nominees of his party. He has never held any township or county offices, nor has he ever desired it, being content to trust the affairs of the county to others, while he looks after the interest of his farm and family.