My Genealogy Hound

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 Nebraska; 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.