Miami County, Ohio Genealogical Researchers -- Sponsored by the Computerized Heritage Association


    FRANKLIN SHERMAN SWEARINGEN

    FRANKLIN SHERMAN SWEARINGEN, township assessor of Lost Creek Township, Miami County, whose farm of eighty, acres in Section 1, lies on both sides of the Casstown and Addison Turnpike Road, also on Springfield, Troy and Piqua Traction lines, was born June 20, 1864, in a log house that still stands on what was his father's farm near Winchester, Adams County, Ohio. His parents were John Llewellyn and Nancy Jane (Carson) Swearingen.

    The Swearingen family originated in Holland and can be traced by its members as far back as 1656. The father of Franklin S. Swearingen was born in Fayette County, Pennsylvania, and in 1828 accompanied his father to Ohio. The family floated down the Ohio River in a flatboat until they reached Manchester, Adams County. The first selection of a farm proved to be an undesirable one and the grandfather, John Swearingen, removed to a second one and subsequently acquired more than 300 acres of fine land, all of which is still held in the Swearingen name. This land was covered with such a valuable growth of timber that he subsequently sold seven uncleared acres for $1,000 in cash, a remarkable transaction for that day. He died on that farm in 1887, having reached his eighty-fifth year. His wife probably was of Welsh descent as her name was Llewellyn, and she lived to be eighty-three years of age. They had twelve children two of whom died in infancy, and the others were: Thomas, who lives in Iowa; John Llewellyn; Rebecca Ann, who is deceased; Andrew J., who lives in Adams County; Minerva, who lives in Iowa; Drusilla, who lives on the old farm; Matilda, who lives also in Adams County; Benjamin, who owns the old farm; William Allen, who lives in Illinois; and Nancy Ellen, who resides in Adams County.

    John Llewellyn Swearingen was born October 2, 1828, and was five years old when he accompanied his parents to Ohio. In early manhood he was engaged in school teaching for several years, and afterwards became interested in stock dealing and horse buying, developing keen business perceptions along this line, and for a number of years he was engaged in buying livestock in Kentucky, bringing them from there to Adams County, where he fed them for the eastern markets. He was a prominent man in local political circles and three times was elected auditor of Adams County, his third election being with the largest majority of all and at a time when party lines were badly disorganized. He died October 28, 1875, a short time after the close of his term of public service. He married Nancy Jane Carson, who died February 1, 1903, when aged seventy-three years. They had seven children, namely: William Albert, residing in Illinois, who married Naomi Lafferty; Laura M., deceased, who was the wife of Joseph W. Shinn, also deceased; Franklin Sherman; Mary and an infant, both deceased; John E., residing at Addison, who married Lou Hughes; and Jessie, who died in early years.

    Franklin Sherman Swearingen remained at home until his own marriage, in the meanwhile attending the district schools and later the High School at West Union. After his marriage, in 1887, he bought farm on Brush Creek but before moving on it he followed farming in Illinois for a few years, but in 1899 he sold his Adams County place and came to Miami County and bought this improved farm from David Long. Mr. Swearingen carries on his agricultural operations according to modern approved methods and believes in making machinery take the place of muscle whenever it is possible. He does not raise registered stock but handles only well established breeds.

    Mr. Swearingen was married August 30, 1887, to Miss Mary Edith Williams, a daughter of Henry and Laura (McClanahan) Williams, of Adams County, and they have had three children: Laura Relela, who died aged ten years; Ora Lulu and Mary Winona. Mr. Swearingen and family are members of the Methodist Church, although he was reared a Baptist. He has always taken an intelligent interest in public matters and enjoys the confidence of his fellow citizens. In the spring of 1907 he was appointed township assessor by the Board of Trustees and in the fall of the year he was elected to the office on the Democratic ticket. He is a member of

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