History of Bucks
County, Pa Volume 3 by William H. Davis
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JACOB H. SWARTZ JACOB H. SWARTZ The name which introduces, this record is that of an honored veteran of the civil war» and one of the enterprising agriculturists of Plumstead township, and was also borne by his paternal grandfather, who lived and died in Bucks county, where he followed farming for many years, The family, although its earlier history has not been preserved, was undoubtedly one of the first established in Bucks county. Jacob Swartz, the grandfather, who served in the war of 1812, purchased of Nicholas Swartz in 1812 the farm upon which his grandson and namesake now resides, and the property has since been continuously in the family. Jacob SWARTZ was united in marriage to Miss Ann BLACK, and they became the parents-of six children: Sarah Ann, Thomas B., Catherine, wife of Lewis HORN; Henry Cyrus. and Sophia, who married Abraham GARIS, and after his death Josiah TOMBLIN Thomas B. Swartz, the eldest son of Jacob and Ann (BLACK) SWARTZ, was
born April 16, 1813, upon the farm now owned and occupied by his son Jacob, and his
boyhood days were quietly passed in the usual manner of farmer lads of that period. He
learned the blacksmith's trade in his youth and followed it for a number of years, but
about 1840 regained agricultural pursuits, purchasing the old homestead farm from his
father. He then his entire attention to farming until his retirement from active
business life, about two years prior to his demise, which occurred April 22, 1895. In
all business transactions he was thoroughly reliable and he won the respect and confidence
of his fellow men. In politics he was a Republican, and held the office of school
director at one time. He married Miss Emily Ann BEANS, born October 29, 1814, died May 15,
1899, and they became the parents of four children: i. Levi B, born 10 mo. 26, 1837,
married, 1 mo, 10, 1860, Elizabeth NASH, and their children were: Mary
Alice, born 4 mo. 6, 1863; Abraham Thomas, born 10 mo. 19, 1865; and Emily Ann, born 9 mo.
2, 1867. a. Jacob H., born 9 mo. 23, 1842, married, 12 mo. 5, 1867, Caroline P. MEGINNIS,
mentioned at length hereinafter. 3. Anna Mary, born 8 mo. 29, 1847, married, 10 mo. 30,
1871, Cephas W. MICHENER,
and their children are: Evan W., born 10 mo. 8, 1873; Frank P., born 11 mo. 18, 1875;
Hiram M., born 1 mo. 28, 1878; and Thomas Swartz MICHENER, born 6 mo. 8,
l880. 4. Laura P., born mo. 11, 1855, married, 6 mo. 6, 1881, Stacy B. Emmons, and they
are the parents of one child: Stella Alice EMMANS, born 1 mo. 6, 1885. Jacob H. SWARTZ, the second son of Thomas and Emily Ann SWARTZ,
first opened his eyes to the light of day on the old family homestead September 2, 1842.
At the usual age he enterd the public schools and acquired therein a good knowledge of the
fundamental branches of English learning. He remained at home with his father on the
farm until 1862, when his patriotic spirit being aroused by the continued attempt of the
south to overthrow the Union he enlisted as a member of Company D, Forty-fifth
Pennsylvania Infantry, from which command he was honorably discharged on August 29,
1863. Following his return from the war he again began work for his father, with whom he
remained until 1868. He then purchased the home farm, on which he remained for three
years, when he sold it back to his father. He then removed to Lumberville, where he
engaged in the coal and feed trade for a year and also conducted a general mercantile
store. After a year he purchased the HELLYER farm in Plumstead township,
where he remained until 1807. His son then took charge of the farm, and for two years
Jacob H. SWARTZ carried on agricultural pursuits and also engaged m the
commission business. In 1899 he purchased the interest of the other heirs in the old
homestead property, where he now resides, giving his undivided attention to agricultural
pursuits. He follows progressive methods of farming, utilizing the latest improved
machinery and the scientific methods of rotating crops in order to secure good harvests,
and his fields now annually return to him ft bountiful product. Mr. SWARTZ votes with the
Republican party, and while he has never sought nor desired public office he has held the
position of school director for two terms. Fraternally he is connected with the Knights of
Pythias Lodge, No. 221, at Carversville, Pennsylvania. Mr. SWARTZ has
been married twice. He first married, 12 mo. 5, 1867, Caroline P. MEGINNIS,
and to them were born three children: Flora May, 5 mo. 7, 1869, wife of Thomas S. MICHENER;
Henry, 4 mo. 26, 1874, a resident farmer of Plumstead township; and Emily Ann, 4 mo. 4,
1880, wife of Harry VASSEY. For his second wife Mr. SWARTZ chose Mrs.
Emma MEGINNIS nee STOUT. Text taken from page 230-231 Davis, William W. H., A.M., History
of Bucks County, Pennsylvania [New York-Chicago: the Lewis Publishing Company, 1905] volume
III Transcribed May 2001 by Judy Jackson
of MO as part of the Bucks Co., Pa., Early Family Project, Published May 2001 on the Bucks County, Pa., USGenWeb |