Jacob Swarthout

Jacob Swarthout, farmer, section 32, Sherman Township, was born in Waterloo, Seneca Co., N.Y., Aug. 16, 1843. John Swarthout, his father, was born at Seneca Falls, N.Y., and has been a farmer and blacksmith during his active life. He is of German extraction and married Amanda Taylor, a native of Wayne Co., N.Y. She died in 1848, in Seneca County. The father is a resident of Ionia County, and is 84 years of age. Soon after the death of his wife he removed to Hillsdlae Co., Mich., removing later to his present location.

After the death of his mother when he was five years of age, Mr. Swarthout was under the care of his father until he was 11 years old, when he took the control of his course of life into his own hands. He found home and employment among the farmers of Hillsdale County until he became a fireman on the Michigan Southern Railroad. He "fired" about 13 months, after which he was entrusted with an engine on the same road, although he was not yet 15. He served in that capacity three years.

He enlisted Aug. 21, 1861, under the second call of President Lincoln for men to aid i the restoration of a "solid" Union, enrolling in the First Michigan Cavalry, uner Colonel Broadhead, who was killed in the second battle at Bull Run. Mr. Swarthour was in the cavalry 15 months, and was a participant in all the fights which his regiment was involved, among which were Winchester, Oliver Heights and the captire of Harper's Ferry. He was discharged for disability, but soon re-enlisted in Battery F, Light Artillery, from Flint, Michigan. His command accompanied Sherman through the Georgia campaign, ad he fought in the following engagements: Resaca, May 14; Pine Hill, June 10; Lost Mountain, June 15; around the Kenesaw Mountains, JUne 22; Atlanta, July 21, 22, 27. (These were contests of 1864.) Aug. 4, 8, 9 and 11, the forces were in action near Atlanta where Battery F had the honor of throwing the first shell. Mr. S. also took part in the battle near Kingston, N.C., March 10, 1865. He received his discharge July 8, 1865, at Jackson, Mich., and returned to Hillsdale County. He resumed his former occupation of farmer, in which he continued four years.In October, 1869, he came to Osceola County, where he made a homestead claim of the real estate he has owned ever since, situated on section 32, Sherman Township, and consisting of 80 acres of land. The entire acreage was in its forest condition, and he has now 55 acres under most creditable cultivation, and forming one of the most desirable and valuable farms in the township. He has recently built a large barn. He is a skilled farmer and a trusted, respected citizen.

Politically he is a Republican, and has served as Township Treasurer.

He was married Nov. 26, 1868, in Hillsdlae Co., Mich., to Emma Convis. They have one child - Ethel - born April 23, 1870. Mrs. Swarthut was born Aug. 22, 1849, in Wheatland Township, Hillsdlae County, and is the daughter of Philo D. and Huldah (Halleck) Convis. The father still resides on the homestead where the mother died, in July, 1867.

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