Biography - JOHN SWARTZ
Love has here dictated a few facts that are most salient in the life of
him who was at one time the comfort and support, as well as the clear object
of loving affection, to the companion with whom he lived for many years, and
who, when he was taken away, was left bereaved. Although simple in his
relations both in the family and in his business life, Mr. Swartz was a
manly man and a gentleman in all his dealings. His death occurred at his
home in Pickaway Township, September 28, 1883. He had lived here since 1871,
and during his residence had secured a farm of eighty-two acres on section
thirty-one, which he had improved and put in the best cultivation before his
death.
Mr. Swartz was born in Fairfield County, Ohio, January 2, 1837. His parents
were also natives of Ohio, who came West, settled and died in this county.
Our subject lived in his native county until he arrived at manhood, and
there early learned the duties incident to farmers' life, as the calling of
his father was also that of an agriculturist. When the war broke out, he of
whom we write enlisted in Company F, of the Forty-sixth Ohio Regiment. It
was made up at Columbus, Ohio, and our subject's enlistment was made
February 6, 1861. The regiment to which he belonged was assigned to Gen.
Sherman's command, and under that veteran military genius saw full and
active service. The history of Gen. Sherman's career is so familiar to our
readers that we do not need to recount the desperate battles fought and won,
nor the chances of war run by our subject, whose fate was the same as that
of his commander. The original of our sketch served his full three years,
and after being honorably discharged and receiving particular commendation
for bravery, he re-enlisted as a veteran in his old regiment and served six
months longer, receiving his final discharge July 8, 1865. He was engaged
during his military career in twenty-one hard-fought battles, and many more
skirmishes. He served for some time as Sergeant of his company. After the
war he received a medal from the State of Ohio, which honor was conferred
for noble veteran service. He was never wounded nor taken prisoner, but was
poisoned by drinking impure water; this was in the last days of his service,
but he never really recovered from the sickness brought on.
After Mr. Swartz's return from the army he joined his wife and three
children, having been married previous to his entering into service in
Fairfield County, Ohio, his nuptials taking place February 18, 1856. His
wife's maiden name was Rachael Friesner. She was born in Fairfield County,
Ohio, February 20, 1838. Like her husband, she came of German ancestry,
although her parents. Henry and Rebecca (Seitz) Friesner. were natives of
Ohio and of Virginia, respectively. After marriage they made their home in
Fairfield County, Ohio, and there Mr. Friesner died in 1854, being at the
time forty-nine years of age. His wife came to Shelby County, and here died
September 28, 1887, being at the time eighty years of age. She had been for
many years previous to her death a member of the Baptist Church.
Since the death of her husband Mrs. Swartz manages the estate which he left,
and carries on more efficiently the work of the farm, assisted by her
children, of whom she has six living. They are: William, Emma, Luella, Ida,
Rebecca and Carrie. The son is at home and carries on the active work of the
farm. Emma is the wife of L. Thomas, and resides on a farm in Missouri.
Luella married Edgar Thomas, and takes charge of the domestic portion of his
household in Eustace, Neb. Ida is the wife of Wilson Friesner, and she and
her husband live on the old homestead with her mother. Mr. Friesner is a
painter by trade, and divides his attention by the exercise of his
trade and farming. Rebecca is the wife of John Tolly, and resides in
Pickaway Township. Carrie lives at home, and is the loving assistant and
adviser of her mother in the domestic work of the farm. Mr. and Mrs. Swartz
have ever been associated with the best people of their Township. Mr. Swartz
was a Republican, and a member of the Grand Army of the Republic.
Extracted 17 Dec 2018 by Norma Hass from 1891 Portrait and Biographical Record of Shelby and Moultrie Counties Illinois, pages 573-574.
