My Genealogy Hound

SAMUEL N. SWEZEY, a leading member of the Farmers’ Alliance and a prosperous agriculturist of Ripley town, is a son of Daniel and Clarissa (Sperry) Swezey, who was born in the town of Russia, Herkimer county, New York, December 26, 1830. Daniel Swezey was a native of Long Island, this State, with his grandfather; the latter going to Herkimer county from his birthplace among the very first pioneers. It took them three weeks to make the trip with oxen and carts, and upon their arrival they were obliged to chop a home out of the woods. All of the hardships incident to pioneer life were known to them. Before leaving Long Island, he had married Sarah Beal and they reared a family of eight children, five sons and three daughters. The maternal grandfather, John Sperry, came from New England. Daniel Swezey, Jr., was born on Long Island, Christmas day, 1778, and went with his father to Herkimer county, but afterwards came to Harmony, this county, in 1836, and died there in 1847. He was a singularly successful farmer, methodical with his work and careful of all things appertaining to his business. He belonged to the Whig party and served in the war of l812. On December 25, 1805 he married Clarissa Sperry and reared a large family of children, seven sons and seven daughters, all of whom lived to maturity and became good and prosperous citizens.

Samuel N. Swezey was given a superior education at the district schools and the academy, and upon leaving them he spent a number of years in teaching, being very successful in this work. He finally decided to adopt farming and began in Harmony, but changed his residence to Ripley, where he now lives and owns three hundred and twenty-eight acres of good farming land all in one body. When troops were needed to suppress the Rebellion he was drawn, but on account of physical disability was unable to serve. It is on this account that we cannot record any military history under his name. He is a sharp, shrewd and sagacious business man whose ability is recognized by his farmer associates.

On October 6, 1857, he married Sarah Sheldon, a daughter of David Sheldon, of Ripley town, this county, and they have four children: Sheldon, living at home; Flora, Ida and Alice.

Politically Mr. Swezey now favors the prohibitionists, although formerly a republican and has served a number of years in local offices. As one of a committee of three, he has succeeded in securing a post office, to be known as Sheldon’s Corners, of which he is postmaster, the office being in his house. Mr. Swezey is a member of the Farmers Alliance and is its agent for their merchandize business in the town of Ripley.