My Genealogy Hound

ISAAC E. McSWANE, Sr., a native of Davidson County, Tenn., was born May 19, 1807, a son of John and Martha (Andrews) McSwane who were the parents of six children, the third born being our subject. The father was a native of the Emerald Isle, but came to this country with his parents when but a boy. He married in Georgia, and died in 1815 in Tennessee, followed by his widow in 1845, also in the same state. Isaac B. was raised on a farm to manhood, securing only a common schooling in youth, which has been bettered considerably in later years by desultory readings. When twenty years old he came to the Hoosier State, and in 1828 began teaching school in Warrick County, which he continued two terms. When it is remembered that his experience as a pedagogue in this county took place over half a century ago, one cannot but wonder what the methods of teaching were in those primitive days compared with the present admirable system. In 1830 he purchased his first land in the county, and in clearing and improving it experienced numerous hardships and privations the present generation can scarcely realize. By industry and frugality he has secured a fine tract of land containing a total of 800 acres, although it is in different portions of the county. Mr. McSwane has lost two wives by death, and is now living with his third wife, who was formerly Miss Elvira Foster. His first wife, Mary Ann (Taylor) McSwane, bore him three children: John D., Andrew J. and Martha J. Elizabeth Hopkins became his second wife, and by him the mother of eight children, these yet living: William C., Mary A., Sarah E., Isaac E., Indiana and Sylvester F. Mr. McSwane is a Democrat, a first-class citizen, and a man respected by an extended circle of acquaintances.