My Genealogy Hound

FREDERICK SWIHART. Prominent among the early settlers of Sheridan township, and one of the most extensive wool-growers of improved American Merino sheep, is the subject of this sketch. He was born in Tuscarawas county, Ohio, Aug. 23, 1826, and was the son of Frederick Swihart, who was born in Pennsylvania, and is a descendant of the Pennsylvania Dutch. His mother, Mary Swihart, was born in Maryland. They were early settlers of Ohio, and had nine children, our subject being the sixth child. He was educated in the common schools of Ohio. His father died in 1848, and young Frederick with his brother bought the old homestead. Our subject was married Feb. 1, 1852, to Mrs. Isabel Wade, who was born May 7, 1829, in Stark county, Ohio. She is the daughter of George and Frances Binkley, her father a native of Maryland and her mother of Pennsylvania, both of German descent. In the year 1825 her father took his knapsack and went to Ohio, leaving Maryland because it was a slave state. Soon after he went to Ohio he was married to Miss Frances Sterling, a lady of refinement and culture, and a graduate of the ladies’ seminary of Pittsburgh, Pa. After his marriage he engaged in the mercantile business, in which he was very successful. He was one of the leading politicians of his day. Of thirteen children Mrs. Swihart was the third child, and was raised in Canton, Dover, and Shanesville. She was married in June, 1844, to Mr. Wade, a native of Virginia, and by this union there was one child, named George. Mr. Wade died Dec. 15th, same year, and Mrs. Wade returned to her home, remaining there six years. She was then married to Mr. Swihart, who soon after sold his interest in the old homestead and moved to Illinois, where he engaged in farming and sheep-raising about fifteen years. He then sold out and came to Jasper county, Mo., settling on his present fine farm of 360 acres, all improved, in 1869. He has the finest residence in Sheridan township, located on high ground, giving a splendid view of the surrounding country, one being able to see for miles in every direction. He has also other good buildings, one of the best orchards in the county, good spring, and four good wells of water. Mr. Swihart has been in the sheep-raising business for the past forty years, and is one of the most extensive breeders of fine improved American Merino sheep in southwestern Missouri. He has one child, named Charles, and a step-son, George B. Wade; they are both doing business with him. George B. Wade was married to Rebecca J. Sterrett in June, 1881; they have one child, named Charles F., and are now living with Mr. and Mrs. Swihart. Mr. and Mrs. Swihart are both members of the M. E. Church, and take a very active part in all church matters, and in the community none stand higher.