JOHN SWANZEY is a descendant of the Swanzeys who trace their ancestry back to the seventeenth century. The family was first known in this country in Cumberland County, Pa. Our subject’s great-grandfather, John Swanzey by name, had a son William, who lived in Cumberland County, Pa., until after his marriage and the birth of some of his children, when he went to Centre County, Pa., and there made settlement. He was one of the first to settle in that then wilderness. He lived and died there, the county only becoming fairly settled during his lifetime. He was born April 25, 1746, and died in 1824. William H. Swanzey was a successful farmer, who improved his land and left a large farm. He had married a lady of Cumberland County, Pa., by the name of Ann Lusk. Their marriage took place June 28, 1774. She died in Centre County, Pa., about the beginning of the present century.

To William Swanzey and wife were born nine children, of whom the father of our subject, Hananiah, was the youngest, and was born in Centre County, Pa., Feb. 14, 1796. He was reared and educated there and was married, Jan. 1, 1818, to Miss Sarah Harbison, who was a native of Centre County. She came of Irish descent and was born Sept. 27, 1794, and grew to womanhood in her native county. Hananiah Swanzey and his wife came to Illinois in 1852 with part of their family, and settled in Ridott Township, Stephenson County, where their son, the subject of this history, had preceded them in 1846. They made their home with him until their death, which took place July 21, 1858, and Dec. 27, 1857, respectively. The parents were representative people in Pennsylvania, and were respected by all who knew them. A fine example of filial regard is shown by the tender care and solicitude of their son John, in sheltering them during their last days. The parents were Presbyterians, and were consistent members of that church. The father believed in the abolition of slavery, but was a Democrat in politics.

Mr. John Swanzey, of whom we write, was born near the village of Jacksonville, Centre Co., Pa., Feb. 17, 1819. He was reared there to farm life and received only a common-school education, but being of studious habits, and a close observer, he obtained a practical knowledge that has served him to good purpose. After he grew to manhood, he left the Keystone State, turning his face toward the setting sun, and brought up in the great commonwealth of Illinois, establishing himself in Ridott Township. At first he entered eighty acres of Government land. This was in 1847, and by 1850 he had made the wild rose blossom out of the wilderness. In 1852 he had improved his land and built his residence, which was the best building in the township at that time. The new frame building was really elegant, and contrasted smartly with the rude surrounding structures. He has since made this his home and has increased his original holding, until he now has 277 acres of finely cultivated land on sections 10, 15 and 4. He has good farm buildings.

Mr. S. was married Sept. 18, 1849, in Freeport, Ill., to Miss Catharine Smith. She was born in Northumberland County, Pa., Sept. 18, 1828, was educated in her native county, and is the daughter of John Smith, who died in Ohio. Mrs. Swanzey lost her mother, whose maiden name was Anna Murray, when she was only six years of age, and subsequently came to Illinois with an aunt in 1845, and was living in Ridott Township when she met her husband. She is the mother of five children, viz: Lucretia, who is the wife of Joseph Hunt, a farmer in Hardin County, Iowa; William, who is cultivating one of his father’s farms in Ridott Township, and owns besides 160 acres in Franklin County, Iowa; Clara J., living at home; Lucius M., cultivating the father’s homestead, and Mary A.B., residing with her parents.

The two sons were licensed to teach in the public schools of Stephenson County, and followed the calling of educators for a few years. The children all had a good education, having attended school at Freeport, Rockford and Champaign, Ill. Mr. Swanzey and his family are types of the rugged and sturdy earlier members of the Presbyterian Church, and worship at Freeport. Mr. Swanzey is at present an Elder in his church. He has held nearly every office in the township, from Supervisor down, and in politics is a stanch Republican. Mr. Swanzey has in his possession and old pocket-book made in 1761, and originally owned by his grandfather, William Swanzey. It is quite a family relic.

Contributed by Carol Parrish - Portrait and Biographical Album of Stephenson County, Ill. (1888)