Events in the life and history of the Swing family

Front matter

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Chapter I

The use of History. Historic Memoirs. Alsace, Strasburg and the River Rhine. The old family Bible, printed in London in 1712. Samuel Swing. Emigration to America. Landing of the vessel at New York. Journey on horseback through Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York. First settlement on Long Island. Marriage to Sarah Diament. The genealogical tree of the family.

Chapter II

The families now bearing the name of Swing in the United States were descendants from two brothers, Samuel and Jeremiah. Settlement at Pittsgrove, N. J., in 1760. The land was then covered with a dense growth of timber. Tradition informs us that wild game was very abundant. Indian arrow points found imbedded in the soil, and were plowed up on the farms of Abraham Swing, indicating plainly to us that Indians once roamed here, and his “bark canoe” floated upon the waters of New Jersey. Trees with a history. The woodman’s axe and the advance of civilization and improvement. Description of the surrounding country. Property made productive. Names of some of the men who have given material form to the agricultural interest of Salem county.

CONTENTS.

Chapter III. My Grandfather

Another of the prominent men whose birthplace and home were here was Abraham Swing, the son of Samuel, the hardy emigrant who had braved the storms and danger of mid ocean. Names of his descendants. The war of 1812. Stationed at Billingsport. Brigadier General Jeremiah DuBois, Major General Bloomfield and Lieutenant Stewart. Visit of army officers at the farm of my grandfather, who was first lieutenant in the heavy artillery. Recollections of Leonard Swing. Opening the apple and the turnip caves, while my grandfather treated the soldiers. Encampment at Pole Tavern, where the arsenal was then located. Recollections of my grandmother. The dream of a Quaker lady.

Chapter IV. History Of The Arsenal At Pole Tavern

Military organizations in Salem county. Recollections of Majors- Judah Foster and Nathaniel G. Swing. Incidents connected with our Revolutionary struggle in 1776. The arsenal at Pole Tavern. Military training days. Names of the field and staff officers. Soldiers trained for duty by Brigadier General DuBois, Major Bloomfield and Lieutenant Abraham Swing. A post office established here in 1802 called Pittsgrove. The first band of music organized in Salem county. Names of the original members. Description of the guns used in the heavy artillery. Muskets changed from flint to percussion, and used during the late war.

CONTENTS.

Chapter V. Jeremiah Swing

Removal from Pittsgrove, N. J., to York, Pa., in 1764, on the borders of the Susquehanna river. Among the large and stately hemlock, the ash, the elm, and the pine, he saw an extensive field of labor. With three hired men he made a clearing and built his cabin. Floating rafts of logs down the Susquehanna river to Baltimore. Immense tracts of timber land, as yet undisturbed by the approach of civilization or the sound of the woodman’s axe. In this wild and romantic locality his marriage is celebrated, and they commenced housekeeping. They were blessed with abundant health and strength, and the providence of God seemed to smile upon their labors and crown their life with success.

Chapter VI. Two Sons Of Jeremiah

Traveling on horseback from York, Pa., to Salem county, N. J. Marriage of Michael Swing to Sarah Murphy, of Pittsgrove, in 1789. Rev. John Murphy, founder of the first M. E. church in Pittsgrove township. Settlement of Michael Swing at Fairfield in 1790. Licensed to preach the Gospel. Extract from the record of the New Jersey Conference of 1792. Building a church at New Englandtown cross-roads, long known as Swing’s Meeting House. Names of his children. Description of his farm and residence on the south side of Cohansey river. A never-failing spring of water. Following the stream the road led down to the beach. The rising and the falling tide washes the white sand and pebbles upon the shore. The song of the fisherman, the shrill whistle of a steamboat or a tug, breaks the stillness of the morning air.

CONTENTS.

Chapter VII. Michael Swing

The first son born in the family was a bright, intelligent lad, and in his youthful days exhibited tokens of cheerfulness, energy, and ability. In early life he became a student of medicine in the Department of Arts at the University of Pennsylvania, and graduated M. D. Visit of Dr. Charles Swing to Ohio in 1815. Rates of letter postage. No railroads were then built in the United States. Ox teams met on the road hopelessly mired in the mud ; few bridges were then built in Ohio, and the streams of water were difficult to cross. Arrival in Clermont county. Location of Uncle George. Teaching school in Ohio. After the expiration of one year he purchased a horse and saddle, and started for home, taking the old stage road up the west side of the Ohio river to Fort Pitt. Return to New Jersey on horseback. Visit of George M. and his father, Rev. Michael Swing, at York, Pa., in 1816. A two-wheeled gig. First night on the road. The farmhouse of Abraham Swing. Crossing the Delaware in boats propelled by horses. The price of dinner and supper at Lancaster. Arrival at York. The home of our childhood ; the only sister of my father. Arrival of the Doctor from the West ; we missed seeing him on the road. Crossing the Delaware river at Port Penn. Cold winter and summer of 1816. Did you ever ride on a stage coach ?

Chapter VIII

The first Methodist Society in Bridgeton organized in 1804, by Rev. John Murphy and his son-in-law, Michael Swing. A plain house of worship was erected here in 1807. and soon after this society was admitted within the bounds of “ Salem Circuit.” With the exception of Bishop Asbury, who had previously traveled through New Jersey, John Murphy

CONTENTS.

and Michael Swing were the first ministers who preached here. Death of Murphy— burial at Commerce street cemetery. Monument erected to his memory. Recollections of a church member.

Chapter IX. Michael Swing — Continued

The days of Adam and Eve. The Bible picture of a truly blessed man. Second marriage. Recollection of Daniel R. Powell, the apprentice boy. Michael Swing elected to the New Jersey Legislature. Going to Trenton. Return home. Company in the parlor. A good time in the kitchen. The house illuminated. A night surprise. Unexpected dilemma. Joseph, Benjamin, and myself, Whitaker, Wescott and Tyndall. Mr. Powell relates his experience. Associates in the ministry. Swing’s meeting house at Fairfield. The old churchyard. Death inscription upon his monument. In memory of Susannah, second wife of Rev. Michael Swing. For thirty-four years his widow.

Chapter X

SARAH S. ATWOOD.

Brief memorial of her life.

Chapter XI

NATHANIEL G. SWING.

Parental ancestors. Self-culture. First recollections of attending school. Names of teachers. Building a new house. Removal to his farm. Celebration of his marriage. The fruits

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CONTENTS.

of industry. Teacher of the military drill. Assistant commander of the arsenal. Appointed to the office of major. Loved peace rather than war. Collector of taxes. Superintendent of public instruction. Examination and license of teachers. Member of the New Jersey Legislature. Familiar with the political and religious history of the past half century. The family circle. Recollection of a friend, &c. Tough of fiber and stout of heart, he celebrates his ninety-first birthday, March 30th, 1889.

Chapter XII

Historical Review of the Presbyterian Church, Pittsgrove. Sketch of its Pastors and People. Among the first traveling missionaries who visited Salem county in 1738 was Rev. Daniel Buckingham. Building of the First Presbyterian Church ; organized by the Presbytery of Philadelphia, April 30, 1741 ; Rev. David Evans installed the first pastor. Building of the second church during the pastorate of Rev. Nehemiah Greenman in 1767. Death of Samuel Swing in 1801. Inscription on his monument. Death of his wife in 1808. A grove of trees ; a venerable oak. Rev. George W. Janvier ordained pastor, May 12, 1812. Names of the elders elected during his ministry. Names of the leaders of the choir, &c. A very dry summer ; meeting of the pastor and elders to pray for rain. Abiding faith of old time Christians. Kind words will never die. The meetings in the old church well attended. Friends separated for a season. Inscription on tablets of marble. Salem county has given to the world and humanity some of the proudest names in history. Beyond the river. Organization of the Presbytery of West Jersey. Names of churches and ministers belonging to the Presbytery in 1839. Fifty years of Church History, 1839-1889. Three remarkable men. The date of the building of three churches. Names of the pastors of Pittsgrove Presbyterian church, from the year 1741 to 1889.

CONTENTS.

Chapter XIII

JONATHAN L. SWING,

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nfluence of early habits. Religious impressions. The love oi music. Intelligent in conversation and wonderfully gifted in song. Celebrating his marriage. Interesting family of children. By trade and occupation a farmer and mechanic^ Earnest and devoted in his work. A Sunday-school teacher. Fond of Christian company. Firm and lasting in friendship. Health and strength failing. The end approaching. Passing away. Appropriate remarks by his Pastor. Hope and joy in reference to the departed. Tributes to his memory.

Chapter XIV

DR. CHARLES SWING.

Habits of reading and study. Studying medicine under the tuition of Dr. Ewing, of Greenwich. Entered the University of Pennsylvania. Graduated. The first year’s practice at Greenwich, Hopewell and Stoe Creek. Three good doctors. Removal to Salem. Partnership with the late Dr. Benjamin Archer. Marriage. Removal to Pennsville, where he became successful and popular, and remained for several years, until the death of his wife. Removal to Sharptown. Elected to the New Jersey Legislature. Second marriage. Names of father Swing’s children. Approaching seventy years. Return of his son, John, from the gold mines of Colorado and Pike’s Peak. Crossing a provision train. Accident on a ferry-boat. Drowned in Snake River. Marriage of Rev. Firman Robbins to Miss Hannah A. Swing. Recollections of Mr. Robbins while in the ministry. Names of the circuits traveled during a period of twenty-eight years.

CONTENTS.

Chapter XV. Leonard Swing

Brief sketch of his career. Extracts from leading newspapers. Allusion to his death by the press. A farmer by occupation, he believed that labor, either of muscle or mind, was the true source of wealth. Among literary men and the “ newspaper fraternity” he was not unknown. In the midst of a busy life he found time for scholarly pursuits and the study of religious and political history. The family circle. The homestead erected in revolutionary times. Celebration of his golden wedding. Never did he shun, but always rather chose, the harder fields of labor, and the monuments of success are precious and enduring. Obituary notice — Mrs. Elizabeth Swing.

Chapter XVI. Ebenezer Harris

Learning the trade of a blacksmith. Traveling on foot and by stage to Herkimer county, New York. Return to Fairfield. Settlement in Salem county in 1825. Marriage at Pittsgrove in 1827.

Chapter XVII

CAPTAIN JOHN M. SWING.

Building boats on the Cohansey in 1815. The science of navigation. Explores Fortescue Island and Maurice River Cove. The oyster trade in 1825. The sloop “ Oyster Boy the schooner “Swan.” Recollections of Daniel R. Powell. A

CONTENTS.

great storm. Floating ice. Wreck of the “Oyster Boy.” Sinking of the schooner “Swan.” Daylight on the water. The price of oysters in Philadelphia. Inventions to float a sinking ship. Recollections of the late Michael Coates Swing. How thirteen (13) wild geese were captured 'by a single discharge from an old musket. A dark and stormy night in December. At anchor near the mouth of “Straight Creek.” Our little bark, like a feather, tossed on the angry waves so that we could not sleep. Viewing our situation at daylight. Michael Swing’s fishery. How ten thousand rock fish were caught in a seine at one haul by Michael Coates, Benjamin Franklin and Simon Sparks Swing. Catching a porpoise in the Cohansey river. The way to settle a dispute without going to law. How to catch big fish.

Chapter XVIII

Another of the strong men whose birthplace and childhood were here, but whom the waters of the river and bay attracted, Simon Sparks Swing. Nearly all of the people of Fairfield township were interested in oystering. Remarkable oysters. Number of licensed vessels engaged in Maurice River Cove. Cost of working a boat for one season, &c.

Chapter XIX. Historic Memories

Sketch of distinguished men continued. Benjamin Franklin Swing. The ancestral homestead. A cheerful spirit ; a happy childhood ; a good digestion ; a hearty enjoyment of life. By occupation, a farmer, a merchant, a cattle drover, and the admiration of men of limited genius. A big man finds it easier to gain the reputation of being great than does a little one.

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CONTENTS.

Chapter XX. Our Relatives In The West

Marriage of George Swing in 1788. Names of his descendants. A freeholder and grand juror in Cumberland county in 1802. Emigration to Ohio in 1805. Settlement in Clermont county. The log # house. The first clearing made by the running stream. The first years of life in a new country. The comfort and plenty which an earnest faith and a stout arm has finally won for the hardy pioneer. The raising of sheep and cattle. The price of wool. Next he tried hogs. The price of pork in Cincinnati in 1816. The farmer’s dogs. “ Call Wesley and Lawrence, and let the dogs loose ; I cannot have my sheep destroyed in this way.” Steamboat navigation on the Ohio river. Captains McLaughlin and William Swing.

Chapter XXI. Notes Of Travel

Ohio river steamer, Star of the West, from Pittsburg to Cincinnati, crossing the flats below the mouth of the Muskingum river. The Jacob Strader. First Sunday in Cincinnati. Arrival in Clermont county, Ohio. An excellent farmer. The home of Lawrence Swing. Born in Salem county, Sept. 11, 1790, and had lived in Clermont county for a period of sixty years. Marriage of Zachariah Riley and Mary Swing in 1816. A married life of forty-four years. Interesting family of children. The industrious Jerseyman who emigrated to Ohio in 1807, and located near the “Swing Settlement.” We admired his productive farm, looked at his noble herd of cattle, and visited his neighbor. The hard-working farmer. Marriage ceremony in one of the German settlements in Ohio.

CONTENTS.

Chapter XXII. Our Family In The West — Continued

Leaving New Jersey in 1804. Settlement in Clermont county. Building the first stone dwelling house in 1808. The first settlers made great havoc with the timber. Raising corn, wheat, hogs and cattle. When our people first settled here Southern Ohio was one of the grandest forests in the world, and abounded with deer and wild game. The streams of water were full of fish, but my grandfather never ceased to long for fresh mackerel, haddock, sea bass, Jersey shad, and the fish that were caught from the ocean. Cincinnati was only a village, twenty-seven miles from our settlement, and the public roads were little more than cow paths. A large poplar tree. When I was a boy, I happened to be at my grandfather’s house. Letters received from New Jersey. Failure of the Farmers’ and Mechanics’ Bank. Devoted to the church. Recollections of my grandmother. Miss Nancy Crane. Emigration to Ohio a success, alike to himself and family. They become respected and honored citizens. His mind and memory well preserved to the close of life. Another branch of our family. Visit of Captain John M. and Nathaniel G. Swing to Ohio. I love our family name in the United States.

Chapter XXX. M Ich Ael Potter

Incidents of the life of one of Salem county’s centenarians. Born July 18, 1784. Celebrating his 99th, 100th and 101st birthdays. Extracts from the speeches of Messrs. Coombs, Swing, Connelly, Woolford and Edwards at the 101st anniversary. Memorial notice, James Coombs.

Chapter XXXI

Reminiscences of life of A. R. Swing, of Washington City, D. C.

Chapter XXXII

GEORGE M. SWING.

In their day and time the people of Fairfield were possessors of farms, orchards and gardens which Adam, in his innocence, might have coveted ; fine horses, carriages, and stock of expensive breeds. Looking back over the space of fifty years to the humble period when employed as teacher of public schools. From boyhood he was earnest, active and industrious, and in manhood fully sustained a noble reputation. Engaged in the lumber trade. Purchasing timber land. Supplying the ship-yards at Mauricetown, Millville and Bridgeton ; he is also engaged in mercantile pursuits. The oyster boats receive their supply of provisions mainly from the store of Swing & Tomlinson. Personally he was a high type of the “American gentleman,” cordial in his manners, warm-hearted in his methods, and fluent in address. While giving direction to matters of business, there was little that escaped his notice. “ Don’t go to men of leisure when you want anything done ;

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go to busy men.” In the meridian of life death takes out of the list of living men one of the most noted citizens in his native place. Extract from the Dollar Weekly News. Obituary notice by Rev. J. Atwood.

Chapter XXXVI

Recollections of a Salem county school teacher. The end.

ILLUSTRATIONS.

Log Cclblll and Ox _ team Frontispiece.

Chapter.

Portrait of G. S. Swing i

Farm Scene i

Storming a Battery 4

View of the Cohansey River 6

Fishing Boat — Michael Swing’s Fishery 7

Portrait of Nathaniel G. Swing . . . n

Portrait of Rev. George W. Janvier 12

Portrait of Jonathan L. Swing 13

Portrait of Leonard Swing 15

Shad Fishing — Boat in a Storm 17

Drove of Cattle 19

Portrait of Merritt J. Swing 26

Fox Chase 26

Deer Hunting 26

Portrait of Frederick Carman 29

Portrait of A. R. Swing 31

Log School House 36

I

Preface

The following biographical sketches and scraps of history have assumed their present form from the study and examination of ancient dates and records.

Conversation with the oldest and most reliable inhabitants of the counties of Salem and Cumberland has brought to light many important facts hitherto unknown.

This is a biography of men whose early history is little known to the present generation, and as an attempt to recover the personal and intellectual attainments of eminent families from oblivion this work is very valuable. Our people have the right to be informed of the principal events in the lives of those whom they delight to honor, but this cannot be unless these events are recorded and put in shape, and no apology is necessary for adding one more to the numerous biographies which already fill a large space in our literature.

PREFACE.

The author has bestowed upon these pages both labor and research, supplemented by the utmost fidelity in the arrangement and presentation of dates and calculation. All the information within reach has been used to make the statements trustworthy and reliable, as no diary had been kept, and no friendly hand had hitherto attempted to rescue the memory and deeds of our ancestors from oblivion.

The incidents herein related were founded upon fact, and written in testimony of a close and unbroken friendship with aged members of the family who are passing away. It has been said, “ The way to guess the future is to know the past,” hence this work contains important information for the young nowhere else to be found.

We would hereby acknowledge our indebtedness to the Pioneer, Chronicle, Bridgeton Evening News, National Standard of Salem, N. J., and the Cincinnati Gazette for brief family extracts, and also to the many friends who have so kindly responded to “ letters of inquiry,” and those whose personal recollections give additional interest to this work. It is sincerely desired that these sketches may be found instructive and entertaining, and read with pleasure and profit, not only by the present generation,

PREFACE.

but become more and more appreciated as the years roll on.

With this end, a brief review, and hastily written, is all that can be attempted within the limits of this book, although much of interest might be related of other families ; and if I have not referred to each by name, it is not because they have not deserved such mention. Much of what the writer saw, heard, and experienced himself is related in these pages, and the memory of the past is with us to-day. If the scientist, or learned critic, should be disappointed in not finding here profound historical expressions, he will please bear in mind that the majority of readers do not feel interested in hieroglyphics. Hence we have used the most plain and truthful language, and when in want of information in this direction it will be well for the reader “ to look within.”

THE AUTHOR.

OF THE

SWING FAMILY.

Chapter I

ISTORY is a narrative of past events ; it is intend- ) ed to bring truth into the -world ; and it is truth and knowledge that make man intelligent and free. It is usually the recital of national incidents, leaving out the individual lives of all except the most prominent persons; and yet there are events transpiring in family circles which, to those interested, surpass in importance many historic narratives. Memory fails and is lost in the decline and ending of life, but a written document, or a book, reveals the past to present generations.

The biographical history of a family contains a source of information that improves the understanding, strengthens the memory, and is usually attractive both to the young and the old. It might be styled the philosophy of teaching by example ; or moral philosophy exemplified by the lives and actions of men. It adds to our own experience an immense treasure of the experience of those who lived before us, and thereby enables us to enter upon the duties of life with the wisdom and example of our ancesters. It is a matter of regret that we have the means of obtaining so little knowledge of the early history of our family. Had our people kept a faithful journal during the long and eventful period of time covering an epoch in our “national history” the most stirring and eventful, it might prove more interesting reading than the “Problems of Euclid,” or “Greeley’s Recollections of a Busy Life.”

Whoever has had occasion to trace his lineage back to the first settlers of the country has learned the very loose way in which family records are usually kept, and been surprised to find how little intelligent men know about their ancesters. It is not unusual to find family records, but they are in an imperfect state, on stray pieces of paper, liable to be lost, or in small blank books mixed up with family expenses, the births in one place and the marriages in another. It is quite common to find people who cannot tell who their grandparents were, or if they know these, they are ignorant of their grand uncles and aunts. Many who are intelligent thus far, perhaps by reason of a personal acquaintance with these relatives, can trace their kindred no farther back. Not one in a hundred preserves even the names of his ancestors beyond the third generation. As a people we have little pride of ancestry, and are quite too busy with the present to think or care much for the past. And yet the

OF THE SWING FAMILY.

2 9 past has had much to do with our present ; and we who are now upon the stage will have quite as much to do in moulding the characters and shaping the destiny of those who are to come after us. It is a duty that we owe to our children, and children’s children, to put them in possession of the names and dates in the family history with which we are familiar, and which will soon be forgotten if they are not recorded.

Town, church and cemetery records are important in their places, but they ordinarily contain only fragments of a family history. It is always interesting to know where our ancestors lived and what their occupations were. It is desirable that a man should preserve in permanent form not only his own family record, but that of his father and those of his paternal ancestors as far back as he can trace them.

“ But what is the use of the record ?” some will ask, who have a sharp eye to the dollars and cents. It may be of no pecuniary value whatever. It will add nothing to the fertility of your fields and make no better sales for your crops. Pedigree may count for much less pecuniarily in a man than in a horse. And yet it may be worth a man’s while, as a matter of intelligence, to know something of his origin, something of the homes, occupations and characters of his ancestors. The knowledge certainly would do him no harm, and it might throw some light upon the tastes and peculiarities that he sees cropping out in his children, and help him to better methods of training.

It cannot be expected that in a brief sketch of this nature we should attempt to give anything like a connected account of each family, the intention of the writer being only to record some of their most prominent characteristics, and thereby perpetuate a brief memorial of their life. The truth is, the majority of them are of that class which it is rather the province of the biographer than the critic to describe.

Many of the events herein written transpired a number of years ago, and were composed by a writer who lived long after the transactions of which they treat. They were compiled from scattered records, fragments and traditions. Letters of inquiry have been written, and conversation with aged men has brought to light a vast amount of interesting facts previously unknown.

When our forefathers emigrated to America, during the great exodus of independent patriots, probably about the year 1750, two brothers left their home in the south of France, emigrated to the United States, and very early identified themselves with the doctrines and followers of the reformation. Both the French and German language were used and spoken by our ancestors and by many people at that time in this department of France. Among the collection of books we find “ The History of France also an ancient volume entitled “ Exercises to the Rules and Construction of French Speech,” containing a vocabulary of passages extracted out of the best French authors, with reference to the grammar rules, written by “ Monsieur Louis Chambaud,” the book referred to being the fifteenth edition, revised and corrected with many improvements, published in Paris in the year MDCCXXXXVIII, price one crown, bound in leather; a book entitled “ The Treasury of the French, English and German,” containing a vocabulary ; 2d, familiar forms of speech upon the most common and useful subjects, the best, if not the only, help extant for foreigners to attain this knowledge, the eighth edition, printed in London in MDCCXXXXIV (1744). Also an ancient manuscript written on parchment many years ago and marked “ Historical,” Alsace being spoken of as the birthplace and former home of our ancestors. Alsace-Loraine lies west of Baden, and south of Prussia and Belgium. This province borders the River Rhine ; Strasburg, the capital, and located opposite to the German principalities. Hymn books and Bibles were brought with them from the mother country, and were printed in the French and German language. In the old family Bible, printed in London in the year 1712, in the Dutch language, we find the following record: “Samuel Swing, born September 15th, 1729, emigrated to the United States when in his twenty-third year. He was accompanied by one brother, named Jeremiah.”

After passing safely through the storms of mid-ocean the vessel in which our heroes sailed arrived safely in the harbor of New York.

They had considerable means in their possession, it is said, and were fond of adventure, and had brave and daring dispositions ; their active life in Germany, France, and other lands, and their journey across the sea, had taught them habits of economy and self-reliance.

Soon after their arrival in America, Samuel journeyed

HTSTORY OF THE SWING FAMILY.

on horseback through Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and portions of the state of New York, ultimately settling on Long Island, and nearly opposite the city of New York, where several years of life passed away.

He is said to have been a clement, kind-hearted man, with a benevolent face and mild and kindly expression, so like the early fathers of the Church that our hero attracted the sympathy of a lady of great personal beauty, of modest bearing and fine social qualities, whose cognomen is given as Sarah Diament, with whom he formed acquaintance. This acquaintance soon became intimacy, and finally ripened into mutual admiration and love. He was comparatively a young man when he arrived there. His suit prospered, and he was accepted. This young lady who had inspired his heart was the daughter of a wealthy resident of the southern part of Long Island, and there being no objection offered by the parents of Miss Sarah Diamant to this union of hearts and hands, the lovers had nothing else to do but to get married, which they did ; and soon after this event they removed from Long Island to the southern part of New Jersey, purchased land, and settled in Salem county.

The keen eye of enterprise fell upon the spot, capital was invoked, its magic hand was laid upon the place, and, lo ! all was changed.

It is related of himself and wife that they were a strictly religious people, their names being found recorded among the foremost members of the Presbyterian denomination at Pittsgrove, where they continued to

HISTORY OF THE SWING FAMILY.

reside for nearly half a century, winning the confidence and esteem of the whole community. He was willing to live by the sweat of an honest brow, and content to transmit the same heritage to his sons, without hoping that they would aspire to the canvas bags of the money changer, the spindle of the manufacturer, or the pen of the reformer. By constitution the family is conservative ; old wine he never drinks, but they do love old friends and old ways, and believe the generation before him knew something. He is a thoughtful builder, does everything for solid use and nothing for display. On Sabbath morning it was his custom and delight to call the family around him and assure himself that he was