Individual Details
John Henry SWANSON
(12 Apr 1812 - 12 Aug 1863)
1840 Silver Creek Precinct, Stephenson Co., IL:
John Swanson, head of household. William Sherman and family on one side and Edward Swanson and family, including Mary most probably, on the other side.
1 m 20-30 [1810-1820]
1 f 20-30
2 m under 5 [1835-1840]
1 Jun 1850, Putnam Co., IL, pg. 65, stamped pg. 33:
John Swanson, 38 (1811-12) born Indiana. Farmer, real estate owned $3, 000, can read and write
Hannah Swanson, 31 (1818-19), born Ohio, can read and write
Aaron Swanson, 10 (1839-40), born IL
Matilda Swanson, 7 (1842-43), born IL
Myron Swanson, 5 (1844-45), born IL
Rachel J. Swanson, 4/12 (abt Jan/Feb 1850)
Isaac Sherman, 25 (1824-25), born Ohio, farmer, real estate of $900.
1 Jun 1860, P.O. Visalia, Twp. 2, Tulare Co., CA, page 3, dwelling 21:
John Swanson, 40 (1819-20) born Indiana. Farmer, real estate $6, 000, personal property $2,500.
Anna Swanson, 41 (1818-19), born Ohio.
John Swanson, 23 (1836-37), born IL, farmer
Aaron Swanson, 21 (1838-39), born IL, farmer
Matilda Swanson, 17(1842-43), born IL
Miron Swanson, 15 (1844-45), born IL
Ruth Swanson, 4 (1855-56), born CA
Burton Swanson, 2 (1857-58), born CA
In 1860, Henry Myers, 22, born IL, was next door.
The article on Burton Swanson in Guinn's book states that John was born in Indiana and lived there until after attaining his majority."Migrating westward, he spent a few years in Illinois, but on hearing the exciting reports of the discovery of gold in California he came by boat to this state in 1849. Meeting with fair success as a miner, he went back to Illinois in 1850 for his family, with whom he returned,crossing the plains in 1851 with an emigrant train drawn by ox-teams.Locating at Mud Springs, Eldorado county, he engaged in mining and also established a trading post, which he conducted for a year. Coming to Tulare county in 1852, he took up land six miles east of Visalia, and partly improved it. Subsequently removing to Lemon Cove, he bought land, and there engaged in farming and stock raising until 1862, when his house was washed away by the floods, and his crops destroyed. He then returned to his original homestead, the possession of which he had retained, and here resided until his death, August 12, 1863." It later states that he and Hannah had 12 children; 7 sons and 5 daughters.
The article in the same book on the Duncans, states that "John Swanson was a native of Union County, IN, who came to IL and located in Putnam County where he conducted a flour mill. Later he engaged in farming,in 1850 crossing the plains to California by means of ox teams. Upon his arrival he engaged in mining in Eldorado County until the following year, when he returned East for his family, which he brought back in 1852. They left their home in the Prairie State March 5th, and arrived in Placerville in August. There the father engaged in mining operations. He eventually went to Suisan City, Solano County, and took up land, which he found was a Spanish Grant, so in June, 1854, he located near Visalia, Tulare County, where he bought 480 acres of land. Later he added 200 acres of school land, and in 1858 bought the 740 acres which comprises Lemon Cove. He there built the Lemon Cove ditch and did much toward the development and up-building of this section, and he afterwards sold the property. His death occurred in August, 1863. His wife, formerly Hannah Sherman, of Ohio, also died near Visalia."
The article in the same book on Amanda Swanson, has some additional information. It says he built the first irrigation ditch in Tulare County. He came to CA in 1849, crossing the plains, and upon his arrival in the state followed mining in Tuolumne county, near Gold Hill. In 1851 he went east via Panama, and after disposing of his holdings, returned with his family, consisting of his wife, Hannah,and their children. He took up 1800 acres in Tulare county, in what is now known as the Lemon Cove country, where he was a successful pioneer, inheriting the sturdy traits of character which distinguish the natives of England, from which country his father had immigrated to America.
A letter from Annie Mitchell, Tulare County Historical Society, to Mrs. Wells, dated 10 Apr 1982, says that J.H. Swanson took part in the Tule River Indian War of 1856. He signed up as a member of Captain Foster deMasters Company on March 29, 1856. He served 24 days. The men were allowed by the state, 40 cents a day for their horse, 12-1/2 cents a day for clothing and were paid $12 a month. The muster roll shows that he was paid a total of $13.20. She also said that on March 3, 1864, "under an order from Brig.-Gen. Dobie, the Tulare Home Guards held a meeting on Saturday 29th ult., to elect a captain. On the first ballot, Mr. J. H. Swanson was chosen captain, beating his competitor, Lieut. J. T. Collins by two votes." No documentation other than the letter.
John Swanson recorded a brand in Tulare Co., CA, in Book A page 99.Page in the original, old book is 102. Copy of brand in file. Dated 7 March 1858.
Will of John Swanson dated 10 Aug 1863, signed by his mark and witnessed by S. C. Brown provides: to daughter Ruth Swanson, born 5 Sept 1855, the following land: the NE qtr of S 25 T18S R25E in Tulare County and nominated W. S. Powell of Tulare County her guardian until she reached 18. To wife Hannah, 1/2 of all horses and cattle he owned.To son Myron Swanson, 1/2 of all horses and cattle he owned. To wife and son Myron jointly, the following property in Tulare County: the East fractional half of the NE qtr of S3 T18S R27E and the NE fractional quarter of the NW qtr of S2 T18S R27E and the West fractional half of the NW qtr of S2 T and R East aforesaid: Also the SE 1/4 quarter of the NW qtr of S3 same township and range: Also the SW qtr of S2 T and R last aforesaid: Also the North half of the SE qtr of S eight? (can't tell if there might have been more) T and R aforesaid: also the NW fractional qtr of the NE qtr of S 3 same township and range aforesaid. To son John Henry Swanson, all the remaining portion of his personal estate after debts paid. Son John Henry was named sole executor of the will. Will was #51, filed 22 April 1864 in Tulare County, CA. Papers in the probate give his death date as 12 Aug 1863. In the file is a petition dated 31 Dec 1873 for legacy of the estate of John Swanson filed by O.H.P. Duncan. It stated that although the will stated wife Hannah and son Myron were to receive a tract of land and the will had supposedly been settled and all distribution made, that no distribution was actually made. O.H.P. petitioned to be named administrator.
Nov. 1887 another petition was acted on and it states that John Henry Swanson is still executor. Part of the 80 acres in question is now vested in William Mehrtens and the remainder is vested in Columbus B. Moffett, Eugene L. Moffett and John L. Moffett and on 10 Nov. 1887 was finally distributed.
Probate for John Swanson shows total value of his personal estate at death was $2,123.00, including real estate valued as follows: (1) NE1/4 of S25 T18S R25E, valued at $320. (2) E fract 1/2 of NE 1/4 & NW fract 1/4 of NE 1/4 & SE 1/4 of NW 1/4 of S3 T18S R27E valued at $440.(3) N 1/2 of SE 1/4 of S8 T18S R27E, valued at $100.
Birth and death dates of parents and ten children are from Mamie Swanson Clark. She wrote to Ethel Pratt Brown 22 Oct 1978 saying the list had been copied by her mother from the old Swanson family bible,which she (Mamie) gave to her brother Perry and "someone evidently tossed it away" as she couldn't find a trace of it. This is where the birthdate of 1839 for Aaron came from apparently. Without a photocopy, have no way of telling if all dates were written at once or done as they happened.
John Swanson, head of household. William Sherman and family on one side and Edward Swanson and family, including Mary most probably, on the other side.
1 m 20-30 [1810-1820]
1 f 20-30
2 m under 5 [1835-1840]
1 Jun 1850, Putnam Co., IL, pg. 65, stamped pg. 33:
John Swanson, 38 (1811-12) born Indiana. Farmer, real estate owned $3, 000, can read and write
Hannah Swanson, 31 (1818-19), born Ohio, can read and write
Aaron Swanson, 10 (1839-40), born IL
Matilda Swanson, 7 (1842-43), born IL
Myron Swanson, 5 (1844-45), born IL
Rachel J. Swanson, 4/12 (abt Jan/Feb 1850)
Isaac Sherman, 25 (1824-25), born Ohio, farmer, real estate of $900.
1 Jun 1860, P.O. Visalia, Twp. 2, Tulare Co., CA, page 3, dwelling 21:
John Swanson, 40 (1819-20) born Indiana. Farmer, real estate $6, 000, personal property $2,500.
Anna Swanson, 41 (1818-19), born Ohio.
John Swanson, 23 (1836-37), born IL, farmer
Aaron Swanson, 21 (1838-39), born IL, farmer
Matilda Swanson, 17(1842-43), born IL
Miron Swanson, 15 (1844-45), born IL
Ruth Swanson, 4 (1855-56), born CA
Burton Swanson, 2 (1857-58), born CA
In 1860, Henry Myers, 22, born IL, was next door.
The article on Burton Swanson in Guinn's book states that John was born in Indiana and lived there until after attaining his majority."Migrating westward, he spent a few years in Illinois, but on hearing the exciting reports of the discovery of gold in California he came by boat to this state in 1849. Meeting with fair success as a miner, he went back to Illinois in 1850 for his family, with whom he returned,crossing the plains in 1851 with an emigrant train drawn by ox-teams.Locating at Mud Springs, Eldorado county, he engaged in mining and also established a trading post, which he conducted for a year. Coming to Tulare county in 1852, he took up land six miles east of Visalia, and partly improved it. Subsequently removing to Lemon Cove, he bought land, and there engaged in farming and stock raising until 1862, when his house was washed away by the floods, and his crops destroyed. He then returned to his original homestead, the possession of which he had retained, and here resided until his death, August 12, 1863." It later states that he and Hannah had 12 children; 7 sons and 5 daughters.
The article in the same book on the Duncans, states that "John Swanson was a native of Union County, IN, who came to IL and located in Putnam County where he conducted a flour mill. Later he engaged in farming,in 1850 crossing the plains to California by means of ox teams. Upon his arrival he engaged in mining in Eldorado County until the following year, when he returned East for his family, which he brought back in 1852. They left their home in the Prairie State March 5th, and arrived in Placerville in August. There the father engaged in mining operations. He eventually went to Suisan City, Solano County, and took up land, which he found was a Spanish Grant, so in June, 1854, he located near Visalia, Tulare County, where he bought 480 acres of land. Later he added 200 acres of school land, and in 1858 bought the 740 acres which comprises Lemon Cove. He there built the Lemon Cove ditch and did much toward the development and up-building of this section, and he afterwards sold the property. His death occurred in August, 1863. His wife, formerly Hannah Sherman, of Ohio, also died near Visalia."
The article in the same book on Amanda Swanson, has some additional information. It says he built the first irrigation ditch in Tulare County. He came to CA in 1849, crossing the plains, and upon his arrival in the state followed mining in Tuolumne county, near Gold Hill. In 1851 he went east via Panama, and after disposing of his holdings, returned with his family, consisting of his wife, Hannah,and their children. He took up 1800 acres in Tulare county, in what is now known as the Lemon Cove country, where he was a successful pioneer, inheriting the sturdy traits of character which distinguish the natives of England, from which country his father had immigrated to America.
A letter from Annie Mitchell, Tulare County Historical Society, to Mrs. Wells, dated 10 Apr 1982, says that J.H. Swanson took part in the Tule River Indian War of 1856. He signed up as a member of Captain Foster deMasters Company on March 29, 1856. He served 24 days. The men were allowed by the state, 40 cents a day for their horse, 12-1/2 cents a day for clothing and were paid $12 a month. The muster roll shows that he was paid a total of $13.20. She also said that on March 3, 1864, "under an order from Brig.-Gen. Dobie, the Tulare Home Guards held a meeting on Saturday 29th ult., to elect a captain. On the first ballot, Mr. J. H. Swanson was chosen captain, beating his competitor, Lieut. J. T. Collins by two votes." No documentation other than the letter.
John Swanson recorded a brand in Tulare Co., CA, in Book A page 99.Page in the original, old book is 102. Copy of brand in file. Dated 7 March 1858.
Will of John Swanson dated 10 Aug 1863, signed by his mark and witnessed by S. C. Brown provides: to daughter Ruth Swanson, born 5 Sept 1855, the following land: the NE qtr of S 25 T18S R25E in Tulare County and nominated W. S. Powell of Tulare County her guardian until she reached 18. To wife Hannah, 1/2 of all horses and cattle he owned.To son Myron Swanson, 1/2 of all horses and cattle he owned. To wife and son Myron jointly, the following property in Tulare County: the East fractional half of the NE qtr of S3 T18S R27E and the NE fractional quarter of the NW qtr of S2 T18S R27E and the West fractional half of the NW qtr of S2 T and R East aforesaid: Also the SE 1/4 quarter of the NW qtr of S3 same township and range: Also the SW qtr of S2 T and R last aforesaid: Also the North half of the SE qtr of S eight? (can't tell if there might have been more) T and R aforesaid: also the NW fractional qtr of the NE qtr of S 3 same township and range aforesaid. To son John Henry Swanson, all the remaining portion of his personal estate after debts paid. Son John Henry was named sole executor of the will. Will was #51, filed 22 April 1864 in Tulare County, CA. Papers in the probate give his death date as 12 Aug 1863. In the file is a petition dated 31 Dec 1873 for legacy of the estate of John Swanson filed by O.H.P. Duncan. It stated that although the will stated wife Hannah and son Myron were to receive a tract of land and the will had supposedly been settled and all distribution made, that no distribution was actually made. O.H.P. petitioned to be named administrator.
Nov. 1887 another petition was acted on and it states that John Henry Swanson is still executor. Part of the 80 acres in question is now vested in William Mehrtens and the remainder is vested in Columbus B. Moffett, Eugene L. Moffett and John L. Moffett and on 10 Nov. 1887 was finally distributed.
Probate for John Swanson shows total value of his personal estate at death was $2,123.00, including real estate valued as follows: (1) NE1/4 of S25 T18S R25E, valued at $320. (2) E fract 1/2 of NE 1/4 & NW fract 1/4 of NE 1/4 & SE 1/4 of NW 1/4 of S3 T18S R27E valued at $440.(3) N 1/2 of SE 1/4 of S8 T18S R27E, valued at $100.
Birth and death dates of parents and ten children are from Mamie Swanson Clark. She wrote to Ethel Pratt Brown 22 Oct 1978 saying the list had been copied by her mother from the old Swanson family bible,which she (Mamie) gave to her brother Perry and "someone evidently tossed it away" as she couldn't find a trace of it. This is where the birthdate of 1839 for Aaron came from apparently. Without a photocopy, have no way of telling if all dates were written at once or done as they happened.
Events
| Birth | 12 Apr 1812 | Union Co., Indiana |  | ||
| Marriage | 27 Aug 1835 | Putnam Co., Illinois - Hannah SHERMAN | | ||
| Property | 30 Jul 1836 | Bk E pg 283, LaSalle Co., IL. John Swanson and Mary Swanson, mortgage of $2600 on SW 1/3 S12 T33 R1. Filed 5 Nov 1836. From Grantee Index. - LaSalle Co., Illinois | |||
| Property | 16 Mar 1837 | Patent No. 1628 issued and cancelled by John Swanson. Same property, same patent No. re-issued 6 Oct 1847. - Putnam Co., Illinois | |||
| Property | 23 May 1839 | Book M pg 118, Putnam Co., IL. John Swanson bought, for $800, S half of W half NE qtr, S36 T33N R1W, 40 acres & S half E half NW qtr S1 T32N R1W - Putnam Co., Illinois | |||
| Census | 1840 | Silver Creek Pct,, Stephenson Co., Illinois | |||
| Property | 2 Oct 1841 | Bk 6 pg 428, LaSalle Co., IL. John Swanson and Mary Swanson bought for $1500 pt S14 T33 R1. Info from Grantee Index. - La Salle Co., Illinois | |||
| Property | 6 Oct 1847 | Patent No. 1628 for the SW qtr S12 T33N R1E, 160 acres, issued to Mary Swanson and John Swanson. Near land of John Myers, Peru Township, LaSalle County, IL.. - LaSalle Co., Illinois | |||
| Property Sale | Bet 1848 and 1852 | W - NE NW 1, 32, NW. Copied from index with no date of deed. - Putnam Co., Illinois | |||
| Property | Bet 1848 and 1852 | Bk Q pg 4 Putnam Co., IL. John Swanson from Jo Miller and Henry Delong. Info from Grantee Index-no date or property. - Putnam Co., Illinois | |||
| Property | Bet 1848 and 1852 | Bk R pg 231, Putnam Co., IL. John Swanson from N.G. Wedgewood & wife. Info from Grantee Index-no date or property. - Putnam Co., Illinois | |||
| Property | Bet 1848 and 1852 | Bk R pg 501 Putnam Co., IL. John Swanson from Loren Wright. Info from Grantee Index-no date or property. - Putnam Co., Illinois | |||
| Property Sale | Bet 1848 and 1852 | Bk Q pg 338, Putnam Co., IL. John Swanson & wife & J. Miller etal to Henry Delong, pt "NE NW 36, 33 N1W" & pt "NE NW 1, 32, NW". Copied from index with no date of deed. - Putnam Co., Illinois | |||
| Property Sale | Bet 1848 and 1852 | Bk R pg 389, Putnam Co., IL. John Swanson & wife to Joseph Kilby, long legal. Copied from index with no date of deed. - Putnam Co., Illinois | |||
| Property Sale | Bet 1848 and 1852 | Bk R pg 500, Putnam Co., IL. John Swanson & wife to Isaac Sherman, long legal. Copied from index with no date of deed. - Putnam Co., Illinois | |||
| Property Sale | Bet 1848 and 1852 | Bk S pg 543, Putnam Co., IL. Putnam Co., IL. John Swanson & wife to Mary Swanson. Long legal, last part of which reads "which is deeded to Isaac Sherman". - Putnam Co., Illinois | |||
| Property | 13 Jun 1848 | Bk P Pg 307 Putnam Co., IL. John Swanson "of Putnam County" bought for $50 an Undivided 1/9 part of abt 43 acres: NE qtr NW qtr S1T32R1W of 3rd PM & 40 acres at NE qtr NW qtr S36T33R1W. - Putnam Co., Illinois | |||
| Census | 1 Jun 1850 | Putnam Co., Illinois | |||
| Property Sale | 5 Jan 1852 | Bk 26 Pg 412, LaSalle Co., IL. John and wife Hannah and Mary Swanson sold for $1400 pt S14 T33 R1. Info from Grantor Index. - LaSalle Co., Illinois | |||
| Property Sale | 15 Jan 1852 | Bk 26 Pg 471, La Salle Co., IL. John and wife Hannah sold for $25.00 pt of S14 T33 R1. Info from Grantor Index. - LaSalle Co., Illinois | |||
| Property Sale | 2 Mar 1852 | Bk 28 pg 209, LaSalle Co., IL. John and wife Hannah sold for $490 pt S10 T33 R1. Info from Grantor Index. - LaSalle Co., Illinois | |||
| Property Sale | 3 Mar 1852 | Bk 27 Pg 79, LaSalle Co., IL. John and wife Hannah and Mary Swanson, release on pt S14 T33 R1. Info from Grantor Index. - LaSalle Co., Illinois | |||
| Census | 1 Jun 1860 | Twp. 2, Tulare Co., California | |||
| Property | 1 Nov 1860 | Patent No. 126916 to John Swanson for 22.86 acres, Lot 7 of SENE, S25 T18S R25E, Tulare Co., CA - Tulare Co., California | |||
| Property | 1 Nov 1860 | Patent No. 130519 to John Swanson for 97.39 acres. Lot 1 of SWNW & Lot 2 of NWNW, S2 T18S R27E, Tulare Co., CA - Tulare Co., California | |||
| Property | 1 Nov 1860 | Patent No. 130520 to John Swanson for 96.33 acres, Lot 1 of SENE & Lot 2 of NENE, S2 T18S R27E, Tulare Co., CA - Tulare Co., California | |||
| Property | 1 Nov 1860 | Patent No. 130524 to John Swanson for 50.45 acres, Lot 2 of NENW, S2 T18S R27E, Tulare Co., CA - Tulare Co., California | |||
| Property | 1 Nov 1860 | Patent No. 130525 to John Swanson for 95.37 acres, Lot 1 of SWNE & Lot 2 of NWNE, S3 T18S R27E, Tulare Co., CA - Tulare Co., California | |||
| Property | 1 Nov 1860 | Patent No. 130526 to John Swanson for 40 acres, Lot 1 of SENW, S3 T18S R27E, Tulare Co., CA - Tulare Co., California | |||
| Property | 15 Nov 1860 | Patent No. 81736 to John Swanson (Military warrent to William Haun) for 160 Acres, SW of S2 T18S R27E, Tulare Co., CA - Tulare Co., California | | ||
| Property Sale | 20 Dec 1860 | Book D Pg 251, Tulare Co, CA. John and Hannah Swanson, of Tulare Co., CA, granted to O.H.P. Duncan for $200, the following: The SW 1/4 S30 T18S R26E, MDB&M, containing 160 acres. John Swanson signed his name and Hannah Swanson made her mark. - Tulare Co., California | |||
| Property | 22 Jan 1861 | Patent No. 127020 to John Henry Swanson for 160 acres, E half SE qtr & W half SE qtr & Lot 2 of NWSE, S25 T18S R25E, Tulare Co., CA. Father or son??? - Tulare Co., California | |||
| Property | 22 Jan 1861 | Patent to John Swanson recorded Book L page 36. No. 128427 to John Swanson for 160 acres, Lot 1 of E half of SW & Lot 2 of NWSW, S30 T18S R26E, Tulare Co., CA - Tulare Co., California | |||
| Will | 10 Aug 1863 | Tulare Co., California |  | ||
| Death | 12 Aug 1863 | At home, Tulare Co., California | | ||
| Burial | Aft 12 Aug 1863 | Deep Creek Cemetery, near Exeter, Tulare Co., California | |||
| Probate | 9 May 1864 | Tulare Co., California | | ||
| Reference No | 852 |
Families
| Spouse | Hannah SHERMAN (1819 - 1877) |
| Child | John Henry SWANSON (1838 - 1897) |
| Child | Aaron SWANSON (1839 - 1915) |
| Child | Edward J. SWANSON (1841 - 1842) |
| Child | Matilda SWANSON (1843 - 1926) |
| Child | Myron SWANSON (1846 - 1873) |
| Child | William SWANSON (1846 - 1846) |
| Child | Rachel SWANSON (1850 - 1852) |
| Child | Rachel Jane SWANSON (1852 - ) |
| Child | Ruth SWANSON (1855 - 1898) |
| Child | Burton SWANSON (1858 - 1925) |
| Child | Oliver Perry SWANSON (1860 - 1926) |
| Father | Edward J. SWANSON (1769 - 1829) |
| Mother | Mary MYERS (1781 - 1853) |
| Sibling | Mary SWANSON (1814 - 1884) |
| Sibling | Edward J. SWANSON (1820 - 1852) |
Notes
Will
Copy in possession of the author.Endnotes
1. John Swanson cemetery record.
2. Swanson/Sherman marriage certificate.
3. Bureau of Land Management, "," ( : accessed 13 July 2010), .
4. John Swanson Probate.
5. Probate File.