Person:James Swan (4)

Published in the Ingham County Demorat on Nov 5, 1913 p.6, Col 6 - DEATH OF JAMES SWAN - James Swan, who came to Ingham county in the early history of the state and whos early life was closely identified with the early history of the county, passed away Tues of last week at 9.30 morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs.J.A.Davidson in Ingham Twp, the day after his 89th birthday. Funeral services, conducted by Rev.Nellie S. Baade of Detroit were held at the home of his daughter the following Fri 11am with interment in the Hawley cemetery beside the remains of his faithful companion for more than half a century. Deceased was born in Orleans county, NY on Oct 27, 1824. At the age of 16yrs he made a trip to Ingham county. Mr.Swan had a remarkable record and could tell stories of pioneer life and his experiences during the early history of Michigan. He came to Dexter, following an ox trail for 30miles to the home of his brother, John. It was often his boast that he called the first cotillion ever danced in Michigan west of Detroit. His family have many records which he made by playing this old time music into a phonograph. On Mar 4, 1852 he married Miss Ann Francisco at Knowlesville, NY. A few months later the young couple started for Michigan and sailed in a boat from Buffalo, which they afterward learned had been comdemned. While crossing Lake Erie so many floats were broken from the paddle wheels that the captain only dared make one stop on the way to Detroit. From Jackson they came to Ingham in an ox cart carrying their furniture they had pruchased in Jackson. Mr. Swan's daughter has in her possession the deed of the farm her father bought at that time, together with all the tax receipts, the first one showing that he paid $2.11 in taxes on his 80-acre farm. M&M Swan took a trip to Wyoming in 1890; he enjoying the big game hunting. On Mar 4, 1902, they celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. In 1905, Mrs.Swan died and since that time Mr.Swan's home has been with his children. In the dooryard at the Swan home were two cherry trees. A few years ago Mr.Swan cut them down & had them sawed into lumber...for 3 coffins, one for him & his wife & one for their daughter, Mrs.Ina Davidson. Four children survive him: sons, Reuben & Robert E. of Ingham twp. & George of Isabella county and one daughter, Mrs. Davidson.

Sec 24 some SWAN family's buried here - Ann, w/o James, born Aug 31, 1831 & died Jan 31, 1905 - James born Oct 27, 1824 & died Oct 28, 1913 - Iva J, d/o J & A, died Nov 19, 1862 aged 2y9m