... In his time, General John Swan was the largest speculator in the lands of what is now Garrett County, Maryland. In 1798, Swan was assessed with over 35,000 acres, and later he owned 50,000 acres. John came to America as the heir of his uncle, Robert, who died, unmarried, in Annapolis, 5/4/1764. John soon moved to Frederick County and later to Baltimore. John died 8/21/1824. Buried in a vault in Westminster Presbyterian Church, Baltimore [with wife, and son James]. 1777 Captain of the Third Continental Dragoons, promoted to major in 1780. Served until end of Revolutionary War. Then made General of the Maryland Militia. Personal friend of Washington and Lafayette. Owned enormous tracts of land in Maryland and Virginia. Swan bought many of the lots awarded to soldiers of the Maryland line in 1788, as many of them never lived on these military lots. John Swan m. 7/12/1787, Elizabeth, daughter of George Maxwell. Children: Robert b. 1788, John b. 1790, George M. 1791, James 1792. John and Robert lived for a while in Garrett County. John Jr. in Gortner, Garrett Co. Robert lived at "Swan's Meadows" southeast of Gortner. George lived in Georges Creek Valley, Allegheny County, MD. James remained in Baltimore. James m. Elizabeth Donnell. ...
