Alfred Swain, one of Rush County's old pioneers, and an honored and worthy citizen of Rushville, was born in Union Co, Indiana, September 22, 1825. He was the youngest of four children, three sons and one daughter, born to Thomas and Lydia (Folger) Swain, both natives of North Carolina, of English descent. His father was the son of Joseph and Jedidah (Macy) Swain, both natives of Nantucket Island. His mother was the daughter of Latham and Matilda (Worth) Folger, both of whom were also born on Nantucket Island. His two brothers were Franklin F. and Alonzo, both of whom are deceased. His sister's name is Elvira, who is now the widow of Isaac Barnard, and resides in Clarke Co., Iowa. When he was seven years old, his parents removed to Rush County and located in the woods of Posey Township, where our subject spent his boyhood and early youth assisting to clear and cultivate his fathers farm. His mother died when he was eight years old, after which he continued with his father upon the farm until the latter's death, which occurred January 7, 1846. For about six years thereafter our subject was variously employed, but chiefly as a farm hand and as a clerk. In January 1852, he engaged in general merchandising in Manilla, this county. On the 31st day of December 1852, he had this misfortune of having his store and entire stock destroyed by fire. A loss, which Mr. Swain sorely felt, as it was wholly uninsured. For some four or five years thereafter he was engaged as salesman in a store at Manilla, and other wise employed, after which he spent a period of about five years upon the old homestead, in Posey Township. In 1864, he opened up a country store in Posey Township, which he conducted about four years and a half. He then removed to Arlington, where his attention was given to mercantile pursuits until 1874. In January 1875, he came to Rushville, a resident of which he has been ever since. For about seven years after locating here he dealt in lumber. Since 1881, he has had no regular pursuit, but has been leading the life of a retired citizen. His first marriage occurred September 16, 1852, when Miss Laurinda Barnard became his wife. She was born in Union County, Indiana, July 17, 1825, and was the daughter of Jethro and Sally (Gardner) Barnard, both natives of North Carolina. Mrs. Laurinda Swain died March 18, 1874, and August 1, 1875, Mr. Swain was married to Miss Rhoda E. Barnard, a younger sister of his first wife, who was born in Union County, this state, April 3, 1837. Mr. Swain's first marriage resulted in the birth of three children, as follows: Alva H., born July 15, 1854, Clara E, born October 30, 1856, and Rosa E., born July 15, 1859, died August 23, 1863. Mr. And Mrs. Swain are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The former has been a member of the I. O. O. F. Lodge over thirty-five years. In politics he is an ardent Republican. His first presidential vote was cast for Martin Van Buren in 1848.Since 1856; he has been an ardent supporter of the principles of the Republican Party. He served as Assessor of Posey Township one term, and served this county as Real Estate Appraiser, one term.
