My Genealogy Hound

JOHN E. SWANSON was born near Hudikswall, Sweden, in December, 1847. He is the second of a family of five children born to Swan and wife. His mother was a native of Sweden, a woman of great industry, and possessed many of the virtues belonging to her sex. She died in 1885, aged sixty-six years. His father is now a resident of Phelps county, Nebr., where he located a homestead about thirteen years ago. He is now in his seventy-fifth year.

John E. Swanson, our subject, was reared in his native place, and received an ordinary common-school training. He came to America with his parents in 1867, being then about twenty years of age. He made his first stop in Minnesota, and remained there ten years. Coming to Nebraska in the fall of 1877, he settled in Phelps county, and located a homestead on the southwest quarter of section 34, township 7, range 18, Center township. He began life in the West in the usual way, by building a sod house, and the first few years witnessed something of a struggle, the hail and drouth playing havoc with his crops. Although he was discouraged he never gave up, hut determined to remain by the home of his choice. He worked hard and managed well, and has begun to reap the reward of his patient toil and self-sacrifice.

Mr. Swanson married, taking to share his life’s fortune Miss Cristina Swanson, a daughter of Swan Swanson, a native of Sweden, but now a resident of Furnas county, Nebr. After his marriage he began the struggle of life in earnest, and by perseverance, good judgment and industry he has won a marked success. He has accumulated considerable property, and is recognized as one of Phelps county’s prominent farmers. He now owns one of the best farms in the county, having eighty-five acres under cultivation, raises mixed crops, and has given much time and attention to stock. His sod house has given way to a comfortable frame, surrounded by all necessary outbuildings. To Mr. and Mrs. Swanson have been born two children, as follows — Albert T. and Hester T. In politics Mr. Swanson is a republican, and takes an active interest in his party. He has been school treasurer of his district, and is highly esteemed by the people of his township and county.