GEORGE M. SWAIM, Sheriff of Richland County, (Illinois) a prominent citizen and one of the old settlers, now makes his home in Olney. He is a native of the Buckeye State, and was born in Highland County, on the 11th of April, 1850, being a son of George and Jane (Mitchell) Swarm. His father was born in Vermont, December 8, 1814, and was descended from an old New England family. In 1840, he removed to Highland County, Ohio, with his parents. There he was married and engaged in blacksmithing in Pricetown. In 1855, he decided to try his fortune in Richland County, Ill., and in March of that year located in Preston Township. Subsequently he removed to Denver Township, where he worked at his trade for some time, and at length, in 1887, he removed to Olney, where he still makes his home. The mother of our subject died on the 31st of January, 1885.
George M. Swarm, whose name heads this record, acquired his education in the public schools. He accompanied his parents on their various removals, and remained with them until after he had attained his majority. No event of special importance occurred during his boyhood and youth, but after reaching man's estate he was married to Miss Ida Wolverton. The wedding ceremony of the young couple was performed on the 13th of March, 1887. The lady is a daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Wolverton, and a native of Ohio, her birth having occurred in Butler County, that State.
At the age of nineteen, our subject embarked in the profession of teaching school, and was thus employed for fourteen terms in Richland County.
Immediately after his marriage, he came to Olney, and received the appointment of Deputy Sheriff under Sheriff Wycloff Higgins. Mr. Swarm served in that capacity until the fall of 1890, when he was elected Sheriff, and entered upon the duties of the office in December of that year. His previous duties as Deputy Sheriff made him well fitted for the new position, which he has filled with credit to himself and to the satisfaction of his constituents. In politics he is a Democrat, and warmly advocates the principles of that party. He also served for five terms as Supervisor of Denver Township, a fact which indicates his faithfulness and fidelity.
The union of Mr. and Mrs. Swarm has been blessed with one child, a son, Galen, who was born in Olney on the 12th of May, 1888. Mr. Swarm is a member of Olney Lodge No. 140, I. O. O. F., and of Newell Camp No. 61, M. W. A. His wife holds membership with the Methodist Episcopal Church. They are people of sterling worth and have a large circle of friends and acquaintances in this community. Our subject has long been a resident of Richland County and his well-spent life has won him universal respect.

 

Portrait and Biographical Record of Effingham, Jasper and Richland Counties Illinois, Containing Biographical Sketches of Prominent and Representative Citizens, Governors of the State, and the Presidents of the United States. (Chicago: Chapman Brothers, 1887), p. 369.

 Transcribed by Judy Rosella Edwards.