W. L. Swafford, a well known resident of the Sixth District, was born on the 27th of December, 1827, in Grainger County, Tenn. John Swafford, his father, was born in North Carolina, March 27, 1795, and came to Tennessee in the year 1805. He was a farmer. In 1818 he was married to Mary Fields, also a native of North Carolina, born March, 1799. Of fourteen children born to this union, our subject is the third. The grandfather, William Swafford, was a native of North Carolina, and married Nancy Craig, a native of the same State. They came to Tennessee in 1805. He was a farmer. His death occurred October 27, 1857, and the wife died in 1878. The great grandfather, James Swafford, was born in Dublin, Ireland, came to America in 1770. He served for seven years as regimental surgeon in the Revolutionary war. He was married to Rennie Howard, of Dublin. Both lived to an old age. W. L. Swafford, the subject of our sketch, received liberal education at Georgetown, Meigs Co., Tenn. Soon after his school days he began farming in Hamilton County and so continued for about three years. November 10, 1857, he located in Decatur County on the place he now owns, In 1863 he enlisted in the Third Regiment, West Tennessee Cavalry, Union Army and served from June till October, when the regiment was captured; on his way to prison Mr. Swafford made his escape and returned home, where he remained until February then went to Illinois. One year later he again came home and with his family went to Indiana, returning to Tennessee in about six months. January 22, 1853, he was united in marriage to Margurite Roark, a native of Hamilton County. To them were born fourteen children, of whom are living, Mary Ann (Swafford) Moore, John L., Joseph A., Judy C., James W., Isaac D., Henry J., Thomas A., Maggie J., America A., Louisa A. and Sarah C.; Horace M. and an infant deceased. Mr. Swafford is one of the leading Republicans of Decatur County, where he is well and favorably known. He served as magistrate from 1878 to 1882. He is deeply interested in the public schools and all educational affairs. Mr. and Mrs. Swafford are zealous members of the Missionary Baptist Church.

Goodspeeds History of Tennessee