Jeriah Swetland
Jeriah Swetland, London, one of the more prominent retired merchants of this village, was born in Springfield, Sullivan County, N. H., April 28, 1817. His grandparents on his father's side were Jeriah Swetland and Mary Burnham, the latter of whom was an heir to a vast estate in England. One of their sons, Roswell Swetland, was born in Connecticut, was a miller by trade and a farmer by occupation. He resided in New Hampshire during his natural life, and there married Naomi Rockwell, also a native of Connecticut. Of the ten children born to bless this union, only three are living -- our subject, a sister in San Francisco, Cal., and a brother in New Hampshire. Mrs. Swetland died in 1858, and her husband two years later (1860). Jeriah Swetland was the ninth child and fourth son of this large family, and consequently he did not receive the educational training afforded some of the older members of the family. He resided with his parents until nineteen years of age, and then learned the saddler and harness trade, working at that in his native village for eight years. On August 4, 1843, he arrived in London, and soon after engaged in mercantile pursuits, continuing in such two years. In 1847, he went to Pickaway County, and in 1850, to Mt. Sterling, in Pleasant Township, this county. In 1856, he returned to London. and again engaged in mercantile pursuits, this time associating himself in business with William H. Chandler, Sr. In 1866, Mr. Swetland disposed of his interest and retired from business, although the partnership between the two gentlemen has never yet been dissolved. They still own property together. Mr. Swetland, while in business. was very successful in a financial way, and at present owns a half-interest in 185 acres of good land, and also in Swetland and Dixon's business block, in London, and eight acres of home property, upon which is located a very large and comfortable residence. Mr. Swetland was made a member of the Masonic fraternity in 1850, and is connected by membership with the Lodge, Chapter and Council, at London. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and in 1856 was made a member of Mt. Vernon Commandery, Knights Templar, of Columbus, Ohio, the finest organization of its kind in the State. Politically. Mr. Swetland is an able advocate of Democratic principles, and in 1867-68 and 1868-69 represented his district in the Ohio Legislature, being the only Democrat in Madison County elected on the "straight ticket." He has also been a member of the Village Council of London. Mr. Swetland became a member of the Supreme Lodge, American Legion of Honor some years ago. He was united in marriage, May 23, 1841, to Arabella Fellows, who was born at Hanover. N. H., February 1816. Three children were born to them all deceased -- Isabella Miranda born in Lebanon, N. H., June 20, 1842, died in London August 26, 1843; William Jeriah, born at Palestine, Ohio, July 1, 1848, died in London February 12, 1857; Sarah Willis was born at Mt. Sterling, Ohio, May 11, 1851, died in London September 7, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Swetland are earnest and consistent members of the Methodist Episcopal denomination.
From HISTORY OF MADISON COUNTY - W. H. Beers [Chicago, 1883]