—Scott SwoggerThis farm was purchased in 1950 by Galen and Alice Swogger. We have the complete history of the farm including the original abstract which includes the original land grant. Galen Swogger was a "full-time" farmer and raised corn, oats, wheat and hay for feed on this livestock farm. The primary operation was as a dairy farm selling "Grade A" milk. Registered holsteins were the dairy cattle of choice and for many years this herd was on of the top producing in northern Indiana. While the property is located in Noble County, this registered holstein dairy herd belonged to the Dekalb County Dairy Herd Improvement Association (DHIA) and was for many years the top herd in that association both on a herd basis as well as many individual record producing cows. Additionally, this farm raised hogs, fat cattle and early on eggs and chickens. Three sons assisted in the operation of this farm in addition to Galen and Alice. Sons Todd, Scott and Lee spent many hours assisting in chores as well as farming the 210 acres of this farm.
Today the farm continues in operation after being purchased by Scott and Jane Swogger in 1981. Scott and Jane farmed and raised hogs and fat cattle for a few years as well as later establishing a beef cow/calf herd. Scott and Jane raised two sons who assisted on the farm and participated in 4-H for 10 years each showing dairy steers, beef steers and hogs. The Pre-Civil War home and barns have all now been fully restored giving the property a new look while maintaining and preserving all the history, architecture and craftsmanship associated with the property. Few farms remain today that preserve the old hand hewn construction of the buildings. The original "Dairy Barn" (next to the silo) is in the final stages of restoration as we write this and would make Grandpa Swogger proud to see its restoration take shape and add a few of those finishing touches like dormers and a cupola atop his "favorite" barn!
Today Matt and Andy now each own a piece of the farm just a short distance down the road to the left of this picture where Galen and Alice built a new home in 1981 after Scott and Jane's purchase of the original property. Their purchases occured this year (2011) after the passing of this family's patriarch, Galen Swogger at the age of 85. Their families will soon be established there and the next generation of Swogger's will continue the tradition of growing up and liviing on the FAMILY FARM! They are off to a good start with a next generation for Matt consisting of wife Lisa and son Mason and for Andy consisting of wife Holly, son Landon and daughters Madisyn and Lydia. This new generation is already learning every square inch of the farm through their own exploration.