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582	HISTORY OF CAMBRIA COUNTY.
HARRY SWANK. The Swanks of Pennsylvania are of German origin, and while the representatives of that surname in the state are not numerous there are among them men of character and of action, whose part in the industrial and commercial history of the Commonwealth has gained for their family name an enviable standing in all circles.     Of the branch of the family in Pennsylvania the American ancestor was Jacob Swank, who was one of the pioneers of Somerset county, where he was a farmer. He married and had children, but authentic records of them are meagre.     Samuel Swank, son of Jacob Swank, was born in Somerset township, 1798, spent his life in that locality and died in 1879. He married Katherine Snyder, daughter of Josiah Snyder, who also was an early settler in Somerset county and a thrifty farmer.     Jacob Swank, son of Samuel and Katherine (Snyder) Swank, was born January 6, 1828, in Somerset county. He engaged in business pursuits and for several years carried on a pottery at Davidsville, Somerset county. Mr. Swank came to Johnstown, 1854, where two years afterward Hiram Swank joined him and together they engaged in the pottery business under the firm name of J. Swank Company. The business was continued several years with good success, and in 1862 the firm purchased of Charley Frank the hardware business which was thereafter conducted under the firm name of J. & H. Swank. In 1882 the partnership interests were divided, Jacob taking the hardware store and his brother the pottery. Later Newton Swank, a son, became a partner, the firm name being changed to that of J. Swank & Son. In May, 1889, Jacob Swank, his wife and two youngest children lost their lives in the awful flood of that year, after which the business interests were looked after by his sons, who for some time had been associated with him. For more than thirty years Jacob Swank was identified with the business history of Johnstown, and his efforts were rewarded with success. He is remembered as an honest, capable, straightforward business man and a respected citizen in the community. For many years he was a trustee of the Savings Bank, also stockholder in the First National Bank. For many years he was a member and trustee of the English Lutheran church. In politics he was a Democrat, and for some years a member of the city council.     Jacob Swank married Catherine Border, daughter of Samuel Border, a cabinetmaker and farmer of Somerset county, and their children were: 1. Morrell, born August 6, 1857, married (first) Ella Fry, who was drowned in the flood disaster of May 31, 1889; married (second) Araminta Fry, a sister of his first wife. 2. Newton B., married Naomi Parsons, and is now engaged in business in Johnstown. 3. William, married May Stickler and lives at Walnut Grove, near Johnstown. 4. Harry, see forward. 5. George Washington, treasurer of the Swank Hardware Company. 6. Etta, wife of Charles R. Glock, of Johnstown. 7. Frederick, drowned May 31, 1889. 8. Jennie, drowned May 31, 1889.     Harry Swank, fourth son and child of Jacob and Catherine (Border) Swank, was born in Johnstown, January 6, 1868. He was educated in the public schools, and after completing his studies worked in his father's hardware store and acquired a thorough knowledge of the business. Previous to the death of his father he had charge of the machine and blacksmith department, and afterward, on the organization of the Swank Hardware Company, he had especial supervision of the builders' hardware stock.     The Swank Hardware Company of Johnstown was the successor of the firm of J. Swank, Son & Co. In 1886 Mr. W. E. Parke was admitted

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