I am trying to determine the relationship between John W. Swilling (b:1848 in Georgia) and Jack Swilling the founder of Phoenix Arizona. Could anyone help PLEASE.

Richard Chesney

Your John W. Swilling, b 1848, was a nephew to "Jack" Swilling of Arizona, whose full name was John William Swilling, b 1830. Look for more messages in this forum concerning Swilling, there are several!

Jack Swilling (born John), was born in Anderson County, South Carolina on April 1st,1830. He and Henry Dupa are credited with naming Pheonix. There three other stories on how Pheonix received its name. Jack Swilling lived in Black Canyon City, its current name, and built a house of stone for his (second) wife,Trinidad. They raised several childen here, farmed about 80 acres with irrigation water from the Agua Fria river. Trinidad in a statement refers to several graves on this property. From BBC, Jack moved about three miles down river to the town of Gillette. Gillette was the mill site for the Tip Top Mine.Jack was in charge of the wood cutting, used to fire the mill's boilers. I live in BBC and have a love for local history. Hope this helps your research. There is a lot of Swilling imfo on the internet, plus I have several books and related imfo on J Swilling. Bob

I would like to know if there are any Swillings out there that know of a Leondro Lara, born to Jack Swilling and a possible Benigna Lara in Arizona in about 1862? I would like to make a connection to him if anyone other than my own family knows of Jack and Benigna having a relationship, and Leondro being Jack's son. Jack is listed as the biological father on Leondro's death certificate through the state of Az. also. He was raised in La Mesilla New Mexico by relatives with the surname of Lara, named Romualdo and Antonia. Let me know if you've any knowledge of this. My family just know that Jack came to get Leondro as a young boy after Benigna had died, and Leondro refused to go with him, not knowing Jack other than being his biological father. Let me know if you are aware of this, or if it is true. Joe Lara Bejarano at molly@etcrier.net

I don't beleive there is any documented proof, but Leandro Lara claimed he was a son to Jack Swilling. Jack was in the right place to be his father, so it is possible. If the Catholic church has a record of Leandro's birth or Christening, that may tell who his father was. Other than that, you could say there is a strong family tradition, citing the information found on his death certificate, and the informants relationship.

Linda,
If you are familiar with the historical aspect of Jack Swilling's life, could you please tell me his whereabouts during approx. 1860-1865? I've tried to locate info. off the internet, but I'm still confused. Was he ever in Silver City, Santa Rita, or La Mesilla? I am trying to get a handle on where my greatgrandmother may have met him. If you could shed some light on his whereabouts during that time, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your reply, and I appreciate your help. Joe Bejarano

John W. Swilling b. 1948 was the nephew of Jack (John William) Swilling who founded Phoenix and organized the Swilling Irrigation System.
Jack Swilling was my great great great uncle.