History of early Bent Co. Colorado residents, as compiled from censuses, histories, directories, and other records. Beginning with Rocky Ford, 1880 Federal Census: 1. John H. Swift family John H., age 45, a blacksmith, born in New York Harriet, his wife, age 41, keeping house, born in Ohio Ida, his daughter, age 17, born in Illinois Jennie, his daughter, age 14, born in Illinois Charles E., his son, age 11, born in Illinois John's father was born in Connecticut, mother's place of birth not listed. Harriet's parents were born in Ohio & Pennsylvania -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. David Best family David, age 30, a stock grower, born in Missouri Clementine, his wife, age 18, keeping house, born in Illinois David's parents were born in Missouri and Kentucky. Clementine's parents birthplaces were not listed. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. John Russell Family John, age 39, a hotel keeper, born in Ohio Della, his wife, age 35, keeping house, born in Kentucky Mary, his daughter, age 3, born in Colorado John's parents were born in Virginia. Della's parents birthplaces were not listed. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. Isaiah Dennis or Deweese family (note: difficult to decipher the last name. The Deweese family is part of my husband's family, but I have not come across an Isaiah DeWeese at this time). Isaiah, age 60, a merchant, born in Ohio Esther, his wife, age 56, keeping house, born in Kentucky Isaiah's parents were born in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Esther's parents were born in Pennsylvania & Kentucky. --------------------------------------------------------------------- 5. George W. Swink family George W., age 42, a merchant, born in Kentucky Mary J., his wife, age 42, keeping house, born in Ohio Lewis, his son, age 19, farm labor, born in Illinois William T., his son, age 17, farm labor, born in Illinois Minnie W., his daughter, age 13, at school, born in Illinois Eddie, his son, age 11, at school, born in Illinois Schuyler, his son, age 8, at school, born in Illinois Mattie, his daughter, age 6, at school, born in Colorado Hannah, his daughter, age 4, born in Colorado Oney Bell, his daughter, age 2, born in Colorado George's parents were born in Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Mary's parents were born in Pennsylvania. This family is part of my husband's ancestry. From my research, George W. Swink married Mary J. Cook on 10 October 1854 in Schuyler Co., Illinois. George's parents were Peter Swink and Mariah Beghtol. Mary's parents were Peter & Hannah Cook, who were living next door to the parents of Mariah Beghtol Swink in Schuyler Co. Illinois in 1850. Other children of George & Mary who were not living at home include Lorenzo and Alonzo. In 1900, Otero County was formed from a part of Bent County, and included the township of Rocky Ford. Most of this Swink family was still residing in Rocky Ford, but now Otero county. This family will be featured in Early Families of Otero County when it is ready for publication. ----------------------------------------------------------------