Here is my story of the surname Sweetman I am seeking information on.
Thomas Sweetman was born abt. 1812 in Pennsylvania. His parents are unknown
but believe is is connected to a line of Sweetmans from Maryland in the
1640's? Thomas is a prominent name in the family. I have yet to prove this
out or make contact with any descendant of that line.
Thomas married Mary? (maiden name unknown) marriage date in mid 1830's,
place unknown. Thomas is found in Deleware Co. Indiana in 1836. He sold
property in 1838 and on the land sales records he is stated as seller along
with his wife Mary. Mary signs away her dower rights to the property as was
the custom of the times. Thomas also bought other property. Both land
purchases are recorded in Deleware County, but one was purchased in 1838
just after he sold his property and the other in 1839 and land records state
he was living in Franklin Co. Indiana at the time. Mary must have died after
1839 and before 1843. Thomas married again to Elizabeth Blackford whose line
dates back to Samuel Blackford who we believe was born in Scotland in
1640/50. The Sweetman family left Indiana and moved to Van Buren Co. Iowa by
1844 where their daughters were born. In researching Thomas Sweetman in
Iowa, I found that he and his first wife had three children. William b.
about 1836, Martin b. 1837, and Jacob b. 1839. I believe this information
was not known to any living descendant of Thomas or Elizabeth Sweetman. So
far!
We believe he had these bros. and sisters, Jacob Sweetman who married
Elizabeth Points, Martin Sweetman who married a Caroline?
Mary Ann Sweetman who married Eli Babb, a Lavina Sweetman and a Susannah
Sweetman who married William Phillips in 1837 Deleware Co. Indiana.
My Thomas Sweetman is a brick wall as far as to who his parents are
concerned.
Nancy M. Boyd