Ner Alexander Middleswarth

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Ner Alexander Middleswarth (December 12, 1783 - June 2, 1865) was a Pennsylvania businessman and longtime politician.

1 Early life
2 Public service
3 Final years
4 Notes
5 Sources

[edit] Early life

Middleswarth was born on December 12, 1783 in Glasgow, Scotland. In 1792 he moved with his parents, John and Martha, to Northumberland County, Pennsylvania. The log cabin where they lived was located in what is now modern day Beaver Township, Snyder County, Pennsylvania. Ner grew on this farm with his brother Abraham, and his three sisters. His life during this period consisted mainly of farm work, with an apprenticeship as a blacksmith. He married Christine Schwartzkop and raised a family of twelve children.

[edit] Public service

Middleswarth served as captain in a company of the Eighth Pennsylvania Rifles during the War of 1812. This company took part in the Niagara Falls Campaign near Buffalo.

At the completion of his military service in 1815, Middleswarth was elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives. His party affiliation was Whig, and eventually, with the demise of the Whig party, Republican. He was re-elected for thirteen terms during the period of 1815-1842. During his congressional tenure he was named as Speaker of the House in 1828 and 1836. He was elected to the Pennsylvania State Senate, serving from 1853 to 1855.

Middleswarth was elected as a Whig to the Thirty-third Congress. He was not a candidate for renomination in 1854.

In 1858, he served as an Associate Judge of the county. This was his final role as a public servant.

[edit] Final years

Ner was quite successful in business outside of government as well. He was the owner of two saw mills, a grist mill, a clover mill, two distilleries, and 17 farms. His net worth in 1860 was estimated at $130,000. This wealth was lost, however, on a failed iron ore furnace near Paxtonville, PA.

Ner Middleswarth died at the age of 81 years on June 2, 1865. He is buried with his wife at the cemetery in Beavertown.^[1]

[edit] Notes

^ Dunkelberger, George F.: "The Story of Snyder County", pp. 902-904. Snyder County Historical Society, 1948

[edit] Sources

Preceded by Milo M. Dimmick	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 10th congressional district 1853-1855	Succeeded by John Christian Kunkel

Speakers of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives (Since 1791)

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