Early Activities
Silas Comfort Swallow was born of staunch Methodist parents. His father George was a trustee of Wyoming Seminary. Before entering the ministry, Silas was employed as a school teacher and later studied law. He served as a lieutenant during the American Civil War.
He entered the Baltimore Conference in 1863 and became a charter member of the Central Pennsylvania Conference upon its organization in 1869. He was reportedly an eloquent and forceful preacher and revivalist. He was eminently successful as a church builder, presiding elder, and editor of The Central Pennsylvania Methodist. In the latter position Swallow vigorously attacked alcohol, spiritual indifference, and corruption in state government. His enemies led a campaign to have him prosecuted and convicted of slander, which verdict was later reversed by the State Superior Court.
Swallow died at his home in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in 1930. He is interred at Paxtang Cemetery near Harrisburg.
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