Swan, Francis (1677-01-01 - 1740-07-31)

The exact birth date of Francis Swan is unknown. He was baptised in January 1676/7, the son of Aldrich Swan (1645-1714), rector of Kington Magna and Langton Long, Dorset, and his wife, Sarah. Francis was admitted pensioner at Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge in April 1694. He graduated B.A. in 1697/8, and proceeded M.A. in 1701. He was ordained as deacon and priest in London in 1700/01. Swan became rector of Langton Long, near Blandford, Dorset, after his father's death in 1714. He was instituted to the rectory of Silton and Kington Magna, Dorset in 1726 and 1727, respectively, holding both of these livings until his death before 31 July 1740. His brother Aldrich (1673-1749) succeeded him as rector of Kington Magna. The Swans thus ministered at Kington Magna for a total of eighty years.