| John T. Swift
Well Known Resident Passed Away Saturday, Following A Stroke
Funeral services for the late John T. Swift were held this
morning at 3:30 o'clock at the St. James church, with Father McGuire in
charge. Interment was in Elm Grove cemetery.. Six nephews acted as pall
bearers, Harry, Lloyd and Charles Swift, George Flynn, Len Bruty and Ray Reeves.
Mr. Swift, whose death was announced in Saturday's Journal,
passed away Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock, at his home on East Main
Street. Last June he suffered a slight stroke of paralysis, and while he
was able to resume his farming activities to some extent, the condition
of his health made it imperative the he retire from the farm. He
accordingly moved to Washington late in February and was preparing to
take life easier. Sunday, April 10th, however, he suffered a second
stroke and never regained consciousness.
Mr. Swift could be numbered among the pioneers of this county. He
came here with his parents from Oneida, Illinois, just fifty-six years
ago, and with the exception of about three years, this community has
been his home ever since. His three years absence were spent in Omaha
where he was employed as a mechanic in railroad work from 1887 to 1890.
Took Up Farming
Later he returned to Washington, married Jessie Ellen Reeves, and
settled on the farm southeast of Washington which he still owned at the
time of his death. Mrs. Swift died three years ago. Six children
survive: Francis, a mail clerk in Chicago; Mrs. John Westen and Mrs.
James Lowe of Washington; Patrick of southern Iowa; Jesse of Gary,
Indiana; and Terry at home. Three children died in infancy.
Brothers and sisters also survive as follows: Mrs. John Flynn of
Washington; James Swift, Washington; Mrs. Molly McGugin, Enid, Oklahoma;
Martin Swift, Walker South Dakota, and Abe and Francis Swift, both of
near Washington; and Mrs. Frank Bruty, also of Washington. A half
brother, Richard Swift, is an attorney and resides at Davenport.
The deceased was a son of Martin and Mary Gavin Swift, and was
born at Oneida, Illinois, June 5, 1863.
He was a fine type of citizen. He had a quiet friendly
disposition that made him popular with his acquaintances everywhere. A
good neighbor, honest and industrious, he was held in high regard in this community.
(Washington Journal, Washington, Iowa, April 1927) |
