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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)

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