John W. Swalin 1867-1937

SWALIN

Posted By: Karon Velau (email)
Date: 4/17/2020 at 16:17:32

John Werner Swalin
(November 26, 1867 – May 8, 1937)

Pomeroy Herald, Pomeroy, Iowa, Thurs., May 13, 1937, p.1, col.1
Life History of J. W. Swalin
The following is a life history of J. W. Swalin, a prominent farmer of this vicinity, who passed away at his home last Saturday:
John Werner Swalin
John Werner Swalin was born in Tjelmo parish, Ostergotland, Sweden, November 26th, 1867, having thus been a resident of this community over fifty years. April 3rd, 1892, he was united in marriage to Miss Alma Carolina Long. Mr. and Mrs. Swalin established their home on their farm four miles west of Palmer. Last month they celebrated their 45th wedding anniversary at which glad occasion all of their sons and daughters were present to honor and congratulate their parents. Two sons, Albert Warner and John Leonard, passes away in infancy. Mr. Swalin was converted to the Christian faith in his early youth and remained a steadfast Christian unto the end of his life. Shortly after coming to this locality he joined the Mission Covenant Church and has been a faithful and active member through all these years. Brother Swalin was gifted in many ways and he dedicated his gifts to his Lord and Master. During his membership he has rendered valuable service to the church. He was elected deacon of the church in the year of 1898 and has given a continuous service in that office for thirty-nine years. In the year 1900 he was selected for the office of Sunday School Superintendent, which he filled for fifteen years. He was also a teacher in the Sunday school at the time of his departure, which position he had faithfully filled since the time of his Superintendency. During the last year and a half he has been the chairman of the Church. He was also chairman of the present building committee and was deeply interested and largely responsible for the present church improvement. Mr. Swalin was also active in civic affairs and enterprises of the community and held several offices in the same, which testifies of the trust and confidence the community at large had in him as a servant. He was one of the organizers of our local Mutual Telephone Co., served as a member of the township School board, either as President or Director for about twenty years. He was a member of the Farm Bureau and served as director for a number of years. He was also a member of the Board of Directors of the Farmer’s Co-Operative elevator at Palmer for twenty-six years and served as President of the board during the last eight years. Several years ago some of his friends and neighbors nominated him as a candidate for membership in the honorary organization of “Master Farmers” and this honor was conferred upon him in the year 1931.
After a long and useful life it pleased our Heavenly Father to call our brother to his reward. Last Saturday afternoon while occupied with his work, at his home, he suffered a stroke of apoplexy and passed away in a few hours at the age of 69 years, 5 months and 12 days. Funeral services were held Tuesday afternoon at the Mission Covenant Church, north of Pomeroy. Rev. Edmund V. Carlson conducted the service, being assisted by Rev. Aug. Johnson of Bristow, Nebr., and Rev. N. A. Blomstrand of Fonda, Iowa, two former pastors of the church. An octette from the church sang: “My Saviour First of All” and “Safe in the Arms of Jese.” A ladies quartette, composed of four sisters, nieces of the deceased, sang “Rock of Ages.” The pall bearers were Gust Anderson, A. H. Lundberg, C. M. Johnson, August Carlson, Charles Skooglund and John Peterson. The numerous and beautiful floral tributes and the large attendance bore witness of the community’s high esteem for Mr. Swalin. Interment was held in the cemetery of the Mission Covenant Church.
He leaves to mourn his death: his beloved wife; five daughters, Mrs. Victor Gustafson of Harcourt, Mrs. Mabel Hedman, Mrs. Gust Olson, Miss Albertina Swalin and Miss Edith Swalin, all of Pomeroy; three sons, David A. Swalin of Pocahontas, Earl H. Swalin and Clifford W. Swalin, both of Pomeroy; two sisters, Mrs. Emily Johnson and Miss Albertina Swalin both residing in Sweden; three brothers, Charles A. Swalin of Pomeroy, Martin Swalin of Fort Dodge, and Bernard Seljedahl residing in Sweden; also sixteen grandchildren, and a host of friends in this community.