Philena B. Swigart(1853-1933)

SWIGART, CHAMBERLAIN, ELLIS

Posted By: Anne Hermann (email)
Date: 4/8/2008 at 07:44:00

Jackson Sentinel
December 29, 1933

Mrs. Philena B. Swigart, one of the best-known older residents of Maquoketa, died at the family home at 401 West Pleasant St., Tuesday evening, December 26th, at 6:40 o’clock. She had been in failing health for several months.

Born in 1853 in Binghamton, N. Y., the fourth child of Mr. and Mrs. Park Chamberlain and one of a family of twelve children, seven girls and five boys, all of whom grew to adult age. When the daughter Philena was ten years of age the family came west to Wyoming, Iowa. Here she grew to young womanhood and married Josiah M. Swigart of Maquoketa who, for many years, with his brother, edited the Jackson Sentinel of this city. Mr. Swigart passed on November 30th, 1904. Three daughters were born to this marriage; Mrs. R. S. Lackey, St. Cloud, Florida; Mrs. J. E. Shannon, Aberdeen, S. D.; Mrs. G. C. Ellis of this city who survive to cherish the memory of a wonderful mother. Four grandchildren; Mrs. F. J. McGinnity, Flushing, Long Island; Miss Josephine Shannon, Aberdeen, S. D.; Donn Ellis of this city and Robert Lackey of St. Cloud, Florida. Two brothers and one sister, I. C. Chamberlain, Dubuque, Iowa; John Chamberlain of Clarendon, Texas, and Mrs. E. E. Gorton, Norfolk, Nebraska, also survive. Mrs. Swigart had been active until the last several months in social affairs, club and church work. In girlhood she became a member of the Methodist Episcopal church and has ever been faithful to its teachings.

She was a charter member of the Woman’s club of this city serving two years as president, has served as noble grand of Pope Rebekah lodge. Known for her hospitality her home was a gathering place for friends, both old and young, and her friends among the younger people were many. Mrs. Swigart took a lively interest in affairs of home, community and the world at large. A loyal friend, always kind and thoughtful, returning good for evil she faithfully applied the Golden Rule. The memory of her unselfishness, her courage in soul testing hours will always be cherished by those who knew her best. Funeral service will be held Saturday at 2:30 p.m. at the late home, Rev. H. H. Dill officiating. Two musical numbers will be given, a solo “Crossing the Bar” by Mr. Grapengetter and a duet “Sunset” by Mr. and Mrs. Robert Grapengetter. Burial will be in Mt. Hope cemetery.

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