Swearingen, F. W. – 1819-1903

LANDMESSER, SWEARINGEN

Posted By: JCGS Volunteer
Date: 3/22/2015 at 19:26:59

A Long Life Ended
Mr. F. W. Swearingen, after a short illness, came to the end of a long pilgrimage on earth last Friday morning, January 9, 1903, at the home of his daughter, Mrs. henry Landmesser, two and one-half miles west of Kilduff. The death was not unexpected as he had been failing gradually all fall and knew that the end could not be far off.
Mr. Swearingen was born in Tennessee, May 14, 1819. His parents moved to Virginia in his youth at which place he was reared to maturity. He chose for his calling that of farming and it was successful and prosperous. On the 20th day of February, 1845, he was married to Miss Nancy Stout. Of this union eight children were born, all of whom survive them. In 1869 Mr. Swearingen and family moved to Iowa where they resided until 1885, when he moved to Kansas where he resided until the death of his wife in 1895, she having been his faithful and loving companion during the preceding half century. He came back to Iowa in 1895 where he lived with his children until the time of his death.
In early life Mr. Swearingen united with the Baptist church and for many years after coming to Iowa was a faithful member of same. During the later part of his life he was not identified with the church as to membership, but was a regular attendant as long as he was able. During his last illness he was very patient and traveled a lighted way even to the end. He had the companionship and care of his daughter, Mrs. Landmesser, for several weeks before his death. The funeral was held at the house on Saturday at 11 o’clock a.m., Rev. Martin of the M.E. church being in charge. The singing consisted of favorite songs of Mr. Swearingen. After the funeral services the body was taken to the Hewitt cemetery and laid to rest.
Source: The Newton Journal; Wednesday, January 14, 1903