Swindal, Francis John 1857-1933

SWINDAL, FLACK

Posted By: Marilyn Holmes (email)
Date: 3/21/2011 at 00:09:00

The Grinnell Herald; July 7, 1933

FRANK SWINDAL OF MALCOM DIES

Funeral services for Frank Swindal, prominent Malcom and Poweshiek county resident, who died at his home Sunday evening after a two years' illness, were held Wednesday afternoon. The service in the Malcom Methodist Episcopal church was preceded by a short service in the home. The officiating minister was the Rev. P.D. Aldershof, pastor of the Malcom M.E. church. The church was packed with relatives and friends.

A quartet composed of Mrs. A.T. Armstrong, Miss Vesta Scott, W.S. Smiley and T. Smiley, sang two selections, "Gathering Home" and "It Is Well With My Soul." Mrs. C.T. Scott and Miss Vesta Scott sang "Going Down the Valley." At the cemetery the quartet sang "In the Sweet By and By."

Pallbearers were: W.A. Palmer, Charles Douglass, Horace Royce, John Eichhorn, James Nowak and James McClure.

Francis John Swindal, son of William and Mary Flack Swindal, was born near Lisnaskea, County Fermanaugh, Ireland, Nov. 2, 1857.

When he was three years old his parents came to America and settled at Oxford, Penn., later coming to Davenport, Iowa.

In 1874 he came with his parents and younger brother, William, to Poweshiek county, and settled on the old homestead in Scott township. Here he grew to manhood and attended school.

He had always enjoyed robust health and strength until three years ago, when he was taken ill with the flu and was confined to his room for eleven weeks. Four the past two years he had been in failing health, and during the past seven weeks endured most intense suffering, but withal, was ever patient and appreciating the thougtful ministrations of his loved ones.

He passed away quietly Sabbath eve, July 2, 1933, at 7:35, only 7 months and 1 day after the passing of his brother and life time companion, William, aged 75 years and 8 months.

He is survived by his beloved wife, son and daughter, and two granddaughters, Betty and Ruth, and many other relatives.

Mr. Swindal was a man ever loyal to his convictions of right, and faithful in all his duties in life. He was ever a lover of the beautiful in nature, enjoying the beauty of flowers and animal life.

In his funeral address Rev. Aldershof paid great tribute to the departed, praising him for his unselfish life, his great interest in and devotion to his relatives, his neighbors, his friends, his church and his community. He was a seeker after the good, and enjoyed life in doing it, finding both the beautiful and the good, Mr. Aldershof remarked.