Swain, Frank, 1891-1939

SWAIN, KAMP, ACKERMAN

Posted By: Lydia Lucas - Volunteer (email)
Date: 6/13/2021 at 20:33:35

From the Alton Democrat, January 13, 1939:

Frank Swain of Alton Is Called

The whole community was saddened when it was learned that death had claimed Frank Swain, well known farmer residing south of Alton, on Saturday at four o’clock. Mr. Swain passed on after an illness of a year.

Frank Swain, son of Katherine and John Swain, was born north of Merrill on a farm on May 28th, 1891. He spent most of his early life near Le Mars, where on Feb. 10, 1914 he was united in marriage with Miss Elizabeth Kamp. To this union three sons were born, Ivo, Edward and Fabian, all residing at home.

Besides his wife and three children he is survived by his mother, Mrs. Catherine Swain of Le Mars; a brother, Joseph Swain of Tyndall, S.D., and three sisters, namely: Lora, Mrs. E. C. Kliker [or Kiiker] of Tyndall; Carrie, Mrs. Nelson Hart, of Sheldon; and Agnes, Mrs. Harry Duggan of Le Mars.

Mr. Swain was a member of the Eagles Lodge of Le Mars. He was a man dearly beloved by all who knew him, possessed of a happy and jovial disposition. He enjoyed meeting people, always had a friendly word of greeting for all and was always ready to lend a helping hand. He was a loyal member of the Catholic church. His death is regretted by the entire community.

Funeral services were held at St. Mary’s church in Alton on Monday at 9 A.M., Very Rev. Father Neppel officiating. Interment was in St. Joseph’s cemetery at Le Mars. Pallbearers were Nick Fath, Charley Homan, John Pottebaum, John Engeldinger, Paul Van Arb, and Theo. Frederes, Many relatives and friends from a distance came for the funeral, in spite of bad roads.

[Followed by a sentimental poem.]

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From the Le Mars Semi-Weekly Sentinel, January 10, 1939:

FRANK SWAIN WELL KNOWN FARMER DIES
Born Near Merrill, A Son Of Pioneers, Lived In This Vicinity All His Life

Death claimed Frank Swain, 47, member of a well known Plymouth county family, farmer near Alton, at his home Saturday, January 7.

Frank Swain was born near Merrill, May 21, 1891, and was a son of John Swain and Katherine Ackerman and lived all his life in Plymouth county with the exception of a few years when he farmed in Minnesota, and of late years farmed near Alton.

When a young man he was married to Elizabeth Kamp at Creighton, Neb. He is survived by his wife and three sons, Ivo, Edward and Fabian, living at home; his mother, Mrs. Katherine Swain, of LeMars; three sisters and a brother, Mrs. Irwin Kilker of Tyndall, S.D., Mrs. Nelson Hart, Sheldon, Iowa, Mrs. Harry Duggan of LeMars, Joseph Swain of Tyndall, S.D.

Mr. Swain was well known in the community where he spent his life and had many friends. He was a member of the Eagles lodge in LeMars.

Last rites were held Monday morning in St. Mary’s church in Alton, Rev. Father Neppel officiating, and interment was made in St. Joseph’s cemetery in LeMars in the family burying plot. The pallbearers were Nick Fath, Charles Homan, John Engledinger, John Pottebaum, Paul Van Arb and Theodore Frederes. The Wiltgen funeral home in Le Mars was in charge of arrangements.

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RESEARCH NOTES

His death certificate gives his place of death as Fredonia Township, Plymouth County; usual place of abode Alton [the place of death and usual place of abode appear to have been transposed]; born May 28, 1891 at Merrill, Iowa; parents John Swain, birthplace unknown to the informant (Ivo Swain) and Katherine Ackerman, born in Germany; wife Elizabeth Kamp; a farmer for 23 years, last worked at this occupation March 1938; died at 4:10 a.m. January 7, 1939; cause, carcinoma of the bladder, onset 1937.

His World War I draft registration card (Stevens County, Minn., May 1917) gives his residence as Morris, Minn., renting land; claims exemption from the draft based on support of wife and child under 12; medium height and build, blue eyes, black hair.