Charles August Swanson

SWANSON, MONSON, LINGWALL, PETERSON, DAHL, NORDBLOM, GUSTAFSON

Posted By: Nathan Lingwall (email)
Date: 9/18/2007 at 23:17:54

Charles August Swanson was born in Smaland Sweden, September 11, 1854 and died October 16, 1939, at the age of 85 years, one month and 5 days. His parents in Sweden died during a Cholera epidemic, as did the youngest child, leaving the other three children motherless and fatherless. August worked as a shoemaker's apprentice as soon as he was old enough to help with the family income. In 1867 when he was 13 years old he came to America with his older sister and brother, traveling from New York overland to Chicago and then to Altoona, Knox Co., Ill. Two years later they came to Webster County, Iowa, traveling by covered wagon. He worked as a farm hand for a number of years until he engaged in farming for himself. In 1890 he purchased the farm on which he lived until he retired in 1924.
He was married on May 14, 1884 to Hulda Monson of Stratford, Iowa. To this union were born 12 children, 5 of whom died in infancy. Six sons and one daughter remain to mourn his passing. Herbert, Oscar and Wesley of Harcourt; Lawrence of Rowley, Iowa; Lloyd of West Chicago, Ill.; Elmer of Wilton Junction, Iowa; and Mrs. Leona Lingwall of Harcourt; also 14 grandchildern and a host of relatives and friends.
Mr. Swanson was preceded in death by his wife who died January 31, 1904, and by his sister, Mrs. John Peterson and his brother Alf. For the last fifteen years he has resided in Harcourt, with his daughter caring for him, as his strength began to fail him. Sickness, however, was practically unknown to him, and he was bedfast only about two weeks before death. Death was due to paralysis that started in his limbs and gradually reached the vital organs.
Mr. Swanson with his wife were charter members of the Methodist church in Harcourt, and in the quiet way characteristic of him, subscribed to and supported those religious agencies and activities in the community. His attendence in church was a recognized part of his weekly program until his difficulty in walking made it impossible to leave his home. He was respected by all who knew him for his honesty in all his dealings. His passing takes another of the few remaining pioneers, who dared so much that they might have a home themselves and their loved ones.
He was burried from the Methodist church in Harcourt. His six sons acted as pall bearers. The Rev. Robert Dahl officiated.
A mixed quartette composed of Mr. and Mrs. Cyrus Nordblom and Mr. and Mrs. Emory Gustafson sang. Mr. Nordblom and Mrs. Gustafson were nephew and niece of Mr. Swanson. Internment was in the Dayton cemetery.