John W. Swinburne, a prominent resident of Delhi, was born in Delhi township, October 23, 1856, a son of John and Sarah (Burley) Swinburne, both natives of England who emigrated to this country in 1852. They first settled at Joliet, Illinois, but after living there for a few years came to Delhi, Iowa, in 1855, in the vicinity of which city the father established a nursery and truck garden. He passed away January 3, 1886, but is still survived by his wife, who has now reached the advanced age of eighty eight years and makes her home with a daughter in Humboldt, Iowa. To them were born ten children, namely: Joseph B., a resident of Washington, D. C.; George, deceased; Mary, the wife of George Clark, of Scranton, Iowa; Sarah, the wife of William Robinson, of Earlville, Iowa; John W., of this review; Rebecca, who died at the age of three years; Josie, the widow of J. U. Rector, of Oneida; Emma, the wife of George C. Junkin, of Smithfield, Nebraska; Arthur, a practicing physician of Albany, New York; and Jennie, the wife of J. H. Savage, of Humboldt, Iowa.

     John W. Swinburne received his education in the public schools of Delhi. After putting aside his text books in 1874 he took up the printer's trade in the office of his brother, Joseph B., who had become owner and editor of the Delhi Monitor in 1871. In 1884 the brother went west and John W. took charge of the office, issuing the paper from that date until 1888. He followed the printer's trade in other cities until 1894, when he returned to Delhi and purchased the farm on section 17, Delhi township, where he is now located. He has held the position of manager of the Silver Springs Creamery Company, a farmers' cooperative concern, for the past eleven years and has proven himself a man of good business and executive ability, directing the affairs of the company with both aggressiveness and discrimination. He understands all the details of the business, which has steadily prospered under his direction. He is also vice president of the Delhi Savings Bank.
      Mr. Swinburne was married on the 27th of October 1880, to Miss Carrie E. Pulver, a native of Ohio and a daughter of Daniel H. and Elizabeth (Saunders) Pulver. Her father was born in Summit, New York, but the birth of the mother occurred in London, England. Both are now deceased. Prior to her marriage Mrs. Swinburne taught school in Delaware county for several years. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Swinburne, namely: Maud E., who was born November 19, 1882, and is now the wife of O. W. Smith, of Hopkinton; and Harry W., who was born January 23, 1887, and is still at home. The latter is a graduate of the Delhi high school and is a member of Delhi Lodge, No. 46, I. O. O. F., acting in the capacity of D. D. G. M. for District No. 28 during 1914. Mr. Swinburne belongs to the same lodge and is also a member of the Modern Woodmen of America. Politically he gives his allegiance to the republican party and has held a number of official positions, being the first mayor of Delhi after the town was incorporated and serving in that capacity for two terms. He has also been justice of the peace for Delhi township for the past twenty years and during his long term of service many cases have come before him for decision and he has invariably endeavored to rule according to the law and equity. His many admirable qualities have won him the loyal friendship of many, who recognize in him a man of strict integrity and honor.