Obituary of Frederick Amos Switzer, 1908, Ashley County, Arkansas *********************************************************** Submitted by: Carolyn Switzer Date: 16 Aug 2001 Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ar/ashley/ashley.htm *********************************************************** FREDERICK AMOS SWITZER Thanks to Carolyn Switzer for submitting the following! This is from a newspaper clipping written by J. M. Workman after the death of Frederick Amos Switzer in 1908. It was entitled "A Noble Citizen." There are some errors so I will put the correct info in ( ). R. Earl Switzer of Dallas, TX has the original copy. Frederick Amos Switzer was buried in Macedonia Cemetery, Ashley County, AR near Crossett, AR. There is also a biographical sketch of F. A. Switzer in "The History of Arkansas, Ashley County," pages 920-921. "In the passing from this life of F. A. Switzer, a good citizen has gone to his reward. He was born December 29, 1829 (1828) in the Laurens (Orangeburg) District, South Carolina. The writer can testify to the sturdy character of relatives in the home state. Moving to Arkansas in 1859 he settled on his recent homeplace Christmas week of that year. In Christmas Week of 1845 (1853) he was happily married to Miss Julia Drummond. She was taken from him in August, 1905 (1904). A long companionship of 53 (51) years was granted them. With what a brave spirit he and his wife must have possessed to try their fortune in the New West. In our thoughts we can see them planning their new home and the barn for the faithful horses so indispensible to them at that early day. How much alike they must have become in thought and action during the long years. Nine children were born to them, six of whom are living, viz, Mrs. Thompkins of Michigan, Mrs. Green and Miss Nettie Switzer of California, David of Little Rock, Arkansas, Charles and Fred of Crossett, Arkansas. Mr. Switzer united with the Baptist Church before coming to Arkansas and became one of the charter members of Unity Church in which he lived a useful and consistant life. Some fifteen years he was seized with a trouble which became more serious as he grew older. Two days before he passed away he was taken painfully sick and suffered much for a day. But for the last day he rested quietly most of the time. A few weeks before his sickness he left the old home and moved to the home of his son, Fred, two miles southwest of Crossett. There he was made comfortable and had no cares to trouble him. In the presence of David, Charles, Fred and a few friends the spirit left the body January 11 (8), 1908. Sunday afternoon following a large number of friends gathered at Macedonia to pay their tribute of sympathy. The services were conducted by Rev. Hollis, Pastor of Unity Church, assisted by the Reverends DeLoach and Workman of Crossett. Every community needs such citizens as Mr. Switzer was."