Monona County IA Archives Obituaries.....Swain, Nels February 9, 1933
************************************************
Copyright.  All rights reserved.
http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm
http://www.usgwarchives.net/ia/iafiles.htm
************************************************

File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Carolyn Jarvey iandaz@cox.net December 7, 2009, 9:44 pm

collection of Ada Wingate Norby
Nels Swain Dies Suddenly                           1933

	News of the sudden death of Nels Swain last Thursday afternoon at the 
T. A. Olson home was quite a shock.  Nels had apparently been enjoying good 
health and stayed the night before with Eric and Ole Baker, brother-in-laws, 
who reside near his home.  He had started to walk home and had stopped for an 
hours visit at the Peter Wang home and then stopped at T. A. Olson’s, saying 
he wanted to get warm, but a few minutes after entering the Olson home he 
passed away with heart failure, without even a warning that he might be sick.
	Mr. Swain was a widely known democrat and farm organization leader.  
He was democratic chairman of Jordan township at the time of his death and had 
been for years.  Nels had considerable talent as a public speaker and was 
often called on at various gatherings.  The last public talk the writer knows 
of was at the democratic victory banquet in Onawa.  He accompanied the writer 
to this meeting.  No one enjoyed exchanging political opinions or discussing 
other public questions more than Mr. Swain.  He was at one time a candidate 
for the state legislature and run(sic) several hundred votes ahead of his 
ticket in Monona county and was given a big majority by his home people in 
Jordan and Soldier townships.  Nels will be greatly missed by his many friends.
	Nels Swain was born in Sodre Aurdal Bagn, Norway, on May the 26th, 
1861, the son of Peter and Bertha Swain, the father being a Merchant by 
occupation.  He grew to manhood in his native country, attending public 
schools and at the age of 18 years he entered theMilitary(sic) School in Oslo, 
Norway, graduating in 1881 with the rank of Sergeant.  He was baptized and 
confirmed in the Lutheran faith in Bang, Norway.
	He came to this country in July 1884 settling in the old town of 
Soldier and was employed as a clerk in the general store of Louis Bohn.  Later 
he took up farming as an occupation, and for the past 28 years has resided on 
the present farm in Jordan township.  He was successful as a farmer and built 
up a well improved place.
	Mr. Swain was a pioneer in Monona county, having resided here for 49 
years.  He witnessed the transformation of the barren prairies to fertile 
productive acres.  
	He was united in marriage to Lena Olson on May 26, 1888.  To this 
union were born eight children; three of whom preceded him in death.  Bertha 
passed away in 1903, Peter in 1927 and Ingval in 1919.  Those who survive are 
his beloved wife and five children; namely, Ole, Norval, Roy, Arthur and 
Beatrice, all of Soldier.  Also eight grandchildren.
	He has no other relatives in this country.
	He has always been active in political affairs, having been a 
candidate at one time for the state legislature.  He served his community in 
various capacities and was interested in the welfare of all his neighbors.
	Mr. Swain passed away February 9, 1933 with a heart attack, having 
reached the age of 71 years, 6 months and 4 days.  A man that has always been 
active and radiated a friendly spirit and was well and highly esteemed by 
those who knew him best.  He was loved by his family, his neighbors and a wide 
circle of friends.  He will be greatly missed by the entire community.
	Funeral services were held from the family home and at the church in 
Soldier Sunday afternoon.  A large gathering of old friends payed(sic) their 
respects to the departed.  Rev. Hamlin, father of Mrs. Roy Swain, officiated 
at the services.
	(Followed the Verse, “Just Away”)


File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/ia/monona/obits/s/swain2232gob.txt

This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/iafiles/

File size: 4.1 Kb