Ionia County MI Archives Obituaries.....Goodwin, Charles E. 1918 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/mi/mifiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Sandy Heintzelman sheintz@iserv.net November 20, 2009, 12:37 am Portland Observer, 12 Feb 1918 Charles E. Goodwin, “J.K. Swipes,” Venerable Poet and Philosopher, Passes Into the “Great Beyond.” Charles E. Goodwin, known to every reader of the Review as “J. K. Swipes,” passed away late Saturday afternoon, at his home in Christian Bend. His steps had been faltering, he had put away his pen, and his thoughts were of another country. Summed up, they were best expressed in his own words – “As long as no man really knows From whence he came or where he goes, Just let the unknown future rest, And think whatever is, is best.” He had lived to a ripe old age and faced the future blindly, yet unafraid. Early in the winter he came to the village frequently, but after the severe weather came he remained indoors most of the time, lying on his bed, but able to walk around the house. Saturday afternoon he complained of pain and his daughter-in-law, Mrs. Seymour Goodwin, prepared some Swipes applications. A little later he breathed his last. For years he had been troubled with a small cancer on his face, but had refused to have it taken out, and his friends will be glad to know that death came from other causes. He had been having the grip and his age and consequent lack of vitality were against recovery. Mr. Goodwin had been a frequent contributor to the Review since the paper was founded. His verses attracted attention all over the country and have been copied by many of the larger newspapers. He never tried to capitalize his talents, but had often spoken of what he might do in this regard were he younger. He had lived on the banks of the Grand, led the simple life, and his writings were mostly of the simple, homely things that provoked a smile. Quaint in appearance there was the twinkling eye that reflected the humorous view he took of passing events. His wife died several years ago and of late his son, Seymour and family, have lived with him. The farm is located a mile south of Collins. Mr. Goodwin has best told the history of his life in his book, “Christian Bend Ballads,” published by the review. The following is from his own pen, written in his characteristic style: “The mother of this blot on the heretofore beautiful hemisphere, was born on the high seas, aboard the Katie Belle, bound from Glasgow to America, in 1795, and my father was born in Granville, Washington county, New York, while the defendant was ushered into existence in the town of Benton, Yates county, New York, in 1831. “I spent my early life principally in Angelica, where I attended school and absorbed what education there was in sight, and when I graduated I was considered the best all around fish catcher and hand sled manipulator in the whole category of competitors. “In 1846-7 my father, mother, dog and I, with a covered wagon, made the trip to Portland, following the lake shore road, passing through Dundee, Toledo, Sandusky, Cleveland, crossing the great Maumee swamp, which was forty miles long and macadamized. A toll gate was in evidence every few miles, where we were held up for one shilling each time. It cost 25˘ to cross the Maumee river. Then we crossed the Cottonwood swamp, with its 10 miles of floating logs passing for a bridge. We were 22 days in reaching Portland and our cash account showed 50 cents on the right side of the ledger. “My history since coming to Portland is altogether too well known, but I have managed to keep out of state prison and the republican party, and have successfully dodged the income tax. I never indulged in grafting or perjury, a trait so essential to the holders of official positions, and though I have never been approached it is hard to tell what might have happened under different conditions. “I have been farmer, shoemaker, groceryman, and incidently, have catered to the gigantic thirsts of the early pioneers, and while I was not supposed to be an adept in miracles I have frequently turned water into wine in the interests of myself and customers, while my spare time has been spent in fishing, hunting, trapping, and hobnobbing with the dusky youths who one roamed at will through the dense forests and floated gleefully on the sparkling waters of the fishladen Grand. “And Now Grim Death I’ll try to foil Until my lamp runs short of oil.” The surviving children are George E., John, Frank, Howard, Seymour, Rolla, Edward L. Goodwin, and Mrs. Ida M. Mills, the latter residing at Leslie. Funeral services are to be held at the house Tuesday afternoon at 1:00. Rev. John H. Stewart, of the Baptist church will officiate. File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/mi/ionia/obits/g/goodwin1413nob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.net/mifiles/ File size: 5.1 Kb