Van B. Swearingen Expires
Died from a paralytic stroke at his home Monday morning – something concerning his life –
The Funeral Service
Again death as invaded our community and removed therefrom one of our most distinguished and highly esteemed citizens, Van B. Swearingen, who died at his home in this city Monday morning at 5:45 o’clock from a complication of stomach and kidney diseases that resulted in a stroke of paralysis. He was stricken Saturday morning, almost six o’clock, and continued to grow worse until death relieved his suffering. At about eleven o’clock Saturday night he lost consciousness and members of the family, who were all at his bedside, realized that the end was rapidly drawing near. Everything possible was done to save his life, but all efforts proved to no avail. The hand of death could not be stayed.
Van B. Swearingen was born in Adams County, Ohio June 2, 1837; died at his home in St. Joseph, Illinois January 21, 1901, aged sixty-three years, seven months and nineteen days. The father, Andrew J. Swearingen, was born in Pennsylvania and emigrated from that state to Ohio. In the year 1843 his father removed to Illinois, first settling in the western part of Homer Township. But soon afterword moved one mile south of the present town of St. Joseph. His son Van B., remained in Ohio making his home with his Uncle, Allen Swearingen. His mother died when he was but 2 years of age. In 1847 he came to Illinois and lived with his father until 1851, at which time his father died. He then went to live with Benjamin Bartely, where he resided until he was twenty-one years old. He then went to farming for himself on rented land and as he acquired teams followed trading in stock. He was gifted with shrewd business qualities and during two years managed to accumulate sufficient capital to enable him to commence business, pay his accounts. In 1864 he bought land near the present town of St. Joseph and followed trading in stock for a number of years. The business resulting was very profitable to him. In 1870, with Wm. O. Shreve as his partner, he engaged in the mercantile business in St. Joseph, opening the first store in the town. The business carried on very successfully until 1881, when he sold out to his partner, Mr. Shreve. He was also head of the firm of Swearingen, Woodin, and Co., who operated in coal, grain, lumber and implements quite extensively. He continued with this firm until 1884, since which time he has been actively engaged in business, but his time has been wholly occupied looking after his vast farming interests. He has always manifested the keenest interest in public affairs, religiously, politically and socially. Politically he was a Republican casting his first vote for Lincoln in 1860 and was always a prominent and influential party worker. He represented his township for several years on the board of supervisors; was a member of the school board for fifteen years and also a member of the village council for several years. Religiously he was a member of the Christian Church, St. Joseph, having taken membership with the church in 1882 under the ministry of Elder J. W. Perkins. He was one of the deacons, also Superintendent of the Sunday School for several years. He took a great deal of interest in his church and was a liberal contributor in support. His many kind of words exhortation, consultation and cheers will long be remembered by his brethren. Socially, he was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, also a member of the Urbana Commandery and Knights Templars. Mr. Swearingen will be greatly missed by his fraternal brethren.
His father was twice married. By his first marriage he had two sons Thomas and Van B. Thomas died at eighteen years of age. His father again married in 1843 to Rebecca Reeves. Five children were born to this union. A.C. who lives in St. Joseph, is the only surviving one, the other four having died in infancy. In 1861 Van. B. Swearingen was married to Lydia Bartley, daughter of Benjamin Bartley. To this marriage were born three children, U.G. Swearingen who is a resident of Champaign, is the one living, the others dying in infancy. His first wife died in April 1867. In March 1872 he was again married, this time to Amanda Patterson, daughter of John K. Patterson. To this union were born three children, one dying in infancy and Mattie who died at the age of four years. Miss Maude who has remained at home has been a great deal of comfort to her father. He leaves at this time to mourn his departure, his devoted wife Amanda Swearingen, his son U.G. and his daughter Miss Maude, besides his brethren in the church, his fraternal brethren and the entire community are mourning for the loss of a kind, indulgent husband and father, the church, a ready and willing counselor, his lodge, a worthy member, the community, and honored and respected citizen. His many sterling qualities we all try to emulate.
St. Joseph Record, 26 Jan 1901
Transcribed by the Homer Historical Society
Died from a paralytic stroke at his home Monday morning – something concerning his life –
The Funeral Service
Again death as invaded our community and removed therefrom one of our most distinguished and highly esteemed citizens, Van B. Swearingen, who died at his home in this city Monday morning at 5:45 o’clock from a complication of stomach and kidney diseases that resulted in a stroke of paralysis. He was stricken Saturday morning, almost six o’clock, and continued to grow worse until death relieved his suffering. At about eleven o’clock Saturday night he lost consciousness and members of the family, who were all at his bedside, realized that the end was rapidly drawing near. Everything possible was done to save his life, but all efforts proved to no avail. The hand of death could not be stayed.
Van B. Swearingen was born in Adams County, Ohio June 2, 1837; died at his home in St. Joseph, Illinois January 21, 1901, aged sixty-three years, seven months and nineteen days. The father, Andrew J. Swearingen, was born in Pennsylvania and emigrated from that state to Ohio. In the year 1843 his father removed to Illinois, first settling in the western part of Homer Township. But soon afterword moved one mile south of the present town of St. Joseph. His son Van B., remained in Ohio making his home with his Uncle, Allen Swearingen. His mother died when he was but 2 years of age. In 1847 he came to Illinois and lived with his father until 1851, at which time his father died. He then went to live with Benjamin Bartely, where he resided until he was twenty-one years old. He then went to farming for himself on rented land and as he acquired teams followed trading in stock. He was gifted with shrewd business qualities and during two years managed to accumulate sufficient capital to enable him to commence business, pay his accounts. In 1864 he bought land near the present town of St. Joseph and followed trading in stock for a number of years. The business resulting was very profitable to him. In 1870, with Wm. O. Shreve as his partner, he engaged in the mercantile business in St. Joseph, opening the first store in the town. The business carried on very successfully until 1881, when he sold out to his partner, Mr. Shreve. He was also head of the firm of Swearingen, Woodin, and Co., who operated in coal, grain, lumber and implements quite extensively. He continued with this firm until 1884, since which time he has been actively engaged in business, but his time has been wholly occupied looking after his vast farming interests. He has always manifested the keenest interest in public affairs, religiously, politically and socially. Politically he was a Republican casting his first vote for Lincoln in 1860 and was always a prominent and influential party worker. He represented his township for several years on the board of supervisors; was a member of the school board for fifteen years and also a member of the village council for several years. Religiously he was a member of the Christian Church, St. Joseph, having taken membership with the church in 1882 under the ministry of Elder J. W. Perkins. He was one of the deacons, also Superintendent of the Sunday School for several years. He took a great deal of interest in his church and was a liberal contributor in support. His many kind of words exhortation, consultation and cheers will long be remembered by his brethren. Socially, he was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, also a member of the Urbana Commandery and Knights Templars. Mr. Swearingen will be greatly missed by his fraternal brethren.
His father was twice married. By his first marriage he had two sons Thomas and Van B. Thomas died at eighteen years of age. His father again married in 1843 to Rebecca Reeves. Five children were born to this union. A.C. who lives in St. Joseph, is the only surviving one, the other four having died in infancy. In 1861 Van. B. Swearingen was married to Lydia Bartley, daughter of Benjamin Bartley. To this marriage were born three children, U.G. Swearingen who is a resident of Champaign, is the one living, the others dying in infancy. His first wife died in April 1867. In March 1872 he was again married, this time to Amanda Patterson, daughter of John K. Patterson. To this union were born three children, one dying in infancy and Mattie who died at the age of four years. Miss Maude who has remained at home has been a great deal of comfort to her father. He leaves at this time to mourn his departure, his devoted wife Amanda Swearingen, his son U.G. and his daughter Miss Maude, besides his brethren in the church, his fraternal brethren and the entire community are mourning for the loss of a kind, indulgent husband and father, the church, a ready and willing counselor, his lodge, a worthy member, the community, and honored and respected citizen. His many sterling qualities we all try to emulate.
St. Joseph Record, 26 Jan 1901
Transcribed by the Homer Historical Society
Van B. Swearingen Expires
Died from a paralytic stroke at his home Monday morning – something concerning his life –
The Funeral Service
Again death as invaded our community and removed therefrom one of our most distinguished and highly esteemed citizens, Van B. Swearingen, who died at his home in this city Monday morning at 5:45 o’clock from a complication of stomach and kidney diseases that resulted in a stroke of paralysis. He was stricken Saturday morning, almost six o’clock, and continued to grow worse until death relieved his suffering. At about eleven o’clock Saturday night he lost consciousness and members of the family, who were all at his bedside, realized that the end was rapidly drawing near. Everything possible was done to save his life, but all efforts proved to no avail. The hand of death could not be stayed.
Van B. Swearingen was born in Adams County, Ohio June 2, 1837; died at his home in St. Joseph, Illinois January 21, 1901, aged sixty-three years, seven months and nineteen days. The father, Andrew J. Swearingen, was born in Pennsylvania and emigrated from that state to Ohio. In the year 1843 his father removed to Illinois, first settling in the western part of Homer Township. But soon afterword moved one mile south of the present town of St. Joseph. His son Van B., remained in Ohio making his home with his Uncle, Allen Swearingen. His mother died when he was but 2 years of age. In 1847 he came to Illinois and lived with his father until 1851, at which time his father died. He then went to live with Benjamin Bartely, where he resided until he was twenty-one years old. He then went to farming for himself on rented land and as he acquired teams followed trading in stock. He was gifted with shrewd business qualities and during two years managed to accumulate sufficient capital to enable him to commence business, pay his accounts. In 1864 he bought land near the present town of St. Joseph and followed trading in stock for a number of years. The business resulting was very profitable to him. In 1870, with Wm. O. Shreve as his partner, he engaged in the mercantile business in St. Joseph, opening the first store in the town. The business carried on very successfully until 1881, when he sold out to his partner, Mr. Shreve. He was also head of the firm of Swearingen, Woodin, and Co., who operated in coal, grain, lumber and implements quite extensively. He continued with this firm until 1884, since which time he has been actively engaged in business, but his time has been wholly occupied looking after his vast farming interests. He has always manifested the keenest interest in public affairs, religiously, politically and socially. Politically he was a Republican casting his first vote for Lincoln in 1860 and was always a prominent and influential party worker. He represented his township for several years on the board of supervisors; was a member of the school board for fifteen years and also a member of the village council for several years. Religiously he was a member of the Christian Church, St. Joseph, having taken membership with the church in 1882 under the ministry of Elder J. W. Perkins. He was one of the deacons, also Superintendent of the Sunday School for several years. He took a great deal of interest in his church and was a liberal contributor in support. His many kind of words exhortation, consultation and cheers will long be remembered by his brethren. Socially, he was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, also a member of the Urbana Commandery and Knights Templars. Mr. Swearingen will be greatly missed by his fraternal brethren.
His father was twice married. By his first marriage he had two sons Thomas and Van B. Thomas died at eighteen years of age. His father again married in 1843 to Rebecca Reeves. Five children were born to this union. A.C. who lives in St. Joseph, is the only surviving one, the other four having died in infancy. In 1861 Van. B. Swearingen was married to Lydia Bartley, daughter of Benjamin Bartley. To this marriage were born three children, U.G. Swearingen who is a resident of Champaign, is the one living, the others dying in infancy. His first wife died in April 1867. In March 1872 he was again married, this time to Amanda Patterson, daughter of John K. Patterson. To this union were born three children, one dying in infancy and Mattie who died at the age of four years. Miss Maude who has remained at home has been a great deal of comfort to her father. He leaves at this time to mourn his departure, his devoted wife Amanda Swearingen, his son U.G. and his daughter Miss Maude, besides his brethren in the church, his fraternal brethren and the entire community are mourning for the loss of a kind, indulgent husband and father, the church, a ready and willing counselor, his lodge, a worthy member, the community, and honored and respected citizen. His many sterling qualities we all try to emulate.
St. Joseph Record, 26 Jan 1901
Transcribed by the Homer Historical Society
Died from a paralytic stroke at his home Monday morning – something concerning his life –
The Funeral Service
Again death as invaded our community and removed therefrom one of our most distinguished and highly esteemed citizens, Van B. Swearingen, who died at his home in this city Monday morning at 5:45 o’clock from a complication of stomach and kidney diseases that resulted in a stroke of paralysis. He was stricken Saturday morning, almost six o’clock, and continued to grow worse until death relieved his suffering. At about eleven o’clock Saturday night he lost consciousness and members of the family, who were all at his bedside, realized that the end was rapidly drawing near. Everything possible was done to save his life, but all efforts proved to no avail. The hand of death could not be stayed.
Van B. Swearingen was born in Adams County, Ohio June 2, 1837; died at his home in St. Joseph, Illinois January 21, 1901, aged sixty-three years, seven months and nineteen days. The father, Andrew J. Swearingen, was born in Pennsylvania and emigrated from that state to Ohio. In the year 1843 his father removed to Illinois, first settling in the western part of Homer Township. But soon afterword moved one mile south of the present town of St. Joseph. His son Van B., remained in Ohio making his home with his Uncle, Allen Swearingen. His mother died when he was but 2 years of age. In 1847 he came to Illinois and lived with his father until 1851, at which time his father died. He then went to live with Benjamin Bartely, where he resided until he was twenty-one years old. He then went to farming for himself on rented land and as he acquired teams followed trading in stock. He was gifted with shrewd business qualities and during two years managed to accumulate sufficient capital to enable him to commence business, pay his accounts. In 1864 he bought land near the present town of St. Joseph and followed trading in stock for a number of years. The business resulting was very profitable to him. In 1870, with Wm. O. Shreve as his partner, he engaged in the mercantile business in St. Joseph, opening the first store in the town. The business carried on very successfully until 1881, when he sold out to his partner, Mr. Shreve. He was also head of the firm of Swearingen, Woodin, and Co., who operated in coal, grain, lumber and implements quite extensively. He continued with this firm until 1884, since which time he has been actively engaged in business, but his time has been wholly occupied looking after his vast farming interests. He has always manifested the keenest interest in public affairs, religiously, politically and socially. Politically he was a Republican casting his first vote for Lincoln in 1860 and was always a prominent and influential party worker. He represented his township for several years on the board of supervisors; was a member of the school board for fifteen years and also a member of the village council for several years. Religiously he was a member of the Christian Church, St. Joseph, having taken membership with the church in 1882 under the ministry of Elder J. W. Perkins. He was one of the deacons, also Superintendent of the Sunday School for several years. He took a great deal of interest in his church and was a liberal contributor in support. His many kind of words exhortation, consultation and cheers will long be remembered by his brethren. Socially, he was an honored member of the Masonic fraternity, also a member of the Urbana Commandery and Knights Templars. Mr. Swearingen will be greatly missed by his fraternal brethren.
His father was twice married. By his first marriage he had two sons Thomas and Van B. Thomas died at eighteen years of age. His father again married in 1843 to Rebecca Reeves. Five children were born to this union. A.C. who lives in St. Joseph, is the only surviving one, the other four having died in infancy. In 1861 Van. B. Swearingen was married to Lydia Bartley, daughter of Benjamin Bartley. To this marriage were born three children, U.G. Swearingen who is a resident of Champaign, is the one living, the others dying in infancy. His first wife died in April 1867. In March 1872 he was again married, this time to Amanda Patterson, daughter of John K. Patterson. To this union were born three children, one dying in infancy and Mattie who died at the age of four years. Miss Maude who has remained at home has been a great deal of comfort to her father. He leaves at this time to mourn his departure, his devoted wife Amanda Swearingen, his son U.G. and his daughter Miss Maude, besides his brethren in the church, his fraternal brethren and the entire community are mourning for the loss of a kind, indulgent husband and father, the church, a ready and willing counselor, his lodge, a worthy member, the community, and honored and respected citizen. His many sterling qualities we all try to emulate.
St. Joseph Record, 26 Jan 1901
Transcribed by the Homer Historical Society
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