August 1,1913 , Henderson County, Tennessee
John J. Swafford (the Lexington Progress, Aug. 1,1913.)

Whereas, the Supreme Ruler of the Universe has seen fit to His infinite wisdom to transfer from Earth to that Celestial Kingdom on high, our beloved brother, John J. Swafford, at the ripe age of 70 years,2 months & 13 days. Whereas, New Hope Lodge No. 142,I.O.O.F., of which he was an honored member, has imposed upon us as a committee, the sad yet pleasant duty of paying respect to his life and character, we append herewith a history of the leading incidents of his early career, which was never stained by knowingly unjust treatments. John J. Swafford was born in East Tn, May 4th, 1843. and came to Henderson Co., Nov.15,1855. On Dec. 3, 1882 he happily married Miss S. J. Martin, who with five of the seven children born to this union survives him.With his chosen helpmate our subject lived in the best of domestic accord until the final summons came at the hour of 5 o'clock on Thursday July 17, 1913. The five surviving children are three daughters, Misses Polly, Flossie, and Stella. The sons,Newell and Ewell, aged 23 are twins, the former yet at home and the later married and living near the old home. Brother Swafford spent all of his married life in the same community,in the old 4th and new 3rd district of Henderson County, where he built for himself a character for kindness, honesty and general uprightness, that is left as a priceless heritage to his children. He was not a member of any church, but he professed hope of salvation some three weeks before his spirit winged its flight to stand before the judgement bar of God,there to answer for the deeds done in the body, and he talked very freely and feelingly to his family of the matter. Bro. Swafford's connection with the order of I.O.O.F. dated May 25th. 1902, when he joined at Sardis, and Oct.21,1908 his
membership was transferred to New Hope. During the 13 years of his membership with us,we found him in the Lodge relations all that could be asked or demanded of the most
exemplary member and we feel that he has earned recognition of the Supreme Lodge on high,where the finally faithful bask in approval of the All-Seeing-Eye. Having performed the duty imposed upon us, we offer the following resolution for the approval of New Hope Lodge No. 142. Resolved, that the foregoing and this resolution be spread upon the Minutes of the Lodge, that a copy be sent the surviving widow of our deceased Brother, and that a copy be presented the county papers with request for publication. Respectfully submittes July 26, 1913.--J.F. McCollum, Chm.,J.B. Buck, S.H. Powers,Com. Excerpt from: Crossing The Dark River by Brenda Kirk Fiddler.



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