Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1915-09-29

The death and burial of Jonathan H.
Swain was the csuse for profound sor-
row IN this community, where he had
so long lived ard been counted an ex-
emplar. Seventy years be had been
resident of this section, doing at all
times everything at his command for
the betterment of his fellows "a soldier,
Christian, helper of mankind There
are few If any persons in the county
who have been longer continuous resi-
dents. The following tribute and obit-
uary prepared by his pastor is a Just
history of the good life now closed:
Jonathan II. Swain, second son of
Or. George A. Swain, was born IN
Wayne county, Ohio, March /, 1885.
Mr.. Swain was one of the early pioneers
of Vernon county, removing with his
parents from Ohio in the year 1S45, set
ting on farm at Brookville, where he
resided until recent years, when failing
health compelled him to retire from ac-
tive farm life, since which time he has
lived in his home in this city, Mr. Swain
ca ne to this state when Wisconsin was
w territory, il not being made a
state until three years later. He en-
dured all the hardships of frontier life,
when they cane here Prairie du Chen
was the nearest postoffice and the near
est point at which groceries could be
purchased.
Needing the call of his country, he
enlisted in the Fiftieth Regiment, Wis
consin Volunteer Infantry. and served
in the army for one year and four
months. He was honorably discharged
st the close of the war on the 18th Of
June, 1866. He married Louisa Strick-
er, daughter of Vim Stricken, on March
/, 1856, and for almost sixty years they
have walked hand in hand down the
dusty road of life, sharing each others
joys and sorrows. They were blessed
with four children. three sons and one
daughter: Lemard W., Hobart F., Eff
fie a., and Frank W. a. Of whom sur
vive him. Besides bis wife and children
he leaves four brothers, Allan, Jackso
and Russell of Oregon and William of
ksnsas; also q number of grandchildren
and relatives to remember him.
Decedeut was the oldest resi- lent and
most highly respected member o
the community, q patriotic citizen, a
devoted husband and father and was a
man of strong christian character. He
was converted at the age of fourteen,
Immediately united with the Nj. E.
church at Brookville. remaining mem
Der of that church until his death, which
occurred Sunday evening, September
10, 1915. aged so years, months and 10
days Brother Swain was noted for
his deep piety and held the Office of
class leader Tor many years. he was
loyal ard devoted to the church and
was one of its most liberal supporters.
His membership is now transferred
from the church militant to the church
triumphant and Though dead he yet
speaketh. Funeral services were
held in Viroqus Methodist church, in
terment in the city cemetery. A large
number Of people assembled to pay
their last tribute of respect by follow
ing his sacred dust to the grave, Mem
bers of Alex Lowrie Post and Relief
Corps attended in body. The officat-
ing ministers were the Reverends Nix
on, Rutter and Macaulay, who spoke
in glowing terms of the Beautiful char
acter of the deceased. Forever with
the Lord Ar en-, so let it be. life from
the dead is IN that word, it's immortal
ity.