The Republican journal., 1916-08-17
DEATH OF HUN. WIN. B. SWAN.

4
on the bathroom floor at his home, breaking his
1lght thumb and and receiving severe cut on
the back of his head. He had been in his u.s.
ual excellent health, attended to business the
day before and played cards at his home in the
evening. Whether the accident was due to a
misstep or dizzy turn will never be known.
he was unconscious when Mrs. Swan hearing
a fall went to his assistance and she at once
called DR.. E. D. Tapley, who is a next door
ns'ghbor. Later DR.. Albert M. Judd of New
York city. brain specialist, was called in con-
sultation and Inf the vitality shown by the pa
tient both physicians considered it a record
case. The broken thumb gave him little or no
trouble and the cut on his head healed in eight
days,the normal time; but the conclusion of the
brain and the shock of the fall, which younger
man might have survived proved fatal to one of
his advanced age. In his conscious moments
he expressed his confidence in his physician
and his thoughts were always Of recovering
and never of leaving those dear to him, and
his last thoughts we're to spare them pain. At
such times his mind was clear and his remarks
showed that he fully under stood what was go
ing on ar-und him. One day, after he had
talked good deal. the attending nurse admon-
ished him not to talk so much, and he said he
would follow her advice, and did SO. At one
time, with all his functions normal and taking
and retaining nourlshment there were strong
hopes of his recovery, but Ill turn followed
and life ebbed gradually until he passed quiet
ly away.
Mr.. Swan was born in Belfast May q 1926
the son of the late Capt Nathan and Anna
bella Poor Swan, who came to Belfast from
Andover, Mass, about 1910 and resided for
several years at Poor's Mills. He was edu-
Gated in the public schools of Belfast and at
the age of Is began his business life as clerk
in the store of P. R. Hazeitine. Later, in
partnership with the late Col. Thomas H. Mar
shall he engaged in the grocery business in
store on Main street. Subsequently he be-
came associated with Edward and the late A.
Cutter Sibley in the same line, and in 1891 the
firm became Swan & Slbley Bros, SO continu-
ing until A c. Sibley retired to engage in the
manufacture of shoes, a member of the
firm of Critchett, Sibley & Co., the late Ho-
ratio P. Thompson being a member of the
the name of Swan & Sibley Co. until the retire.
ment of Mr.. Edward Sibley few years ago
when it was incorporated as the Swan Whtten.
Bickford Co.. with Mr.. Swan as president, and
he held the Office at the time of his death. He
had been director of The City National Bank
since 1882 and its presid ent since April l, 1904
He was president of the Belfast Loan Build
| iprr f,x l..
ago was president of the Belfast Real Estate
Co. When the Belfast Marine Railway Co.,
was organized in 1884 Mr.. Swan became its
president and continued as such until the sale
of the railway in 1900 to George A. Gilchrest.
! He was president of the Belfast Gas Co. for
over 20 years, and was active in every move
ment for promoting the business interests and
welfare of the city. He was the Republican
mayor of Belfast in 1879 and 1880, and was,
We believe, the first mayor to have the city
reports printed in pamphlet form that they
might be seen by every citizen. He was a
member of Phoenix Lodge. F. & A. M, and all
his life had been a regular attendant of the
First Parish Unitarian church and at the time
of bis death was chairman of its standing com /.
mittee.
In early life he married Miss Maria Gam
mans of Belfast. who died Aug. %, 1876, leav-
ing one daughter, Annabe, now Mrs. Walter
B. Kelly of st. Paul, and whe has three chill
dren. William Swan, katherine and Ruth, the
former named for his grandfather, who took
great pride in his namesake. and was exceed
| ingy fond of his three grandchildren. Mrs
| ell tn har fat
illness, but because of her own ill health she
! was compelled to return home before the end
March TO- 1907 he married Miss Abby Faunce
of this city, who survives him. She had al
/ ways ministered to his Comfort and was de-
voted to him in MS last illness. After his
marriage, his daughter having married and
gone west to live. Mr.. Swan gave up his home
on Ahurch street and went to the taunce
homestead on High street. which had since
been his nome.
1t is hardly necessary to say. after the
record given above, that Nr. Swan was a good
citizen. He genial member of society
devoted to his church, loyal friend. anc
above all was devoted to his home and its in.
terests. In Eecent years he greatly enloyeC
the observance with his friends of his wed.
ding and birthday anniversaries. He was a
member of the Five Hundred Club and played
a good game aad had played with a few friends
at his home the evening before the accident
which caused his death. He had joined tbs
NorthPort Country Club and anticipated much
pleasure in visiting it and with his lifelong
friend. Thomas W. Pitcher. had bought ar
auto and enjoyed ride in it July 14th. The
statement in some of the daily papers that he
was leaning to 1un the car himself was in.
correct, as chaffeur was employed. Mr.
Swan had always enjoyed good health and un'
til this accident bad never hsen confined te
his bed day in all his long life. He was
courteous to everyone in business and SO.
,ciety and it was hoped that he might live te
celebrate his Tooth birthday.
The funeral service WAS held at his late
home yesterday. Aug 18th. at 2.aG p. M, his
pastor, Rev. Arthur E. Wilson. and his for
mer pastor, Rev. Harry Lutz Of Newton.
Mass, officiating