Last updated 11 December 1999.
DIED MONDAY NIGHT.
"Uncle John" Swift, whose illness is mentioned in the North Otter correspondence in this paper, died Monday night at 10:45 o'clock. He was 76 years old.
Funeral services were held at Union Chapel Wednesday forenoon at 11 o'clock, conducted by Rev. T. N. Marsh of Upper Alton, and interment was made in the adjoining cemetery.
Uncle John Swift, of whose illness we have made mention, is gradually sinking. He has paralysis.
Mrs. G. P. Richards has been confined to her home by sickness for some days, not being able to attend the funeral of her father Uncle John Swift.
Obituary.
John M. Swift was born in Tennessee, May 13, 1836, and departed this life at his home in North Otter January 23, 1912, aged 75 years, 8 months and 10 days. With his parents he came to Illinois in 1838, locating near Centralia in Marion county. He was united in marriage to Susana Williams in March, 1858, and to this union four children were born, the youngest, Johnnie, dying in infancy. Those living are Mrs. Job Price, Mrs. G. P. Richards of North Otter and James W. Swift of South Otter. He leaves to mourn his demise his aged wife, two sisters, Mesdames Lou Jenkins and Ellen England, one half-sister Mrs. G. F. England, and one half-brother M. G. Adcock, both of North Otter. A number of grandchildren and a large following of sympathizing friends also mourn for him. In the year 1862, Mr. Swift enlisted in Co. E, 122nd Illinois Volunteers, and was under the command of Col. John I. Rinaker. He served his country for nearly three years, or until the close of the war. He was wounded at the battle of Parker's Crossroads and was taken prisoner at the same time, but succeeded in making his escape and returned to his comrades where his wounds were attended to. When peace was declared he was mustered out of the service, returned home, and by hard labor and attention to business secured for himself and his wife a comfortable home which they enjoyed until death called him. He professed a hope in Christ in his early life and united with the Baptist church and held to that faith and denomination until death. Funeral services were conducted from Union Chapel on Wednesday at 11 a. m., conducted by Elder T. N. Marsh of Upper Alton, and interment was made in the last addition to the cemetery. There was a very large attendance at the funeral. The pallbearers were Len Adcock, Fred Richards, George Adcock, Johnnie Oliver and Charley Swift, all grandchildren of the deceased.
J. H. Hammer, W. A. Stamper and Arthur Hammond appraised the personal proerty [sic] of J. M. Swift, deceased, one day last week.