Shelby County Indiana History & Genealogy

Shelby County Indiana
Obituaries

Swain

Obituary
Todd Funeral Home
Rushville, Indiana
2003
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Kathryn E. Swain 86, of Arlington died November 21, 2003, at Community Hospital East Indianapolis.
Born in Rush County Sept 16, 1917, she was the daughter of Roland & Bessie Nelson Earnest. She was married to John W. Swain Mar 29, 1941 and he survives. She was a 1935 graduate of Arlington High School and member of the Arlington Christian Church. She was a homemaker.
Survivors beside her husband include two daughters Pat Swain of Carefree, AZ & Pam (Mrs. Kenny) Beckner of Arlington; two brothers Howard Earnest (wife Helen) & Robert Earnest (wife Katy) both of Rushville; two grandchildren Doug Beckner (wife Sandy) of Decatur, IN & Debbie Beckner of Indianapolis. She was preceded in death by an infant son and one brother Dallas Earnest.
Rev. Bob Brock officiating. Burial will follow at Arlington East Hill Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association PO Box 2680 North Canton, OH 44720
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Tuesday, April 25, 2000
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Paul Q. Swain, 85, died Monday.
Born on February 22, 1.915, in Stoneiga, Virginia, son of John Q. Swain and Pearl (Edwards) Swain Moore.
October 17, 1941, married Dorothy (Farthing) Swain, survives.
General Electric Co. World War IT Army Veteran. Member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, charter member of the board of trustees. Masonic Lodge No. 28, Shelbyville. Survivors: one son, Michael Swain; one daughter, Judy Fair; one sister, Henrietta Giltner; one brother, Robert E. Moore.
Preceded in death by two brothers.
Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery.
Contributed by Barb Huff and summarized by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Rushville Republican
Monday, September 10, 1973
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Thomas Swain And Son Die
In Crash; Double Rites Here
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Double funeral services will be held here Wednesday for a former Arlington man and his 2-year-old son who were killed in a two-vehicle accident on Highway 47, a mile and a half southwest of Crawfordsville, about noon Saturday. Killed in the crash were Thomas D. Swain, 30, 1 Lake Shore Drive, Greensburg, and little Michael T. Swain.
Injured were Mr. Swain's wife Joyce, 31, and the Greensburg couple's other young son, David Brent Swain. Both were hospitalized at Methodist Hospital, Indianapolis, where the little boy was reported to be in a critical condition today. Mrs. Swain has multiple fractures and the boy suffered severe head and internal injuries.
Mr. Swain and Michael were said to have been instantly killed. The crash was investigated by several officers, including Coroner Russell Powers of Montgomery County. According to word received here from Lafayette Post of Indiana StatPolice, Swain lost control of his vehicle on rain-slick highway 47 while going south approximately 1-1/2 miles wouthwest of Crawfordsville, sliding broadside into the path of a car driven by Larry C. Remley, 35, Crawfordsville. The crash occurred at 11:45 a.m. Saturday.
All the injured were taken first to Culver hospital, and the Swains were transferred to Methodist at Indianapolis, according to Indiana State Police. Larry Remley, driver of the other car, was treated and released at Culver hospital, but a passsenger, 6-year old John Remley sustained a fractured leg and is listed fair.
Mr. Swain, who spent his early life in the Arlington community, was employed as vice-president of the Decatur County National Bank at Greensburg. The family has resided in Greensburg the last two years after previously living in Shelby County for two years. Mr. Swain formerly served as Shelby County agent and as youth agent at Franklin. He was a member of the Greensburg First Christian Church, where he also was an elder and Sunday School superintendent, and also was a member of the Elks Lodge and Optimists Club at Greensburg. After graduating from Arlington High School in 1961, Mr. Swain was graduated fro mPurdue University in 1965.
He was born in Rushville on June 6, 1943, the son of Walter L. and Mary E. Stout Swain, who survive and still reside on R.R. 1, Arlington, and was married June 28, 1964, to Joyce H. Moon. Surviving with the widow, parents and injured son Savid are a brother, John R. Swain; a sister, Jan, and a grandmother, Mrs. Mossilene Swain, all of R.R. 1, Arlington.
Little Michael Swain was born in Shelbyville on January 23, 1970, and spent all of his young life in that city and Greensburg. The child is survived by his mother; brother David; four grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Swain, R.R. 1, Arlington, and Mr. and Mrs. James Moon of Morristown, and two great-grandmothers, Mrs. Blanche Hysom of Morrisotwn and Mrs. Mossilene Swain, R.R. 1, Arlington.
Double funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Charles L. Strickler at Moster and Sons Mortuary at 10 a.m. Wednesday with furial in Arlington East Hill Cemetery. Friends may call at the mortuary after 3 p.m. Tuesday.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Wednesday, April 2, 1969
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Samuel Swain,
91, Dies Here
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Samuel A. Swain, 91, Carrollton, died at the Heritage House convalsecent center here yesterday following an extended illness.
Mr. Swain was a retired farmer, a 50-year member of the New Palestine Masonic Lodge and Eastern Star and a former member of the Little Sugar Creek Christian Church.
Mrs. Swain was born in Rush County Nov. 2, 1877, a son of Isaac and Mary Swain. Survivors include a son, Wendell Swain of Carrollton; two daughters, Mrs. LaDonna Ellison of Greencastle and Mrs. Charlene McClellan of Indianapolis; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren, and a sister, Mrs. Flroa Smith of New Palestine. Mr. Swain's wife, Jessie, preceded in death in 1947.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Hendryx Mortuaries New Palestine Chapel with burial in the New Palestine cemetery. Friends may call at the mortuary after 2 p.m. Thursday. The New Palestine Masonic Lodge will conduct services at the mortuary at 7:30 p.m. Thursday.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Monday, February 25, 1963
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Rites Set For Mrs. Swain, 87
Services Wednesday For County Woman
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Mrs. Elenora Frances Swain, 87, Fountaintown R.R. 1, died at :45 a.m. Sunday at her home. She had been ill several years.
Born on September 28, 1875. Mrs. Swain was a daughter of Elzy Valentine and Lydia (Drake) Swain.
Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Ruth Storm of Fountaintown R.R. 1; seven grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Mrs. Swain was a member of the New Palestine Christian Church.
Funeral servies will be held at 10:30 am.m Wednesday at Hendryx Mortuaries, New Palestine Chapel. Burial will be in the New Palestine cemetery. Friends may call at the chapel after 7:00 p.m. today.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville News
Monday, July 11, 1949
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DEATH CLAIMS
JAMES A. SWAIN
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Funeral Services Will Be
Conducted Wednesday
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James A. (Art) Swain, 69, of south of Carrollton, died at Major hospital Sunday night after an illness of two weeks. Born July 20, 1879, in Rush county, he was the son of Isaac and Mary (Gilson) Swain. Mr. Swain was a member of the New Palestine Christian Church.
SURVIVING are his wife, Mrs. Eleanor (Valentine) Swain; a daughter, Mrs. Ruth Storm of New Palestine; two brothers, Sam of Carrollton and Earl Swain of Indianapolis; two sisters, Mrs. Cora Tucker of Carrollton and Mrs. Flora Smith, both of New Palestine and six grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. (CST) Wednesday at the Swain home with the Rev. Herschell Reed officiating. Burial will be in the New Palestine cemetery in charge of L. V. Hauk. Friends may call at the home after 10:00 a.m. Tuesday.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Saturday, January 16, 1943
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Local Woman's Sister
Succumbs at Edinburg
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Mrs. Roxie Emma Swaim, 67, sister of Mrs. Mary Winters, of Shelbyville, died at her home in Edinburg Thursday morning.
Funeral services will be held at 1:30 p.m. today at the Mutz funeral home in Edinburg. Burial will be in Crown Hill cemetery in Indianapolis.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Journal-Gazette
Fort Wayne, Allen County, Indiana
October 7, 1940
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SWAIN
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Portland, [Jay County, Indiana], Oct. 6 –
Mrs. Mabel C. Swain, 50, widow of Rev. C. J. Swain, died this morning at her home here after an illness of 13 years from injuries received in an auto accident in which her husband was killed.
Surviving is one son, Lowell Swain of Long Beach, Calif.; three daughters, Mrs. Ralph Huey and Mrs. Billy DeHoff of this city and Mrs. Glenn Allton of Huntington Beach, Calif.; six grandchildren and one brother, Paskel Worland of Petersburg, Va.
Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 1 pm at the United Brethren Church with Rev. J. H. Nall and Rev. C. W. Walmer officiating, with services and burial Wednesday at Shelbyville.
Contributed by Jim Cox

The Shelby Democrat
January 18, 1916
Page 8 column 3
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MRS. REBECCA SWAIN
DIED THIS MORNING
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One of City's Loved Women
Passed Away at the Age of
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(From Tuesday's Daily.)
The death of Mrs. Rebecca Swain, which occurred at 8:30 o'clock this morning, at her home, corner of Franklin and Tompkins streets, removed one of the best known and loved women of this city. Mrs. Swain was past eighty-four years of age and her health had been precarious for some time. She retained her mental faculties to the end and her death came peacefully, she going to sleep like a babe.
Rebecca Swain was the daughter of Martha and Caroline (Cole) Stone. She was born September 31, 1831, near Hanover, in this county. She was united in marriage to Alonzo Swain, March 23, 1857. To this union six children were born, two children, Miss Ellen Swain and Mrs. Harriet Karmire, and the husband having preceded the mother to the Great Beyond.
Mrs. Swain is survived by four children, Mrs. Samuel L. Lange, Mrs. Nettie Cage, Burton F. Swain and Edward A. Swain, all of this city.
Mrs. Swain was a woman of wonderful poise. A woman of excellent judgment, she was cousellor as well as mother to her children. Mrs. Swain was a member of the Christian church of this city.
Funeral services will be held at her late home, corner Franklin and Tompkins streets, Thursday afternoon at 2 o'clock, Rev. W. E. Carroll officiating. Interment in Forest Hill cemetery.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelbyville Republican
Tuesday, January 18, 1916
Page 8 column 3
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MRS. REBECCA SWAIN
DIED TUESDAY MORNING
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Mrs. Rebecca Swain died Tuesda morning at 8:30 o'clock at her home, 17 North Tompkins street, this city, where she had lived for some time with her daughter, Mrs. Nettie Cage. There were few women in Shelbyville better known. She was a resident here since 1866. She was a truly devoted member of the Christian church from early girlhood. Her interest in the church never lagged. There was no part of portion of the labor of the church that fell to the membership in which she did not do her full measure. Her kindness was felt in all circles in which she lived. She early found the truth that the meek shall inherit the earth and that their souls shall find eternal rest. She was one of the most lovable women of the community. Living long beyond the allotted time she passed into the great beyond without a sign or a struggle. In all things she had filled her mission on earth. She frequently spoke of departing but not with regret except at the parting with children and dear friends. One of her requests was that at her funeral there be no flowers. Mrs. Swain was the daughter of Martin and Catherine Cole Stone. She was born at Hanover, in the township of that name, on September 30, 1831. Her parents were pioneers of that section of Shelby county. She was married to Alonzo Swain on March 23, 1857. For awhile they lived in Manilla, coming from that place to Shelbyville at the close of the Civil War. For years Mr. Swain owned and operated the mills now known as the Star Mills. He was one of the forward men of his time, holding the confidence and high esteem of the people of the county. The children born to Mr. and Mrs. Swain are Mrs. Caroline Lane, Etta, now dead, Mrs. Nettie Cage, Mr. Burton F. Swain, Mr. Edward A. Swain and Mrs. Hattie Karmire, deceased. The children reside in this city. There are nine grandhildren. Mr. Swain died in June, 1873. The funeral will be held Thursday afternoon at two o'clock at the late home. The Rev. W. E. Carroll, pastor of the Christian church, will conduct the services. Interment will be at Forest Hill.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby County Democrat
April 24, 1913
Page 4, col 3
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GOITRE BROUGHT DEATH TO MRS. ALBERT SWAIN
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PROMINENT YOUNG MATRON DIED
SATURDAY AFTERNOON -- LEAVES TWO CHILDREN
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          Mrs. Albert Swain, twenty-four years old, died at her home in Van Buren township, west of Fountaintown, at three-thirty o'clock Saturday afternoon, following an illness of several months. Her death was due to complications caused by a goitre from which she had long been suffering. For the past ten weeks she had been unable to leave her room and was constantly under the care of Dr. Mace of New Palestine. Seven weeks ago she was taken to the Deaconess hospital at Indianapolis in the hope that an operation might give her relief, but her condition was such that it was impossible to perform the operation and she was returned to her home two weeks ago where she awaited with patience and true christian fortitude the summons of the Death Angel. An autopsy was held Sunday afternoon, but the physician's were unable to ascribe any cause for her death except complications caused by the goitre.
          Mrs. Swain was born and reared in VanBuren township and was widely known in the northern part of the county. She was popular among all who knew her and her untimely death came as a blow to her relatives and her many friends. Surviving her are her husband and two small children--Genevieve, five years old, and Charles, not yet two years of age. She also leaves her mother, Mrs. Albert Drake, of Moral township; her step-father, a brother, Edgar Ridlin, of Moral township, and a half-brother, Ralph Drake.
Mrs. Swain was an active member of the Methodist Protestant church at Carrollton and the funeral services were held at the church at one-thirty o'clock this afternoon the Rev. H. C. Ross, pastor of the church, officiating, and the interment was made in the New Palestine cemetery.
Submitted by Kathy Ridlen

The Shelby Democrat
Monday, April 21, 1913
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           Mrs. Albert Swain died at her home west of Fountaintown, in Van Buren township Saturday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock today. Death was caused by goitre [one line is not legible] ... weeks and had been taken to the Deaconess hospital, Indianapolis, for operation several weeks ago, but on account of the condition of her heart it was found impossible to perform the operation. An autopsy was performed on her body to ascertain if possible the exact cause of the death, but nothing could be found to which death could be assigned with the exception of the goitre.
          Mrs. Swain was twenty-four years of age at the time of her death. She is survived by her mother, Mrs. Albert Drake, of Moral township; her husband, and two children, Genevieve, aged five, and Charles, aged two.
          The casket will be open this evening from 7 until 9 o'clock and on Tuesday from 10 a.m. until the hour of the funeral.
          Funeral services were held this afternoon at 1:30 o'clock at the Carrollton M. P. church, the Rev. Ross officiating. Interment was made in the New Palestine cemetery.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

The Shelby Democrat
Thursday, October 22, 1903
Page 7 column 2
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            Mrs. Louise Swain died at her residence near Manilla Wednesday evening. She was eighty-two years of age. The funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday.
Contributed by Barb Huff for Phyllis Fleming
Note: Louisa Coffin was born May 27, 1821, Stokes County, North Carolina. She married Prior Swain February 20, 1845 in Rush County, Indiana. Prior died in 1862.

The Rushville Republican
Friday, October 30, 1903
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           Louisa Coffin Swain, daughter of Moses and Phoebe Coffin, was born in Stokes county, N.C.
           Died October 14, 1903, aged 82 years, 4 months and 17 days.
           She was moved with her parents to Indiana in the year 1850, living in Union county two years from there she moved to Shelby county where she lived a short while, thence to Rush county where she spent the remainder of her life. She was married to Prior Swain February 20, 1845. Two children were born to this union one having died in infancy the other Jennie Barnard survives, with a number of relatives and friends to mourn their loss.
           Having had a birthright membership in the Friend's church she consecrated herself to the Lord and his work thirty years ago, ever after living a consistent and an active Christian life. She was always found in the Sunday school and meeting until about one year ago when sickness deprived her of this privilege, this being a great cross to her, but she was fully resigned to the will of the master. In her last sickness the spirit of Christ was shown in unspeakable happiness, while exhorting and encouraging all Christians who came to see her to be true to their faith, in the meantime giving the unsaved a word of warning.
           Believing that her work was finished she peacefully submitted to the will of the Lord, and departed this life in the triumph of the living faith.
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"Dear Jennie Barnard and bereaved family

Oh how thee will miss thy dear mother
Who has been so loving and kind,
But has now gone to the world Superior,
To the one she has left behind.

She will be missed as a dear mother
For no other one can fill her place,
But has gone where we hope to meet her
When we are called to the works of grace.

She will be missed by the neighbors
Whom she often loved to meet,
And will be missed by the members
Where her pew is now an empty seat.

She will be missed at the Sunday school
Where she loved so well to attend.
She always had a kind word for the children,
Or a word for some dear friend.

She will be missed around the fireside,
Her prayers you will hear no more.
But let us heed her instructions,
For it is what we should all adore.

Oh I shall miss those dear letters
Which she has written so many to me.
Can I ever find another
Whom I can confide in so free.

She might have lived several years
Yet we might not meet again,
With age and distance lying between us
To prevent our longing aim.

But when the sad news came this morning
Telling that my sister was gone
Oh my heart was filled with sadness,
Oh Lord not my will but thine be done.

This is the day it may not be the hour
When dear sister will be laid away,
Let us all be prepared for that home above
Where there will be no need of sunlight rays.

The above lines were composed and written by Mary Macy, of Grand Rapids, Mich., who is 80 years old."
Contributed by Karen Pruett

The Indiana State Journal
June 3, 1896
Page 5
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Other Deaths in the State.
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NOBLESVILLE, Ind., June 1. -- Charles Swain, one of the oldest citizens in this county, died at his home in this city to-day. He was born in Wayne county in 1814. He moved to Noblesville in 1836 and was the father of four children, only one of whom survives. This is Thomas C. Swain, of Indianapolis. He also leaves an aged widow. Funeral Tuesday at 2 o'clock.
Contributed by John Addison Ballard

The Shelby Democrat
May 31, 1894
Page 3 column 2
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Charles Swain died at Gwynneville last week. Before his death he had selected his pall bearers, funeral directors, a preacher to officiate at the funeral, a place of burial and had written a letter which was used as his obituary.
Contributed by Phyllis Miller Fleming

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