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- SWARTZ — John S. Swartz, assistant postmaster, died at his desk in the Hiawatha postoffice Wednesday morning, March 27, at 11:25 o'clock. Mr. Swartz had just returned from the new government building, where he had been with Postmaster F. M. Pearl and Superintendent of Construction Horstman. The three had gone over the building and made plans for moving the postoffice along about April 15. Mr. Swartz had taken great interest in the new building and looked forward a great deal to the time when he would be working in new quarters. Naturally no person took greater interest in the new government building. The advance arrangements for moving were made and John Swartz went back to work—the work he had done so faithfully and well. He paused from his government work just before his dinner time to look after some cash for the Yeoman lodge, of which he was secretary. He was at the desk in front of the stamp window. Mr. Pearl, Miss Lois Prewitt, Miss Janet McLaughlin and Charlie Shafer heard him slip. They turned to see him slide to the floor at his desk. He groaned but showed no sign of recognizing his colaborers as they rushed to his assistance. Dr. W. G. Emery was called at once from his office across the street but by the time he arrived Mr. Swartz was dead. Dr. Emery says that altho Mr. Swartz had been afflicted for a number of years with a heart trouble, the immediate cause of his death was probably apoplexy. So John Swartz, the most competent and faithful assistant postmaster in the whole state, passed on like a soldier, at his post of duty. John Swartz commenced work in the Hiawatha postoffice as substitute city carrier soon after city delivery service was established. He soon was made carrier, his route being in the east half of town. July 1, 1909, John Swartz was promoted to be assistant postmaster. He was promoted because he had shown that he had the characteristics of honesty, faithfulness and accuracy that are required for such a place. And for almost nine years his daily work showed that the advance estimate of John Swartz was not misplaced. John had one of those even temperaments that won him friends. He was good natured and companionable. He came in contact with all the people of this community and his work and service was such as to win the admiration of all. Next to his family, the dearest earthly attraction to him was his work. He and Mrs. Swartz took an unusual parental interest in their children. The oldest, Blanche, was a teacher in our schools and was married during the summer of 1917 to James Woodman, of near Wetmore. The two boys, Burdette and Gerald, are home with the mother—are students in the Hiawatha High school. The wife and children have all the sympathy that can come from a people who most sincerely liked the husband and father. John Swartz was an Odd Fellow and a Mason. In the I. O. O. F. lodge he had long been one of the strongest supports and his going on brings sorrow to Odd Fellows all over Northeast Kansas. Truly a good man, a good citizen, went to his just reward when John S. Swartz left us Wednesday morning. He fulfilled his obligation on this earth—to his family, his community and his government. John Swartz was 46 years old. The greater part of his life was spent in Hiawatha and nearby community. The funeral arrangements will not be made until out-of-town relatives can be heard from.
—The Hiawatha Daily World (Hiawatha, KS)
Wed. Mar 27, 1918, p.1.
DEATHS.
Swartz—John S. Swartz was born on a farm west of Hiawatha, Feb. 10, 1872, and lived practically all his life in this community. He died Wednesday, March 27, 1918, having reached the age of 46 years, one month and 17 days. Dec. 20, 1893, Mr. Swartz was married to Jennie Patton. To this union three children were born, Mrs. Blanche LeOta Woodman, of Wetmore, Milan Burdette and Robert Gerald, who are at home. In the year 1893 Mr. Swartz was converted and joined the Methodist church and for a number of years filled an official position in the local church. To the altar of this church he afterward led his father and mother. Besides his wife and children, Mr. Swartz is survived by an aged, invalid mother, five brothers and four sisters. The brothers are Oliver, of Sheridan, Ore., Cycus[sic], of Quinlan, Okla., William, of Bakersfield, Calif., Joseph, of Trinity, Texas, and Clyde, of Phoenix, Ariz. The sisters are Mrs. Lynda Bartley, of Powhattan, Mrs. Susie Cullamore, of Hooper, Nebr., Mrs. Grace O. Hauber and Mrs. Florence Watts, of Hiawatha. The father and three brothers had preceded to the Great Beyond. In June, 1905, John Swartz was appointed city letter carrier in Hiawatha. Four years later he was promoted to be assistant postmaster and as such was always kind, accommodating and smiling. Mr. Swartz was a Mason, Odd Fellow, Yeoman and a member of the Rebekahs and the Fraternal Aid. John Swartz was held in high esteem as a neighbor. He was a kind husband, loving father and a devoted, tender son.
Funeral services for John S. Swartz were held at the residence on Shawnee street Friday afternoon at 3:30 o'clock. The Masons, Odd Fellows and Yeoman attended. The house and yard were crowded with friends. Rev. E. T. Rice had charge of the services, assisted by Rev. L. L. Hassenpflug. A quartet composed of Stanley Moser, Mr. and Mrs. C. A. Harpster and Miss Nannie Ham, sang "Beautiful Isle of Somewhere," "Lead, Kindly Light," and "Someday, Sometime, We'll Understand." In the talks both ministers paid deserved tributes to the man we all admired so much. The body bearers were S. W. Pfister, Wm. Castle, F. M. Pearl, W. A. Fraser, John McKnight and Drew McLaughlin. Burial was in the Hiawatha cemetery.
—The Hiawatha Daily World (Hiawatha, KS)
Sat. Mar 30, 1918, p.1. [2]
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1872 - 1918 (46 years)
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