Peter Swanson 1848 to 1937

From the July 1, 1937 edition of the St. Charles (Illinois) Chronicle;

“PETER SWANSON

The passing of Peter Swanson of 1042 4th street south Friday, after an illness of several weeks, removes an olden time and respected resident who has lived in this vicinity for nearly 70 years.

Mr. Swanson was born in Sweden 88 years ago. He came to America in 1868. In 1879 he was married to Miss Lena Tolf, and they resided for many years on a farm west of St. Charles. Mrs. Swanson, beloved by all who knew her, for her great kindliness, died in 1930. Mr. Swanson retired from the farm and came to St. Charles a number of years ago.

He is survived by four sons, Roy and Harold of St Charles, Ernest of Woodstock, and Fred of Garden Prairie. The daughters are Mrs. Mabel Anderson of Aurora, and Miss Helen employed in the State Bank of St Charles. A son Harry, died in 1892.

The funeral services were held at the home Sunday afternoon with Rev. Theodore Peterson of Chicago officiating. Burial was in Batavia Cemetery by the side of his wife.

Mr. Swanson was a member of the Emmanuel Methodist Church.”

Peter died on this day in 1937. His wife Carolina is my 3rd great-aunt, the 4th of eight children born to my 3rd great-grandparents Carl and Helena (Åman) Tolf. The information above was located and added to my family tree because I practice cluster genealogy. From Peter’s obituary I learned more information about his and Carolina’s children. And that helped me connect with some wonderful new cousins!