FLETCHER SWAYZE

Late Fletcher Swayze

[Welland Tribune, 7 Ocotober 1892]

On Saturday last our town was inexpressibly and saddened by the report that Fletcher Swayze was in a dying condition. He had not been well for months, suffering from a terrible pain in the head and general prostration, and for a few weeks had been quite ill. On Thursday last the symptoms were much more favorable, but on Saturday morning a sudden and decided change for the worse took place. Apparently a blood vessel burst in the brain, and from that hour hope was abandoned. He sank into a comatose state, and death followed about 7.30 the same evening.

Mr. Swayze was born in Gainsborough township on the 23^rd of December, 1842, and had not yet attained his fiftieth year. His parents were Samuel and Mary Ann (Haney) Swayze. The Welland county history thus refers to the deceased: “At the early age of sixteen he obtained a teacher’s first class certificate, and at seventeen began teaching. He continued at his profession for several years, afterwards engaging in the mercantile business in St. Catharines, Fonthill, Fenwick and Welland. In 1875 he was appointed official assignee and held office until the insolvent law was repealed. He was also appointed bailiff of the first division court, but resigned that position and opened an office in Welland town as accountant, insurance agent, M.C.R. Agent etc., taking his eldest son into partnership with him. From that time up to the present the firm of F. Swayze & Son have enjoyed the public confidence and transacted an extensive business. Mr. Swayze was a justice of the peace and has held the highest municipal honors in the gift of his fellow townsmen, occupying the position of mayor of this town in 1879, 1880 and 1884.” He had eminent executive ability and made an excellent municipal official. At the time of his death he was alderman for the fourth ward, and a member of the public school board-having held the latter position for about seventeen years. He leaves a widow (daughter of W.G. Church, recently of Fontill), and four sons and two daughters, namely-Burton, Charles, Frank, Kenneth, Gertrude and Hallie.

Mr. Swayze was one of Welland’s best, ablest and most prominent public men, doing his duty fearlessly and honestly in all the positions held by him. He leaves a spotless record, and the history of his public and private life will ever remain in the grateful memory of his fellowmen. In recognition of his worth and services, the town flag floated at half mast until after the burial, and on the day of the funeral the schools and all business places in town were closed by proclamation of civic authority.

The funeral was one of the largest and the attendance of the most representative that has taken place here for years. Friends were present from near and far, and residents of the town turned out very generally to pay their last tribute of respect to a citizen whom all loved and honored. Nearly fifty carriages followed to the cemetery at Fonthill. In the funeral procession were all the members of the town council and school board, except one or two who were absent from town. The pall-bearers were W.M. German, J.H. Burgar, David Ross, Wm. Beatty, G.L. Hobson and S.J. Sidey. By request of the family, flowers were omitted, and the only floral tribute placed on the grave was a beautiful pillow of flowers from the sons and daughters, bearing that endearing word, “Father.” The impressive burial services at the house and grave were conducted by Rev. V.H. Emory of the Methodist church, the choir rendering appropriate hymns.

The afflicted family is inconsolable in the terrible blow that has fallen so unexpectedly upon them, but they have the knowledge that the loving sympathy of all is extended to them in their hour of sorrow. May kind Providence aid them to look upon their bereavement with resignation.

Died: 1 October 1892
Fonthill Cemetery
23 December 1842-1 October 1892
Cerebral Hemorrhage
Father: Samuel Swayze
Mother: Mary Ann Haney