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JOHN R. SWAYZE
[Welland Tribune, 4 June 1897]
{The editor regrets that, owing to a misunderstanding between correspondents, reference to the demise of the late John R. Swayze was omitted from the TRIBUNE last week}
John R. Swayze was a descendent of a U.E. Loyalist family, and was born in what is known as the “Beaverdams Settlement,” June 8th, 1832. His grandfather, Israel Swayze, one of the first pioneers of the place, came from the United States, about the close of the Revolutionary war, and settled on four hundred acres of land, granted to him for his attachment to the crown of Great Britain, where he passed the remainder of his life and where he died. At the time of his coming to this country it was an almost unbroken wilderness, small clearings having been made at a few places. The father of deceased, Hiram Swayze, was born in the United States and was three years old when he came to this country.
In 1857 John R. Swayze was united in marriage to Miss Sarah Burrett, who, with one son and four daughters, today mourn the loss of a most devoted husband and an affectionate, godly father.
Deceased was for several years a member of the Thorold township council. He was a reformer in politics, and has filled the position of president and director in both the township and county Agricultural societies. He also served several terms on the board of license commissioners for the county of Welland. As a farmer Mr. Swayze might be copied after to advantage. His buildings and farm stock showed a neatness and thrift unexcelled in his township.
During the ministry of Rev. J.H. Starr on the Thorold circuit in 1866, Bro. Swayze was converted to God, and ever after continued a faithful member of the Methodist church. His conversion took place in connection with a four days meeting held in the old Beaverdams church. The first sermon was preached by the late Rev. John Carroll. Mr. Swayze was an earnest, active Christian, and entered with his whole soul into temperance and moral reform work. On the night of his conversion he erected the family altar, and continued it as long as he was able to attend to its duties. He was a member of the quarterly and trustee boards for many years, and his place was never vacant in the house of God till his affliction rendered it impossible to attend. His last illness was paralysis, which, though lingering for years and at times very painful, was yet borne with Christian fortitude. He died in great peace, May 20th, 1897. The funeral took place on the Sunday following, interment at Beaverdams cemetery. We expect to meet our brother in the “Homeland,” when the day breaketh and the shadows flee away.
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