Swan S. Crook 1847 -- 1935

CROOK, MATTERSON, LAWSON

Posted By: volunteer (email)
Date: 5/3/2024 at 18:41:40

Kiron--This community has again been called upon to lose one of its highly esteemed pioneers, with the passing of Swan O. Crook of Wheeler township, which occurred at his home on Tuesday morning, Jan. 29th, following a period of about two months of illness. Mr. Crook had the very best of care from his children here and his son Martin's wife, who is a trained nurse.

Swan O. Crook was born in Perstorp parish, Späne, (Skåne??), Sweden, July 4, 1847. He was the youngest child of Cecilia and Olaf Matterson. He left his home in Sweden at the age of 21, and came to this country in May, 1868.

He first settled in State Center, Marshall county where he remained for two years. In 1870 he came to Kiron where he worked in the new settlement for several years.

On March 21, 1877 he was married to Miss Lois Lawson of Burnett, Wis., at Omaha, Neb. To this union five children were born, of whom four are still living, one daughter, Mary, died in infancy.
Ever since his marriage the departed lived on the homestead in Wheeler township, Sac county. He belonged to the rapidly thinning ranks of pioneers who settled this community. He often told of his years of struggle when the pioneers were compelled to drive to Denison with out the benefit of roads or bridges through mounting snowdrifts, to sell their produce and grain and buy provisions. It is difficult for us, who have come later to realize, that, within the span of a man's life that such a wonderful transformation has taken place. This territory, which was then a wilderness, is now a well ordered farming community with every modern convenience. All honor is due to this sturdy race of men and women who left us this splendid inheritance.

Out departed brother was a pioneer in the religious realm as well. He was baptized and became a member of the Kiron Baptist church during the first decade of his existence, April 8, 1876. He has been a regular contributor, although in late years unable to attend services.

Our aged friend was of a strong constitution. Until quite recently he has been able to be up and about, ever active, he would be seen daily walking about, insisting on doing some light work as he could. He delighted in talking about old times and used to make the observation that the Lord has had to deal sternly with us at times, but that it has been for our ultimate good.

About two months ago his strength began to fail markedly and he was compelled to stay in bed. Gradually he grew weaker. The last few days he had lapsed into an unconscious state. Like a lamp, whose oil has given out; like a clock run down, the end came peacefully and without a struggle. He has gone to his reward. The pilgrim had reached home. He was 87 years, 6 months and 25 days old.
He leaves to mourn, three sons and one daughter, Martin, Louis, and Florence, of Kiron, Adelbert of Los Angeles, Cal, four grandchildren, and other relatives and neighbors and friends.

Funeral services were held Friday afternoon at 1:30 from the home in Wheeler township and at 2:00 in the Baptist church in Kiron, conducted by Rev. E. Borg, of the Bethel Lutheran church. Rev. Borg rendered a vocal solo in Swedish and a mixed quartet composed of Mrs. Anna Garner, Mrs. Dorothy Clauson, Guy Eckman, and Harry Lindstrom rendered a beautiful selection. The pallbearers were his neighbors, namely Swan Johnson, Ed Lundblad, Perry Hard, Gust Noyd, Fred Johnson and Edwin A. Johnson.

Interment was made beside his wife in the family plot in the Community cemetery.