Joseph S. Sweigard was born in Dauphin Co., Pa., July 3, 1838, died Jan. 19, 1920 at the home of his son-in-law Ezra Bowman northeast of Astoria. He was at the time of his death, aged 81 years, 7 months and 15 days.
Mr. Sweigard was united in marriage to Mary Balsbaugh May 12, 1859. To this union were born ten children. His wife and five children preceded him to the spirit world. The five children who survive him are: Mrs. Mary Meyers, Astoria, Harry Sweigard of Macomb, Mrs. Emma Danner, Astoria, Mrs. Cora Dohner of Bardolph and Mrs. Lottie Johnson, of Glendora, Calif. He also leaves 49 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.
In 1860 Mr. Sweigard united with the Church of the Brethren and continued a faithful member until his death.
Funeral services were conducted at the Church of the Brethren in Astoria Wednesday forenoon at 10 o’clock, interment in the South Fulton cemetery. Funeral discourse from Rev. 14:13 by Charles Walters, assisted by S. S. Blough.
Mr. Sweigard was respected and a maker of many friends. Dropsy was the cause of his death and while he had not been well for several weeks, it was a surprise to his friends that he died with just a few minutes notice, having been preparing to visit another of his daughters. Thus death has come suddenly and removed a much loved one.
[Laura’s note: I am not positive about his middle initial. The subhead said one thing while the body of the obit said another. I have typed it as published.]
Current Obituaries in the Astoria South Fulton Argus