Gayton H. Swan

Gayton H. Swan

• Gayton H. Swan was born in March 1859 in New York.
• He married Wilhelmina Haeberle, daughter of Georg Häberle and Charlotte Walz, circa 1881.
• Gayton H. Swan appeared in the US federal census of 1 June 1900 in Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York, at 923 South Avenue. Other members of the household included Frank G. Swan, Charlotte E. Swan, Edna Louise Swan and Hilda B. Swan.
• He was a water works superintendent, according to the 1900 census.
• The following appeared on 11 October 1904 in the Niagara Falls Gazette:
       Gayton Swan, superintendent of waterworks, had a narrow escape from death by drowning yesterday morning about 10 o'clock. For some time past workmen in the employment of the city have been constructing a new gate at the inlet of the waterworks station. Yesterday the superintendent was assisting the men in removing the false work, the gate having constructed and placed in commission. In some manner he lost his balance and fell into the water. He was carried with considerable force by the current against the rack and it was only be great presence of mind that he managed to save is life. The current held him in its clutches but by great strength he managed to draw himself to the surface of the water so that his head was free. A rope was lowered to him which he placed about his body under the arms and he was rescued from his perilous condition. He has several bruises as remembrance of the vigorous manner in which he was handled by the swiftly rushing current in the sluiceway.
• Gayton H. Swan and Wilhelmina Haeberle appeared in the US federal census of 15 April 1910 in Niagara Falls, New York, at 923 South Avenue. Other members of the household included Edna Louise Swan, Hilda B. Swan, William C. Dykstra, Charlotte E. Swan and William Dykstra.
• He was employed as a mechanic in a factory, according to the 1910 census.
• Wilhelmina Haeberle became a widow at his death.
• Gayton H. Swan died on 8 February 1920 at age 60 in Niagara Fallls, Niagara County, New York.
• He was interred at Oakwood Cemetery Mausoleum, Niagara Falls, Niagara County, New York.
• The following appeared on 9 February 1920 in the Niagara Falls Gazette: [Died] In this city, Feb. 8th, 1920, Gayton H. Swan, age 61 years. Husband of Wilhelmina Swan, father of Frank G., Charlotte E. Dykstra, this city, Mrs. Edna Hull, Mrs. Hilda Hauth, LaSalle. Funeral notice later.
• The following appeared on 9 February 1920 in the Niagara Falls Gazette:
       Gayton H. Swan, 62 years old, of No. 923 South avenue, died at home yesterday afternoon of heart trouble and complications, after an illness of one week. Mr. Swan was able to be out as usual up to a week ago, and while his illness forced him to remain at home he was not seriously ill until three days before his death.
       The death of Gayton H. Swan removes one of the now remaining old-time residents who were prominently associated with civic activities a generation age. He was formerly superintendent of the municipal waterworks for fifteen years and was chief of the fire department in the old Falls village days. About twelve years ago he moved to Ludlowville, to accept the position of superintendent of the International Salt plant, where he remained for nearly four years. He subsequently returned to the Falls and had been a resident here up to the time of his death.
       Mr. Swan took an active interest in fire department matters for many years and was one of the organizers of the Exempt Volunteer Firemen's association. He was always greatly interested in the welfare of the city and in politics was an ardent Democrat. He was at one time a member of the board of education and was a charter member of the Old 42nd Separate Co.
       The deceased is survived by his widow and one son, Frank G. Swan, three daughters, Mrs. William Dykstra and Mrs. W. E. Hauth, of Niagara Falls and Mrs. Benjamin Hull of Arlington, Fla; two sisters, Mrs. Wendell Heighton, of Minneapolis, Minn., and Mrs. William MacCracken, of Chicago, Ill; three brothers, Marcus, of Baker City, Ore; Charles, of Escanaba, Mich., and Lewis, of Easton, Penn.
       Mr. Swan was a man of exemplary character, was widely known and was highly esteemed by his friends. He was a devoted husband and father. The funeral arrangements have not as yet been completed.

• Last Edited: 8 Jul 2012