MARCELLUS LINDON SWAFFORD
M. Linden Swafford, son of Christian and Sarah Swafford. was born near Marion, Ind., February 3, 1859, and departed this life at the old home place near Byers, October 18, 1931, age 72 years, 8 months and 15 days.
His childhood was spent near Marion, Ind., and here he received his education.
At the age of fifteen he was converted and later united with the Friends Church at Back Creek, Ind., remaining a faithful member until the day of his death serving his Master as doors of opportunity were opened to him.
On August 21, 1880 he was united in marriage with Anna L. Carey and to this union were born thirteen children, two of whom preceded their father in death. Mertie at the age of three and Mrs. Goldie Burns who on February 24, 1931, was called to her reward.
Soon after his marriage he began his active service in the church as an evangelistic singer and personal worker. About this time he definitely sought and received the baptism with the Holy Ghost and immediately he acknowledged the call of the Lord upon him to preach the gospel. The church recognized his gift and recorded him a minister.
In 1900 he, with his family moved to Pratt county settling on the farm which is still the family home.
His work in the ministry was that of an evangelist, and during the fifteen to eighteen years of service over Kansas Yearly meetings he saw many souls turn to the Lord. Five years of this period of evangelism was in association with his : brother,. M. F. Swafford. He also labored in company with Arthur Rush deceased, and W. A. Woodward.
During the last fifteen; years of his life, on the account of ill health, he was deprived from larger public service, for which his heart so longed, but his faithfulness in the home meeting, at Pleasant Plain, in prayer, song and sermon, has been a source of blessing to all.
The last week of his life was one of untold joy and blessing. He with his wife spent the time in Wichita, where together they attended the sessions of Kansas Yearly Meeting. This precious privilege was made possible by his brother and wife, M. F. and Alice Swafford, whose home is near the University church. It was here they were so kindly entertained thus securing for both families the joys of longed for visit as well as the blessing which came from the sessions of the meeting.
Linden was a faithful, devoted husband and a kind, loving father.
He leaves behind to mourn his departure his devoted wife, seven daughters; Coral Whybrew, Olney Springs, Colo.; Elletta Gaddis, Haviland; Eva King, Lycan, Colo.; Bernice King, Liberal; Lydia Cox, Byers; Sarah Daughtery and Velma of the home; four sons, Leonard and Wilford of Byers; John of Santa Ana, Calif.; Verlin, Lycan, Colo.; also 64 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren.
He also leaves two brothers, W. C. of Haviland; M. F. of Wichita; one sister, Ella Wilson, Phoenix, Ariz.; and half-sister, Lydia Cook, Marion, Ind.; one half-brother, Clyde Jonesborough, Ind.; one step sister, Elva Overman, Fairmount, also a number of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held. at the Pleasant Plain Friends church.
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