William McCullough Swank

William McCullough Swank was born in Allegheny Township, Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania, on March 15th 1838, and died April 3 1916, aged 78 years 19 days. His parents were Daniel and Elizabeth (Lyons) Swank. He was the youngest and last of a family of seven sons and two daughters. He was born near the Brookland reformed Presbyterian church and died on an adjoining farm 1 ½ miles south of Freeport, Pennsylvania, where he had resided for the last thirty four years. He was a cousin to General Nathaniel Lyons, who was killed in the battle of Wilson's Creek, of James Moore Swank, late of the American Iron Company of Philadelphia and author of "Men of America," George Thompson Swank, once editor of the Johnstown Tribune, and Daniel Swank late of Brick Church. His father having died on the day of his birth, he was an architect of his own fortunes. He laid his foundation with thrift, sobriety, honesty and uprightness as the cornerstones. How well he builded thereon his life is the answer.

He was connected with the Tarentum United Presbyterian church under the pastorates of Rev. Timmons and Rev. McDonald. He transferred his membership to Allegheny U. P. Church near his late home, was identified with the congregational work serving on the board of trustees. After leaving public school he studied at Leechburg Academy. Afterward teaching in the public schools for several terms when he turned his attention to other pursuits. He was employed in the opening of the West Penn. Railroad helping build the first turntable at Kiski Junction. He later purchased the Patterson farm, now occupied by James C. Bush, turning his attention to farming and stock raising. For a number of years he pursued stock driving, buying in Westmoreland, Armstrong, Indiana, Jefferson, Clarion and Allegheny counties, taking them to the East Liberty Stock Yards. In later years he devoted his time to farming and stock raising and was noted for his success in these branches of agriculture. Having purchased the Cornelius Gill Farm, he removed to it in the Spring of 1882.

Being a man of fine physique, coupled with intelligence and good judgment, he was very prosperous. He was a fine Christian character. His counsels were wise, his influence in the home and community will be lasting. He stood for all right and against wrong, his decisions were for morality and he was respected by his convictions. He was a congenial companion, a kind, loving and devoted husband and father to his wife and children. His end was peace, he having unwavering faith in He who created and redeemed mankind. He approached death and the grave as one who wraps the drapery of his couch about him and lies down to quiet dreams. The honor and esteem, in which he was held, was attested by those who came to pay their last respects. He was a life long Republican but regarded merit where ever found. He served his township as school director, assessor and auditor with credit. At his death he was on the board of directors of the Farmers National Bank of Leechburg, Pennsylvania.

In the spring of 1860 he married Margaret Boal, of near Bagdad station. Their children are Ida C., who became the wife of Adam McElroy; Samuel J., D.D. Knox; Archibald J.; William B.; Melville N.; R. Edwin. His wife died May 4, 1882, Ida C. in February 24, 1888 and D. D. Knox on November 25, 1908. On September 30, 1885, he was married to Margaret J. Boyd, of near Leechburg, Pennsylvania. To this union there is Roland M.,; Boyd M.; Anna M.; and Margaret B. Anna M. is the wife of George Schall.

Funeral services were held April 5, 1916 at 2 p. m. in his late residence, conducted by his pastor, Rev. John Downey, assisted by Rev. Robert Park, of the Parnassus R. P. Church. Internment was made in Brookland Cemetery. Six sons, Archibald, William, Melville, Edwin, Roland and Boyd were pallbearers. C. F. Armstrong, Cashier, Henry S. Zimmerman, George W. Cook and J. H. Parks, directors of the Farmers National Bank, were honorary pallbearers. He leaves his wife, nine children, sixteen grand children and one great grandchild to mourn his loss.

Ref. Tribute to William McCullough Swank - 1916 Also Ref. Biographies of Westmoreland County, Pennsylvania