Description
“FORMER SLAVE DIES AT 104. – “Squire Swaney Fought in Civil War – Father of Twelve.” - - “Squire” Swaney, said to be oldest negro in Kansan City, died at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Nancy Wilburn, 1212 Highland Avenue, at 7 o'clock yesterday morning. He was born on the plantation of John Bean in Lafayette County, Kentucky, in 1805, being 104 years old at the time of his death. Swaney lived on the Bean plantation as a slave until 1859, when his owner moved to Platte County, Missouri. In 1860 he was sold to Squire (Hugh) Swaney, of Platte County, who had moved to Missouri from Kentucky several years before. When the Civil War broke out, he enlisted in Company “E,” Eight Regiment, U. S. Colored Volunteers, serving throughout the war and being honorably discharged from the service at Its close. After the war the dead man took the name of his “Marser," Squire Swaney, and moved to Tonganoxie, Kansas, where he bought a farm and lived until 3 years ago when he sold his farm and went to the old soldiers’ home at Leavenworth. Four months ago he came to Kansas City and made his home with his daughter. Swaney is survived by his second wife, 12 children, 29 grandchildren, 44 greatgrandchildren and 2 great-greatgrandchildren. The body will be sent to Tonganoxie, Kansas, for burial.Date(s) of Creation
1/1/1910