This well known citizen was born in the town of Amboy Mar. 26, 1861, a son of the late George and
Ann Wilson Swanson. When he was one year of age he came with his parents to Camden where his
father became a leading citizen and for the remainder of his active days conducted a thriving
lumber mill business. The Swanson mills were located on Mill Street, a landmark for half a
century but today not a vestige of mills or dam is left.
During his school days and for some time after, "young Alex," as he was called, worked for his
father in the lumber business. Oct. 7, 1880, he married Teresa O'Rourke of Camden and the
following year he and his wife left for Bradford, Pa., where he had become interested in the
development of oil wells. He remained ther 15 years, later being employed by oil companies in
several western states. At one time he owned an oil business. His principal places of
residence had been at Tulsa, Okla.; Tucson, Ariz., and at time of retirement in 1924 he was
engaged in Texas. He then returned to Camden and bought a beautiful new bungalow on the Taberg
road, but later sold this and moved to the corner of Second and Washington Streets, a property
he retained up to his death. His wife died Jan. 24, 1942.
Mr. Swanson was an attendant of the Episcopal Church. He was a Mason, member of Bellevue Lodge
530, F. & M., of Bellue, Pa. For years he had been a member of the Shriners and Commandery in
the west. He was also a member of Darius Chapter, R. A. M., Camden.
He was the last of his father's family. His nearest surviving relatives are two nephews, Roy W.
Swanson, Rome; Fred Swanson, Los Angeles, Calif.; a niece, Mrs. Kittie Miller, Rome; and a
cousin Hugh Wasson, Camden.
The funeral is to be held Friday afternoon at 2 o'clock at the J. Floyd Smith Funeral Home in
Miner Avenue, with the Rev. Frederic L. Bradley, rector of Trinity Episcopal Church,
officiating.
The Masonic committal service will be conducted at the grave, with Worshipful Master Nathan
E. Olmstead and Chaplain George S. Philpott of Philanthropic Lodge in charge.
Interment will be in the family lot in Forest Park Cemetery. Bearers are to be John A. Litts,
Charles A. Johnson, T. T. Smith, Roy Orton, Eben W. Carle and John E. Eastham.
Alex will long be remembered by his friends -- and they were many. The death of Mrs. Swanson
early last year severed marital relations of nearly 62 years.
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