Poignant Letter From General Lansing Swan’s Father Before The General’s Death 1861.

$125.00

This 3 page letter is signed by Joseph Swan, dated Dec. 18, 1861, just shortly before the death of his son, having moved to Kalamazoo, Michigan to live with his daughter. A sad letter, in it, the father tries to comfort his son, but the content is preparatory in regard to his son’s critical health, and spiritually comforting him to a greater plan God has prepared for him.

The CDV was photographed by Schuyler C. Baldwin, Kalamazoo, Mich.   CDV and letter are in very good condition, the latter being quite legible. I have included a copy of Gen. Swan in civil clothing from a daguerreotype C 1850s, and transcripts of history and letter.

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A brief history of Joseph Swan has been photographed for you, taken from “In Old Onondaga Valley -The Academy and its Early Organization.” Look at the photos for this history.

 

Lansing B. Swan was born to Joseph and Phebe Swan on May 24, 1809 in Onondaga County, NY.  He married Elizabeth Sill Welles, of Utica, NY, on April 14, 1831.  They had five children; Abby B.Swan, Elizabeth W. Swan, Henry R. Swan, Albert Swan, and Joseph Swan.  In the entire collection there are items from each of the children, some more, some less. In this particular archive, The second daughter Elizabelth, and the youngest son, Joseph is not represented, but there are separate lots for them.  Swan’s Father & Mother daguerreotypes are listed separately as well.

Lansing Swan, in his youth, began is business career as a clerk in Utica, working as a Druggist and Grocer, being soon became a partner in the firm of Hitchcock & Swan, about 1827.  By 1929, with the death of his partner, as sole proprietor, Swan moved to Rochester in 1829-30.  Later he was engaged in a successful water pipe manufacturing business.  Whether a clerk, merchant, public officer, industrialist, inventor, or military officer, integrity and honor marked his character, making him a widely respected man in New York.  Much more.

General Swan began is military career with the Rochester Union Grays, a local militia company, becoming its first captain and holding that position for 12 years; then a major in the 54th New York Regiment.  In 1851, he was appointed by Governor Hunt, to assume command of the 25h Brigade, 7th Division, SNY; a position he held until his death in 1861. He died of heart disease.