Yaphank
From: Yaphank As It Is and Was
Beecher Homan
1875
Daniel B. Swezey
"Died at Yaphank, April 25, 1863, Daniel B. Swezey, in the 33d year of his age."
The above appeared, with the quoted obituary below, in the Suffolk Herald of May 20th, 1863.
"On the 11th of the same month, in leaping from a wagon, he struck the ground unfavorably, and broke his leg. The fracture was complicated, with a severe external wound from the protruding bone, and although at first, hopes were confidently entertained, it became apparent in a few days that he was in a critical condition. Tetanus, or locked-jaw, supervened, and baffled all the efforts of his physician. His funeral on Sunday, the 26th, was largely attended by his sorrowing friends and neighbors, and was impressive as a remarkably mournful occasion.
"In parting with Daniel, our community has sustained a serious loss. Here, everyone is known and numbered, and his death has opened a void that cannot easily be filled. Steady and industrious, he gained our respect; kind and obliging, he won our esteem and friendship. His opened heart and willing hand contributed to his usefulness. In his dealings he was generous and liberal, and his deportment and cheerfulness comported with his Christian character and pleasantry. While he bore his sufferings with manly fortitude, he was resigned to his fate, and died lamented by all. This brief tribute is due to his memory, while his lineaments are still vividly before us, and ere time shall have wrapped all in forgetfulness. For him we may safely cheer. How the people mourned when Daniel Swezey died! Each grain of earth that fell over his grave , seemed to bear down the lamenting hearts in deeper sorrow.
He was one of those scarce men who go down to the cruel grave when their virtues can be ill spared.
For years Mr. Swezey was the loadstone of J.P. Mills' store, and when the unfortunate trip robbed him of his life, he was fast becoming the most popular man in his vicinity.
He married the youngest daughter of Appollas Mills-a sister of J.P Mills-and entered the store as head clerk. He left no children to mourn a father's death, but a loving wife to suffer a husband's loss.
And the church yard at Middle Island, he is sleeping the sleep that knows no waking, and O'er his grave is reared a tablet to memory of one of nature's true nobleman.