PASSED AWAY - - Dec. 8, 1882

We are called upon to chronicle the death of one of Redding's best citizens. Alexander Cartwright Swain is no more; he breathed his last at Deadwood, Butte county, whither he had gone for treatment of a growing cancer that appeared upon the lower part of his left jaw, on the night of the 3d inst. He was buried yesterday at Shasta by Shasta Lodge, F. and A. M., of which he was a model member. A large concourse of friends followed him to the grave to do the last sad rites of one they all loved. Mr. Swain was born in Nantucket, and at the time of his death was 53 years of age. He became a seafaring man, having adopted that occupation from choice when quite young. After several years of sea life, he returned to Nantucket, where he married--and after a couple of years again took to the sea. On the last voyage he shipped for San Francisco, where he arrived early in '49.

Remaining in San Francisco a short time, he made his way to Shasta county and engaged in mining at Whiskytown, where he accumulated some property, which he still retained at the time of his death. In 1856 he returned to Nantucket for the purpose of bringing his family, consisting of a wife and one child, to California. He went immediately to Whiskytown, where he resided until 1873, following the occupation of a miner. Here he had two daughters born to him, who survive him. His first born, a son, died there and was buried at Shasta; the loss of which bent the head of the deceased down with great grief. Immediately after the fire which destroyed the business portion of Redding, in 1873, C. C. Bush engaged the deceased as night watchman of his portion of the burnt district. After having done duty for a month or so as a private watchman, he was employed by the citizens of Redding as a general watchman. He then bought out the paper interest of Jas. Rogers, and in the capacity of night watchman and news agent he has since been engaged.

His wife died some five years ago. She was a most estimable wife and mother, and his efforts in her behalf were untiring during her sickness. He succeeded in keeping the children together, and lived to see them blooming, into womanhood. He was a kind and affectionate husband and father; always ready to assist the needy, and administer to the wants of those less comfortable in life--a good friend, a good man and an honor in the Masonic Fraternity. Farewell brother, hail and farewell.

Source: Redding Independent Obit.