Tilghman Howard Swaim collection
Collection — Folder: S1276
Identifier: S1276
Scope and Contents
Written by Tilghman Howard Swaim, these 2 essays are typed with a few corrections and additions in ink. The 6 page essay is the "Biography of Colonel Jehu B. Swaim of Parke County, Indiana." In this document, Tilghman writes about his family history beginning with 3 Swaim brothers who came from Holland to New York in the 17th century. The Michael Swaim family lived in North Carolina, and moved to Parke County, Indiana, when Jehu (1803-1882) was 15 years old. Jehu was involved in various pursuits, including farming, delivering the mail, shoemaking, and blacksmithing. He was a Baptist, a Democrat, and leader in the militia in Parke County.
The 4 page essay entitled "Part 2: Inovation" was written in 1923, and tells about progress in the "forty years since father's death." Tilghman relates the family practice of gathering at Christmas to communicate with their deceased relatives. He wrote about the "Wireless Age," the telegraph and telephone, and mental telepathy. On page two, Tilghman wrote: "Spiritual telepathy has been employed by us here in our home for years... and we have found for a truth that the so-called dead, are even more alive than in the earth life, and retain their love and interest in those left behind." On pages 3 and 4, he quotes some of "the many communications received telepathically from father." Some examples are: "life is one continuous progression. We begin here just where we leave off there. Death does not change us." "I realize the Christ presence here far more than I ever did in the earth life. It is joy, peace and satisfaction to know that He is with us continually." "O, that all today who are mourning their loss of dear ones, could know, that there is no death or great separation between loved ones, what a joy it would bring to their aching hearts." In the second half of the 19th century, spiritualism was very popular in America.
The 4 page essay entitled "Part 2: Inovation" was written in 1923, and tells about progress in the "forty years since father's death." Tilghman relates the family practice of gathering at Christmas to communicate with their deceased relatives. He wrote about the "Wireless Age," the telegraph and telephone, and mental telepathy. On page two, Tilghman wrote: "Spiritual telepathy has been employed by us here in our home for years... and we have found for a truth that the so-called dead, are even more alive than in the earth life, and retain their love and interest in those left behind." On pages 3 and 4, he quotes some of "the many communications received telepathically from father." Some examples are: "life is one continuous progression. We begin here just where we leave off there. Death does not change us." "I realize the Christ presence here far more than I ever did in the earth life. It is joy, peace and satisfaction to know that He is with us continually." "O, that all today who are mourning their loss of dear ones, could know, that there is no death or great separation between loved ones, what a joy it would bring to their aching hearts." In the second half of the 19th century, spiritualism was very popular in America.
Dates
- 1943
Creator
- Swaim, Tilghman Howard, 1844-1882 (Person)
Conditions Governing Access
This collection is open for research.
Conditions Governing Use
Legal title, copyright, and literary rights reside with Rare Books and Manuscripts, Indiana State Library, Indianapolis, IN. All requests to publish or quote from manuscripts must be submitted to Rare Books and Manuscripts.
Biographical Note
Tilghman Howard Swaim, the author of these 2 essays, was born about 1844, the son of Jehu Barnes and Juliet Williams Swaim. Jehu Barnes Swaim was born on April 25, 1803, to Michael and Betsy Swaim in Wilkes County, North Carolina. About 1820, Michael moved his family to Parke County, Indiana, which is where Jehu spent the remainder of his life. Jehu married three times. His first wife had seven children, four of whom are listed in the 1850 census, thus: George, Martha, Rhoda, and Nancy. This wife died in 1842. He married Juliet Williams on July 30, 1843, and had four more children, three of whom are in the 1850 census: Tilghman, Ann, and Mary. Juliet died on September 4, 1851. Jehu's third wedding was on July 24, 1853. They had no children. When Jehu died on July 10, 1882, eight children survived him.
Extent
0.01 Cubic Feet (1 folder)
Language of Materials
English
Arrangement
The 2 essays in this collection are arranged as paginated.
Custodial History
This collection was received by Rare Books and Manuscripts as a donation from the Rockville Public Library in April 1943.
Accruals
No further additions are expected.
Processing Information
Collection processing and finding aid completed 2017/4/27 by Nikki Stoddard Schofield.
Creator
- Swaim, Tilghman Howard, 1844-1882 (Person)
- Title
- Tilghman Howard Swaim collection
- Status
- Completed
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
Repository Details
Part of the Rare Books and Manuscripts Repository
Contact:
140 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 U.S.A.
317-232-3671
140 North Senate Avenue
Indianapolis, Indiana 46204 U.S.A.
317-232-3671
