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In Newton-le-Willows Cemetery.
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He was a son of Joseph and Sarah Ann Swann. 44050 Lance Corporal Robert Swann Porter, Royal Engineers, who died of wounds in Flanders on the 23rd November 1915, was Sam Swann's nephew.
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. SWANN.—Samuel Lumsden, second son of Joseph and Sarah Ann Swann, Sergeant of Lancashire Hussars and 32nd Company imperial Yeomanry, aged 41 years, killed in action at Hamelfontein, South Africa, December 17th, 1900. , .
....It is with feelings of the deepest regret that we record the death of one of the bravest and one of the best of jolly good fellows who ever donned the Queen's uniform, Sergt. Samuel Lumsden Swann, second son of Mr. Joseph and Mrs. Swann, of 74, Cross Lane, Erlestown. When the Lancashire Yeomanry offered their services Sergt.Swann was among the first selected for duty in South Africa. He had been a member of Lord Newton's troop of Hussars for many years, was well-known in various parts of Lancashire, and left these shores with the kindest wishe from hosts of friends, many of whom journeyed to Liverpool to say "Farewell." He was at one time a scholar at Earlestown Wesleyan Sunday School, and a member of the Choir, and being the possessor of a deep, powerful bass voice, was often in request at local concerts. He entered heart and soul into the Volunteer movement. For some years he was a member of Earlestown Homing Society, and his lofts have contained some splendid homing pigeons at various times. Sergt. Swann was a Freemason.
....After being over 12 months in South Africa, a party of English soldiers were surprised at Hamelfontein by a large number of the enemy, and Sergt. Swann was unlucky enough to get shot in the head. It is believed death was almost instantaneous. The Yeomanry whilst in South Africa have not been engaged in any stiff battles, but their scouting and defensive work has been of great service to the nation during a perilous time. Sergt. Swann was drafted into the 32nd company of Imperial Yeomanry. He was 41 years of age and unmarried. His idea was to settle in the country at the close of the war. Trooper Johnson was also killed and Trooper Boardman captured.
....On Sunday night at Newton (St. Peter's) Church, Dr. E. Hulton Middleton, F.R.C.O., played exquisitely the Dead March from "Saul" and Chopin's "Funeral March," as a token of respect and esteem to the deceased yeoman. A memorial service will be held at Newton Church on Sunday morning. ....In connection with the death of Sergeant Swann, a correspondent who was intimately acquainted with him for many years, contributes the following, which will, doubtless be read with much interest. ....The news of the death of Sergeant Swann came as a sad blow to his very numerous friends. The word "numerous" must be taken advisedly, for our dear departed fellow-townsman and soldier had no enemies, and go where you would, in whatever society you would, and when you would, if the topic of conversation veered round to "sam" Swann, it was ever of an eulogistic character. his popularity was never more truly exemplified than on the receipt of the news of his death. It was on the lips of hundreds of persons both in this and the surrounding townships.
....It is well-known Sergeant Swann was his father's right-hand man at our local Gas Works, and here, as in everything else he undertook, he did his work with that thoroughness which was characteristic of the man; and as scores of us can testify, who have had to requisition his services at our houses and works in connection with the gas or water supply, it was always done with courtesy and full explanation and advice on the affected parts. Amongst his workmen he was indeed popular, and many stories could be told of kindnesses and practical sympathy extended to them by him.
....As a soldier he was an enthusiast, being a very old and valued member of the Lancashire Hussars. Here again he did his duty with thoroughness, and made a special study of the various books on drill, outpost duty, &c., till he was well versed with every detail in connection with his duty. Very many troopers and recruits sought his advice, and were instructed in his usual kindly manner. Whilst rising from trooper to sergeant, he was a most valuable assistant to Sergt.-Major Strange in the instruction and drill classes, which are held during the summer months. He was a capital swordsman, and won several prizes in the sword exercise competitions at Southport. When the formation of a Yeomanry troop was decided upon he was among the first to proffer his services, and there was no prouder man than he when he was accepted and declared fit for active service. During the early months of Sergt. Swann's arrival in South Africa, he was in the hospital from an attack of enteric fever, indeed the majority of the Yeomen were in hospital from the same cause. After returning to his duty he soon regained that fine physique which was so much admired, and added to it considerably.
....Sergt. Swann was the possessor of a magnificent bass voice—a true bass of big compass, with fine, solid bottom notes, and top notes as clear as sounding brass. Nothing pleased the writer more than to listen to his singing of "The Gauntlet" and "I fear no foe." He well remembers how on one occasion a gentleman invited Sergt. Swann (then Mr. Sam Swann) to sing at Liverpool where several professional singers were also assisting, including a then well-known bass. Sergt. Swann's voice was a revelation alike to the audience and artistes. At the close of his rendering of "The Gauntlet" the applause was great, and he truly brought down the "house," and was highly congratulated by his fellow-singers. Anyone who heard him sing when he was at his best, and in good voice, would not forget it for many a long year; yet he was ever most unassuming as to his power of song. He was at his zenith when he was a member of the noted "White Camelia Minstrels," a troupe of first-class minstrels formed about 20 years ago, by our respected fellow-tradesman, Mr. Wm. Attfield, he himself being a first-rate humorist. In passing it might be said this troupe of amateur minstrels gave many excellent entertainments, and were always patronised to the fullest limits of the halls. Here again Sergt. Swann was a great enthusiast, and a very popular member with audience and troupe. It was about this time that the reputation of his voice and singing reached the ears of Mr. Sam Hague, and he was invited to join his famous troupe. In those times "Sam Hague's minstrels" were household words. During many concert seasons his services were requisitioned far and near, mostly for charitable purposes, and he gave the charities the benefit of his voice ungrudgingly. In the opinion of the writer, however, the public overworked the "willing horse" and Sergt. Swann decided not to sing in public again. Amongst his Hussar friends, however, he never denied them the privilege of song either at the annual dinner or whilst training at Southport. At the latter place he was also well-known and a great favourite. Doubtless on many occasions when the body was tired and the spirit low during this trying South African campaign, his comrades have been cheered and their souls fired by Sergt. Swann's invigorating songs.
....One of Sergt. Swann's favourite pastimes was the training of the homing pigeon, and he shone in this particular branch, too, having some splendid strains of the homer in his cote.
Newton and Earlestown Guardian, Friday 28th December 1900
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. . ....On Sunday morning the friends and acquaintances of the late Sergt. Samuel Lumsden Swann, of the Lancashire Hussars, attended St. Peter's Church, Newton, where an impressive memorial service was conducted by the Vicar (Rev. J. Ryder). Rain was falling unpleasantly about church-time, which prevented many from turning out, especially from the extreme end of Earlestown, but neverthe less the sacred building was crowded to excess and the streets lined with sympathetic and loving friends. The Lancashire Hussars mustered in High-street under Sergt.-Major Pearce, and marched to church. The 1st South Lancashire and 6th Liverpool Volunteers sent detachments, the left side of the nave being almost entirely occupied by the military. Local freemasons were also present in good numbers to show a mark of respect and esteem for their fallen brother, Sergt. Swann having been a member of the Lodge of Faith (Ashton). The decorations of the church were left from Christmas Day and these looked very beautiful. Altogether the scene inside the church was most impressive. Amongst the numerous congregation were local magistrates, members of the District Council, and the leading residents. Dr. E. Hulton Middleton, F.R.C.O., Mus. Bac., presided at the organ and played as an opening voluntary "Blest are the departed," with exquisite taste and skill. As the surpliced choir proceeded from the vestry it was seen some wore the uniform of their corps which stood out in rather striking contrast to the white apparel of the main body of choristers. The service opened with the Rev. S. Baring Gould's famous hymn, "Onward Christian soldiers," whilst the psalms appointed for the 30th day of this month were singularly appropriate and were extremely well sung. Special and suitable lessons were read by Mr. James Singleton and the Vicar.
....The Rev. J. Ryder took for his text: "Death is swallowed up in victory" (Corinthians xv., 54). He said that philosophic speculation had gone through the heavens and told us there was no gold there; it had gone through hell and told us there was no fire there; it had gone through Christ and told us there was no God there; it had gone through the grave and told us there was no resurrection. And with all the information that philosophic speculation can afford us, if we depended upon that alone, the future was left with a fog hanging over it thicker than even in London or Manchester. We were simply bewildered and without any comfort that philosophy could afford in the most acute moment of life, in the hour of death. And when one came away from the philosophy in Christian worlds to the philosophy in heathen lands one found they had kept the lamp of immortality burning, if not so clearly, yet the light was there. All the philosophy of the heathen world believed in the immortality of the soul, and it looked as if God intended that the poor heathen, with his revelation, should not lose the hope of the comfort of immortality. It was only when men like Tyndall, Spencer and others began to think they were so high and mighty that they commenced to deal with these hazardous speculations. Science tells us we have nothing to do with the resurrection, and after telling us that it observes apart from any idea of the resurrection, that it seems impossible there can be one, but says that bodies are composed mainly of fluids and gases and it was impossible to believe scientifically in the resurrection of the dead. From this point the preacher turned to the evidence of the apostles and disciples of Jesus Christ, who were prepared to preach the resurrection of the dead through Christ even though it meant death to them. In reply to the scientist they had the words of Paul, "Behold I tell you a mystery." At the present time the nation was passing through a crisis, perhaps the most acute in the whole of her history. Thousands and thousands of lives had been sacrificed in battle before to-day. He did not assign the war to any particular party, for he never did believe much in war and never should, but he did blame the Christian Church throughout the world. He noticed one thing more than another; the Christian Church prayed that the war might be ended, but it never prayed that it should never begin. If prayer was right at one time it was right at another; let them be logical. Whether mistakes had been made or not was not the issue; let them go to God and ask Him to take care of those loved ones and those absent ones. Let all realise they were in His safe keeping, go home and study the Transfiguration of the Lord, and get an insight into the future life. There were many loved ones who had fallen fighting for their country, who had sacrificed all that was dearest, their own lives, and left in many instances the widow and children to the mercy of the world. For them he asked their prayers. Their example in patriotism and self-sacrifice they should emulate; they had done their best, it was for those at home now to do the rest, so that when the end did come they might find it to be all in all. Let them hope, let them trust, let them believe, let them realise that they might meet again in that far-off, but may be nearer land than they anticipated. They had to think especially that morning of one from among therir own selves, one deeply respected, one affectionately loved, who went away, and he (Mr. Ryder) believed he had said that rather than be maimed he would like his life to be taken outright. He wanted to come back perfect or not at all, and as God had willed he would not come back. His remains rested in African soil. Let them hope and devoutly hope his soul was with the departed, where theirs would go, and while they thought of his death let them throw their thoughts back on the thought of life and realise, if the gospel taught us nothing else, that our lives were to be lived in earnest. It reminded them how frail they were and how near death was to each one. Not that they were to be gloomy, but that all their lives should be in real earnest because this life was only the beginning of a better and higher one, and they should realise
............In this dark world of sin and pain,
............We only meet to part again;
............And when we reach the heavenly shore,
............We there shall meet to part no more;
............To hope that we shall see that day,
............And chase our present grief away,
............And these short years of pain are passed
............We meet before the throne at last."
What was it that sustained the Commander-in-Chief during this fearful struggle. Think of him looking over the remains of his only son fallen in the conflict, and ask themselves what it was that made him so cheerful and so Christian-like in these battles. It was the fact that when the end of all does come, his own son and himself, and indeed all, must meet around the throne at last.
....Other hymns were sung of a suitable nature, and at the close the Organist played "Dead March" from Saul and Chopin's "Funeral March." The congregation then dispersed and witnessed the return of the Volunteers and Yeomanry before disbanding.
Newton and Earlestown Guardian, Friday 4th January 1901
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....MEMORIAL SERVICE.—On Sunday morning a memorial service was held at St. Peter's Church, Newton, as a mark of respect to the late Sergeant Sam Swann, of Earlestown, and of the Lancashire Hussars contingent which went out to South Africa. Sergeant Swann was killed whilst in action at Hamilfontein on December 17th. There were present at the service 42 members of C squadron Lancashire Hussars, under the command of Sergeant-Major Pearce and Regimental Sergeant-Major Strange; 40 members of the 6th V.B. King's Liverpool Regiment under the command of Sergeant-Instructor Hancock; and about a dozen members of the 1st South Lancashire (Prince of Wales) Volunteers, under the command of Colour-Sergeant Bailey. The Lodge of Faith (Ashton-in-Makerfield), 484, Freemasons, of which the deceased was a member. The Makerfield Lodge, Newton, were represented. The church was crowded and the vicar (the Rev. J. Ryder), chaplain to the Newton-in-Makerfield Lodge of Freemasons, conducted the service.
Leigh Chronicle, Friday 4th January 1901

8973 Pte S. L. Swann, 32nd Coy. I.Y. - Papers/ Medal Roll & Personal Effects.

Thanks very much, Dave. I see he knocked five years off his age so as to see active service.