WILLIAM SWINTON Memoriam

In Loving Memory Of WILLIAM CORNELIUS HOLLOWAY SWINTON 1889 ~ 1924 Born October 4, 1889, William, also know as Bubba, at a very young age, was an entrepreneur. He established his small shoe shine business in pool halls and barber shops. His primary goal was to help his family. When given the opportunity in 1906 at the tender age of 16, William became an apprentice under the supervision and leadership of Mr. Rufus E. Felder. By 1907 William had completed his apprenticeship and became a barber. (Mr. Felder was an outstanding barber, teacher, and mentor who barbared on King Street and later founded an establishment on Wentworth Street). In February 1914, William now 24, along with other barbers and friends gathered to establish within their community a means to accomplish social communion. It was an era when he and his peers were hungry for an uplifting social and recreational function. To satisfy their hunger, they founded the Owls Whist Club, a club without walls. 33 years later, 23 years after William's death, the "Roost" was born in 1947. It was designed by the now renowned Mr. Herbert A. De Costa Sr., and built by the distinguished Mr. Thomas Pinckney. A founders' wall was dedicated to the original members. The name plates were placed in alphabetical order after having been inscribed in wood and later in brass. From all accounts, William was the first fallen founder; and the first to receive the owl's wreath. The Owl's Whist Club will have its 100th anniversary on February 14, 2014. Just after embracing his 28th birthday, and presently employed by The Commercial Barber Shop located at 97 Meeting Street, William on November 2, 1917, enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served in World War I, and reenlisted three (3) additional and consecutive times within a seven year period as a Mess Attendant 1st Class. His 3rd reenlistment, initiated a 5 year enlistment period, and was signed just prior to his death. He did not live to serve that enlistment. It is believed, the first seven years spent in the U.S. Navy were viewed by William, as stepping stones to a future, for his trade in his career. It is conceivable to believe that William's goal, his dream, was to eventually serve as a barber in the United States Navy. In October of 1919, one day before his 30th birthday, William made it possible for his mother to purchase her dream home. He also engaged his friend, Mr. Herbert A. De Costa Sr. to complete the renovations. This historic event transpired 94 years ago on this Oct. 3rd. It was a true legacy, given to his mother and family, as succeeding generations continue to reside in the home. In the early morning of September 25, 1924, 89 years ago today, William Cornelius Holloway Swinton left his final footprints on this earth. He died 9 days before his 35th birthday. He received a full naval burial including a gun salute. His ship's flag was lowered, submitted for his burial ceremony, and alternately received by his mother. His mother stunned by the sudden death of her only living son wept, as she had inscribed on his naval tombstone the words: "HIS FOND TRUE HEART HAS STILLED THE HANDS THAT TOILED SO HARD FOR ME NOW LIE IN DEATH'S COLD CHILL" William survived to have a brief but truly purposeful life. His courage, his fortitude, and genius have allowed four generations thus far to live free of worry and despair. He provided his family with a foundation, a lifetime of security, and wealth. Bubba, you spent your entire life trying to make a difference for your family, for your community, and for your nation. Even in death, your life is making a difference. You may not have completed all of your goals, your dreams, however God in his wisdom, had greater goals, bigger and better dreams. Continue to rest in God's love, for you have done your work here on earth. With eternal gratitude William, for your most precious legacy, we give thanks. We remain as always, your family with love, and appreciation.