DEATH OF A FOLKESTONE TRADESMAN (Unknown source and date)
It is with the deepest regret we announce the death of Mr. Edward Swoffer, the oldest member of the firm of Swoffer and Co. of Dover Road. He passed away on Wednesday last after a very painful illness.
He was one of Nature's noblemen, whom to know is to love, revere and respect, and an ideal parent, who was bound up in his own family, generous, kind and charitable to everyone. He passed through life without making a single enemy and no-one in distress ever appealed to him in vain. He was a keen and shrewd man of business, his word was his bond, and he was never known to depart from his word when it had been given, whatever might be the loss. With the fluctuations of markets in his particular business, sometimes the keeping of a contract meant great sacrifices. He was the old-fashioned type, called a spade a spade and never presumed a position he could not maintain. One of his dying wishes was that there should be no flowers at his burial. This wish is actuated by the kindness of heart, as he knew that so many poor people would be anxious to pay their respects who could ill afford it. He leaves a loving wife, Mrs. Swoffer, whose nature was a counterpart of her husband for charitableness, kindness, and generosity. The rest of the family consists of sons and daughters, verging on manhood and womanhood, who are holding important positions, and possessing exceptional talents in their walks of life.
We can say no more when we ask them to accept the heartfelt sympathy of ourselves and the many friends who came in contact with him. He is to be buried on Saturday at two o'clock. The funeral arrangements are to be carried out by Messrs. Prebble and Spain, 7 Grace Hill.