Walnut Grove Tribune, Sep 24, 1931
Youngest of Swoffer Bros. Dies in England
Was 80 years old and Magistrate 30 years
George I. Swoffer, the youngest of the Swoffer brothers, died at his home at Folkestone, England, on August 29, at the age of 80 years. Three of the brothers, Alfred, Walter J. and Fred C., were among the pioneers and founders of this village. The following excerpts from the Folkestone Herald of September 5th will be of interest to the relatives and many friends of the family. The copy of the English paper was given us by Mrs. Lucie B. Swoffer. It contains a lengthy obituary and a photograph of the deceased, a tribute to his memory by the mayor of Folkestone, the attendants at the funeral services and a list of over three dozen wreaths contributed by friends, members of the family, and different organizations. From this account the following is copied:
"It is with deep regret that we record the passing of Mr. George Idenden Swoffer of Moore's Hotel, The Leas, Folkestone, who was for over 30 years a Magistrate on the Folkestone Bench, the founder of the well-known firm of fruit merchants which bears his name.
"Mr Swoffer died at a local nursing home on Saturday morning last after a long and painful illness. He was 80 years of age.
"Coming as a lad of 13 from Dover where his father was in a small way of business, the late Mr. Swoffer engaged in various enterprises, and was at one time an errand boy. After a hard struggle he had a little shop where he sold fruit and vegetables. It was out of this humble beginning that there grew up the present and prosperous firm of fruit merchants, carrying on business at Folkestone and other towns in East Kent.
"At one time, Mr. Swoffer had an extensive business in Convent Garden Market, and was the buyer for several big firms in the Midlands. He was also interested in the development of Morehall and Cheriton properties.
"Mr. Swoffer was the first man to get a road connection between Folkestone and Cheriton by starting a little horse-bus company, the late brother of Alderman R.G. Wood J.P., acting as manager of the company.
"Elected to the Magisterial Bench in 1930 [?] Mr. Swoffer became a member of the Magistrates' Advisory Committee. Up to the last, he was keenly interested in public affairs, and in local matters, and nothing pleased him better than for somebody to tell him the news. He was associated with quite a large number of organisations at different times for local advancement and for sport.
"He was married some 50 years ago to Mrs. Martha Tuellon, a widow. She had one daughter by her former marriage, who is now Mrs. Goddard, widow of Captain D. Goddard, and lives at Croydon. There was one daughter of Mr. Swoffer's marriage, Mrs. E.C. Bowra, widow of Mr. C.E. Bowra, of Brazil, who has four daughters and lives at Purley.
"As an illustration of his fairness of mind, an incident which took place not long before his death may here be told. There was a dispute between Mr. Swoffer and another person, and they were both very angry.
"Mr. Swoffer, however, finding that he was mistaken, went to this person and said, 'Look here, I was in the wrong and so were you. As I am a magistrate, I shall fine myself F5, and I shall fine you F5, and the money shall be given Dr. Carlile for the Fund for the Support of Aged Persons.' The money was duly paid through Dr. Carlile.
"The interment took place at the Folkestone Cemetery, Hawkinge, on Wednesday, and was preceded by a short service in the Cemetery Chapel. Rev. C.C. Stonehouse (Vicar of Christ Church) officiated at the service in the Chapel and at the graveside."