INDIAN HEAD PIONEER DIES James B. Swift, 82, Who Came to Wolseley District in 1880's, Passes (Special Despatch) INDIAN HEAD, Sask., May 25.-- Death claimed one of the district's outstanding pioneer figures Friday in the person of James Britton Swift, 82. 9. 1853, Mr. Swift came to the Born at Boston, in Mass., on April Wolseley district and homesteaded near the File Hills in the early 80's, and moved to the Bell farm in 1885. In 1888 he came to the town of Indian Head, and for 20 years was agent for the Massey-Harris Company. It was he who introduced the first twine binder to the district. Of recent weeks he had taken a lively interest in the Rebellion series, as he was residing only a quarter of a mile from the Indian reserve while the Riel rebellion was in progress, though he took no active part in it. Interested in Sport Early sporting activities in Indian Head owe much to the interest of Mr. Swift. He helped to organize the Indian Head Curling club and assisted at the building of the first rink in 1888. In 1889 he won the Major Bell curling trophy captured the district medal 1891. He was for a time vice-president of the Gun, club, was a charter member of the 1.0.0.F. lodge No. 8, which was organized 88 years ago, and was also a member of the encampment and was grand trustee for some four years from about 1908. Mr. Swift was married on June 19, 1882 at Boston, and is survived by his widow and one son, J. E. Swift, at home, and one daughter, Mra. R. H. Johnston, Yorkton. The funeral will be held from the home on Sunday, May 26, at 2 p.m., with Rev. W. A. Osborne, of the Indian Head United church, officiating. The Odd Fellows' rites will be observed. Funeral arrangements are in the hands of Charles Farrow, of Sintaluta.
