Reading Room Files

Burton Collection
Detroit Public Library


The New York Times Reference Book lists the Burton Collection as one of the top five places to do genealogical research in the United States. I think it is one of the best kept secrets of the hobby. For a while I was able to access it once a month or so. (Believe it or not, I go on a randomly determined basis, i.e., if work calls for me to travel by the library, and there is a parking place on the street, it's lunch time! I can seldom contain my excitement for more than an hour anyway, I'm too eager to share what I've learned to sit still and look for more!)

I was at the Burton Collection and, as so often happens among fellow genealogists, I was helped by another researcher. She explained that if I found a listing for a surname in the catalogue, I could list the last name and write RRF for the book title and the librarians would retrieve an envelope containing pictures or newspaper clippings. So I promptly requested the Swarthout and Swartwout files, the two listed in the card files. I was rewarded with two envelopes, Swarthout with a variety of clippings and Swartwout with a single article. I have legible, digital pictures of the clippings that were there.

If you contact me I will send you a digital copy of the appropriate clipping.


Mrs. Arthur H. Swarthout - Obituary - Aug 29, 1892

Jay D. Swartwout - Obituary - Navy Flier - March 18, 1928

Mrs. C. A. Swartout - Obituary - March 17, 1943

Thomas J. Swartout - Obituary - April 12, 1944

Fern Work Swartout - Funeral announcement with picture, date questionable.

Carrie Swarthout - Obituary - Sept 20, 1947

Mary Lu Swarthout - Marriage to Junior Perrien - Aug 16, 1949

Elvin Swarthout - Grand Rapids Mayor - Announcement of death, year unknown.

Dora Swarthout - Pioneer of Pickney - Historical article with several picts - Aug 3, 1966

Russell Swarthout - Cleared of Charges - Jan 27, 1970

Jess Aaron Swarthout - Death notice - October 24, 1971

Kenneth Swarthout - Obituary - d. May 19, 1973

 Back to the Swarthout Genealogy Page
Copyright Mark W. Swarthout, 2001
Updated 6/12/2001