1914 Delaware County History pgs. 6-7

Swan Moline

Swan Moline was for many years actively engaged in agricultural work but is now living in Dehli. He was born near Stockholm, Sweden, January 23, 1852, a son of John Olson and Mary (Nelson) Moline, both of whom passed their entire lives in Sweden and are buried in that country.  He received his education in his native land and remained there until he was twenty-one years of age, when, in 1873, he came to the United States. He at once made his way west to Earlville, Delaware county, Iowa, and for several years was employed by others as a farm hand.

After his marriage, which occurred in 1879, Mr. Moline followed the trade of a cooper for a year and a half, after which he began farming on his own account. He purchased thirty acres of timber land in Delhi township and later added to his property as he could until he became the owner of three hundred and sixty-five acres. He did general farming and raised considerable stock, including graded cattle and Jersey White hogs. He was a practical and enterprising farmer, and his labors secured him more than a competence. When he came to the United States he not only had no capital but was seventy dollars in debt, and it is due entirely to his own industry and good judgment that he is today regarded as one of the most substantial farmers of Delaware county. In April, 1914, he removed to Delhi and makes his home with his father-in-law, James N. Phillipps.

Mr. Moline was married on the 16th of July, 1879, to Miss Lilly Phillipps, a daughter of James N. and Nancy (Dahlrymple) Phillipps. Mr. and Mrs. Moline are parents of twelve children, eight boys and four girls, namely: Elsie, Doran, James, Victor, John, Willis, Ross, Iris, Nellie, Donald, Russell and Winona. All of the boys are farmers by occupation.

Mr. Moline is a republican in politics and is interested in public affairs, although he has never held office. The family attend the Methodist church and are a force in all things looking toward the betterment of the community. Mr. Moline holds to the fullest extent the confidence and good-will of those who know him, as he is at all times and under all circumstances a man of stalwart integrity.

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