John P. & Sarah Catherine Swartz Fund

The John P. & Sarah Catherine Swartz Fund promotes music education in Tucker County schools, celebrating the musical legacy of a family deeply rooted in the community’s cultural life.

TYPE OF FUND: Field of Interest

DATE ESTABLISHED: Initiated June 1993; Established 2001

PURPOSE: To promote music education in Tucker County schools.

DISTRIBUTION: Upon the recommendation by the Grants Committee and approval by the full Board of Directors of TCF.

VARIANCE POWER: If, in the judgment of the TCF Board of Directors, the restrictions and conditions of the fund become unnecessary, incapable of fulfillment or inconsistent with the charitable needs of the community, the TCF Board of Directors maintains the right to modify the terms of this fund.

FUNDING: From family and friends in memory of John Phillip Swartz and Sarah Catherine White Swartz.

BACKGROUND:
John Phillip Swartz was born in Lonaconing, Maryland, on April 3, 1872, and married Sarah Catherine White, born in Harman, WV, on May 30, 1882, in 1897. John worked on the railroad for many years in various roles and was a self-educated musician and accomplished violinist. He taught others to play musical instruments—particularly horns—and filled the family home with string instruments and an upright grand piano. He conducted the Hendricks Orchestra for several years and served as mayor of Hendricks from 1912 to 1913.

Sarah was a homemaker who, while not an instrumentalist herself, loved to sing and fostered a deep appreciation for music in their children, encouraging their active participation in musical events.

Together, John and Sarah raised eight children: Vanyla (b. 1901), Lakey (1902), Beatrice (1904), Evelyn (1906), John (1908), Helen (1910), Ruth (1912), and Robert (1915). Vanyla and Evelyn played piano for silent films prior to marriage. Lakey taught music in Hendricks and Hamrick for many years. John “Buss” was skilled in string instruments such as guitar, steel guitar, and bass fiddle. Robert “Snook” led his own band and radio program in Cumberland, Maryland, until his passing.

While not all of the Swartz children pursued music professionally, they all maintained a passion for singing, harmonizing, and participating in church choirs. Their legacy lives on through many musically talented grandchildren and great-grandchildren.