Joseph A. Zwart (1871 – 1951) was Claude Sr’s father, and Steve Zwart’s great grandfather.
His first child Carolyn was a pillar of the family, and his 3 sons were successful. Louis was a CPA and Claude Sr and Edward were MD’s. Edward served as an Army doctor at the bloody battle of Anzio in Italy in 1944 and also in Korea in 1950.
He was a Probate Judge in Ironton, Mo.
Clip from 1893 Ironton:
“Notice of Copartnership. We have this day associated ourselves, under the firm name of B. Zwart & Son, to carry on a general collection, insurance and real estate agency, and offer our services as such to our friends and the public generally assuring them of promptness and fair dealing in all matters entrusted to our care. Law matters will be attended to by the Senior member, as heretofore.
Bernard Zwart, Joseph A. Zwart. Ironton, Mo., January 2d, 1893.”
Note – Bernard then passed away in July. You can see a write-up on him here.
Clip from 1894 Ironton:
“For Probate Judge Joseph A. Zwart”
Wedding announcement 1896 Ironton:
“Joseph A. Zwart Ironton, Mo., and Miss Carrie M. Ottenad, St. Louis, Mo., were married November 4th, 1896, at 9 a.m. at Sts. Peter and Paul Church, St. Louis. No invitations or cards, as bride’s family are in deep mourning. Only the immediate families of both parties were present. Mr. and Mrs. Zwart will be “at home,” Ironton, Mo., after November 3th. The Register extends congratulations to the young couple. They will start on their matrimonial voyage with the best wishes of the people of Ironton, where the Judge was born and reared. His bachelor friends regret their loss, but in leaving their circle to make for himself a home the Judge has accepted the fate that awaits most of them. May the newly wedded couple live long and prosper!”
Clip from 1909 Ironton:
“Mr. Joseph Zwart has returned from Texas for the purpose of packing his household goods for shipment. The family will leave next week and be located at San Antonio, Texas. Their many friends wish them prosperity and happiness in their new home.” Farmington Times
Clip from 1914 Ironton:
“Mr. Joseph A. Zwart and family, who have been living in San Antonio, Texas, for several years past, are now located in New Orleans. Valley friends wish them well in their new home.”
He had a position of Credit Manager at the Ralph Goldsticker hat factory.
St. Louis home at 4020 Hartford Street:
His wife Caroline (nee Ottenad) graduated from the Ursuline Academy in Arcadia, Mo. Upon graduation in 1893 she received a gold medal for “general application”.
Obituary 1951 Globe Democrat:
“ZWART, JOSEPH A. Of 4020 Hartford St. on Thurs. May 3. 1951 dear husband of Caroline M. Zwart (nee Ottenad). dear father of Mrs. Joseph Lundergan (Caroline), Louis B., Dr Claude H. and Dr. Edward A. Zwart, our dear father-in-law. grandfather and uncle. Funeral from Kriegshauser Mortuary 4228 S. Kingshighway on Sat May 5, interment at SS Peter and Paul Cemetery.”