Gazlay Family History
 

Family HistoryFamily History - LaVerne Swain


Key:1.“+” before a child’s name indicates the child has their own entry in the next generation.
 2.“born xxxx” indicates the child is under 18 years of age so the birth date is not shown.
This family history features LaVerne Swain and her immediate family.



First Generation
1. LaVerne Swain,1 born ____ (parents not determined). LaVerne married, 10 June 1950, Jack David Howe3 (born 13 December 1929 in Berrien County, Michigan, the son of William Howe and Esther Leona Herman;1, 2, 3 Jack died 31 March 1951 in South Korea3, 4).

Corporal Howe was a member of Company G, 2nd Battalion, 23rd Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division. He was taken Prisoner of War while fighting the enemy in South Korea on February 15, 1951 and died while a prisoner on March 31, 1951. His remains were not recovered.4


  1. U.S. Federal Census, 1930, Michigan, Berrien County, Buchanan Township, Enumeration District 11-22, Sheet No. 5A, family of William Howe (23, U.S., laborer, auto egg factory, first married age 18); wife Esther Howe (21, Michigan, first married age 17); son Justine Howe (4 8/12, Michigan); daughter Hilda Howe (3 8/12, Michigan); son Robert Howe (2, Michigan); son Jack Howe (9/12, Michigan). They are living next door to Esther’s parents and several siblings.
  2. U.S. Federal Census, 1940, Michigan, Berrien County, Niles Township, Enumeration District 11-63, Sheet No. 61A, family of William Howe (37, Russia, machinist, auto shop); wife Esther Howe (32, Michigan); daughter Hilda Howe (13, Michigan); Robert Howe (11, Michigan); Jack Howe (10, Michigan); Shirley Howe (8, Michigan); Raymond Howe (5, Michigan); Gordon Howe (1, Michigan); Ronald Howe (8/12, Michigan).
  3. Obituary, The Herald-Press, St. Joseph, Michigan; 19 March 1954, Jack David Howe, “Buchanan GI Assumed Dead.” The article indicates he is presumed dead in Korean War fighting, provides biographical information, and names his wife, parents, and siblings.
  4. Korean War Project. Jack David Howe, born: 13 December 1929, final disposition date: 31 March 1951. The record provides a brief summary of the circumstances of his loss while a prisoner of war.