Al Swearengen, Oskaloosa, IA— Al Swearengen, known for his larger-than-life role in the Wild West, passed away on November 15, 1904. His story, marked by intrigue and adventure, has been immortalized through the HBO series Deadwood. Al was famously portrayed by Ian McShane in the show, a role that earned McShane a Golden Globe.
Born west of Oskaloosa on a family farm, Al’s early years took him from Colorado’s gold strikes to the bustling camps in Montana, Wyoming, and South Dakota. He ultimately settled in Deadwood in 1876, where he ran the iconic Gem Saloon for over two decades.
After passing away in Denver under mysterious circumstances, Al was laid to rest in a forgotten grave in Oskaloosa’s Forest Cemetery. His final resting place remained unmarked for over a century until a fundraiser was launched to commemorate his legacy. The goal of the campaign is to provide a proper grave marker for both Al and his twin brother Lem, who is buried alongside him.
This effort is expected to be completed by July 2025, in time for what would have been the twins’ 180th birthday. Any excess funds raised will help mark additional graves in the Swearingen plot, including the grave of Nettie Swearingen, Al’s second wife.
We extend our deepest condolences to the Swearingen family. May Al’s memory be honored for generations to come.
Short Summary of Al Swearengen
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Al Swearengen |
| Date of Passing | November 15, 1904 |
| Fundraiser Created By | Al Swearengen’s great-great granduncle |
| Goal Amount | $32,000 |
| Purpose | Grave markers for Al, Lem, and other Swearingen family members |
| Location | Oskaloosa, IA |
Note:This post was written and edited by Alexis Anderson, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.