BIOGRAPHY - DAVID SWANSON
David Carl Swanson, postmaster of Paxton, was born in the province of Jonkoping, near the town of Grana, Sweden, January 20, 1869. His parents, Lars J. and Hilda Swanson, immigrated to the United States in May, 1869, when their son David was but three months old. They resided for about a year in Beaver township, Iroquois county, after which they removed to Ford county and from that time on made their home within a radius of ten miles of Paxton. The father gave his entire life to agricultural pursuits and thus provided a comfortable living for his family. He was a republican in politics but never an aspirant for office, although he was ever a good citizen, loyal to the best interests of the community and the nation at large. He was a consistent member of the Swedish Mission church and died in that faith in March, 1889, at the age of fifty-three years. Mrs. Swanson still survives and resides in Paxton. She too is a member of the Swedish Mission church. In their family were nine children and all are yet living, namely: David C.; Hannah J., the wife of John A. Walgren of Portland. Oregon; Gustav E., of Osage, Iowa; Amanda J., of Paxton; Eva C, living in Portland. Oregon; Jennie O., the wife of Elof Carlson of Rockford, Illinois; Oscar S., of Osage, Iowa; Ida, the wife of John Piatt of Paw Paw, Illinois; and Esther, of Paxton.
David C. Swanson was reared on his father's farm, early becoming familiar with the duties and labors that fall to the lot of the agriculturist. He acquired his education in the district schools and as a youth of fourteen came to Paxton. where he secured a position as errand boy, working for one .year in a grocery store and for one year in the mill. In October, 1885, he entered the drugstore of Hanson & King, which later became the firm of King & Helmer while subsequently John F. Helmer was the sole proprietor. Mr. Swanson remained in this store as a most faithful and trusted employee for eighteen years and then resigned his position, in May, 1903, on account of ill health caused by close confinement in the store. He then accepted a position in the lumber yard of B. P. Andrews, where he remained for eighteen months, when he returned to his former position in the drugstore, there continuing until he resigned to become postmaster of Paxton under appointment of President Roosevelt.
This is not the only office which Mr. Swanson has filled. In April, 1893. he was elected to the office of city clerk of Paxton, acting therein continuously for ten years and retiring from the office May 1, 1903, as he had entered it — with the confidence and respect of all concerned.
Mr. Swanson is a member of Paxton Lodge, No. 418, I. O. O. F., Paxton Lodge, No. 398, K. P., Paxton Camp, No. 259, M. W. A., and Council, No. 20, of the Yeomen of America. He attends and supports the Swedish Mission church and is one of Paxton 's esteemed and honored citizens.
Extracted 16 Oct 2016 by Norma Hass from History of Ford County, Illinois, From Its Earliest Settlement to 1908, author E. A. Gardner, Volume 2, pages 609-610.
