Sacramento County
CHARLES SWANSTON
Charles
Swanston, who closed his eyes to earthly scenes many years ago, was one of the
pioneer stock buyers of the Pacific coast, and also become the founder of the
well known meat packing firm of Swanston & Son, of Sacramento. Indeed, he
was a prominent factor in the commercial development of this city and was
recognized as a man of reliable judgment, fine public spirit, and genuine
worth. He was born in Ohio, June 21, 1833, a son of William and Elizabeth
(McCurdy) Swanston, both of whom were natives of Ireland. William Swanston
emigrated to the United in an early day and engaged in farming in Ohio,
remaining there until his death, in 1888. His wife lived to the uncommon age of
one hundred and one years, her death occurring in Boardman, Ohio.
Charles Swanston was reared to
young manhood on his father's farm and remained a resident of Ohio until 1865,
when he came to California. For a time he was employed as a stock buyer by
other parties, but finally, with his accumulated savings, began business for
himself. He first established a butcher shop, through which he began supplying
local parties with meat. From this modest beginning the business grew and
expanded until today it is the largest in the Sacramento valley and the only
packing concern in Sacramento. Mr. Swanston purchased two hundred acres of land
two miles from Sacramento and upon this property erected suitable packing house
buildings, which were equipped with modern and improved machinery and
appliances. This branch of the business was conducted from the wholesale
department, with offices at that time in the Stoll building where his son
George was in charge. Mr. Swanston continued to give his active attention to
his extensive business affairs to the time of his death, which occurred April
16, 1911. He was noted for his unerring judgment in the selection of bullocks,
sheep and hogs and had just closed a large contract for his firm when his death
occurred.
In 1861 Charles Swanston was
united in marriage to Miss Nancy M. Powers, a native of Ohio, whose death
occurred March 29, 1882. They were the parents of two children, Lillian, the
wife of John A. McCaslin, of Piedmont, California, and George, who succeeded
his father as the head of the business, which he successfully conducted until
his death, July 3, 1923. Further reference is made to the son on the other
pages of this work. Charles Swanston was a man of great vision and abundant
faith in the future development of the Sacramento valley, a faith which he
backed by his time, efforts and money. He was a man of unquestioned integrity,
commanding the respect of his fellowmen, and his death marked the passing of
one of Sacramento's representative business men and citizens.
In honor of Charles Swanston,
his son George donated the sum of ten thousand dollars to the city of
Sacramento for the erection in William Land park of memorial fountain. Ralph
Stackpole was the artist who designed the memorial fountain, which, when
completed, will represent the early western life of the pioneers who came to
California in quest of gold. The fountain is located in high ground near the
park pavilion, and overlooks the city. George Swanston was associated with F.
H. McKevitt in the sale of a tract of land on Riverside road, and this was
being converted into the William Land park at the time of Mr. Swanston's death.
He also owned large holdings northeast of the city, which were being
subdivided. Several weeks prior to this death he made arrangements with the
city administration for supplying ice water in the fountain throughout the
summer months, and the expense of this admirable provision is borne by the
Swanston estate.
Transcribed by Sande Beach.
Source: Wooldridge, J.W. Major History of the Sacramento Valley California, Vol. 2 pgs. 121-122. The Pioneer Historical Publishing Co. Chicago 1931.
© 2005 Sande Beach.