Fresno County, California Biographies

Source: History of Fresno County, California, with biographical sketches of 
the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with 
its growth and development from the early days to the present (1919)

History By Paul E. Vandor 
Illustrated, Complete In Two Volumes 
Historic Record Company, Los Angeles, California, 1919
 
Notes: Missing+page1185-1186

Transcribed by Peggy Hooper

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives 
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


EDWARD COOPER SWIGART.� A varied experience in life, giving 
one a fair knowledge of human nature, becomes a valuable asset in anticipating 
and supplying the wants of a community, as is shown by the life-story of 
Edward Cooper Swigart, the well-known merchant at Academy, who has 
built up both his reputation and his fortune by plain, honest dealing in the 
face of the usual severe competition, which will, sooner or later, sift the chaff 
from the grain. He was luckily born, for he .is a native son. having first seen 
the light near Tehachapi, Kern County, on August 18, 1878 ; and he came to 
Academy when he was six years of age, and until he was thirteen he attended 
school there. 

Mr. Swigart at first went into farming and mining, and then became in- 
terested in stock-raising, after which he ranched for himself. In 1902 he was 
elected constable of the Tenth Judicial District, and he held the office two 
terms. During this period he sold his cattle, and in 1907 went into the general 
merchandise business, establishing himself at Letcher ; and for six years he 
served as assistant postmaster. 

In 1913, having purchased ten acres on the site of Academy, with its 
buildings, Mr. Swigart moved his stock of merchandise to that place and has 
since continued in business there. Aside from the store, he has a blacksmith 
shop and garage. He also owns sixty acres of land just above Academy where 
he is installing a pumping plant preparatory to setting out an orchard and 
vineyard. Since 1913 he has been the postmaster at Academy. There are 
postmasters and postmasters, but Air. Swigart is of the sort that endeavors, 
while doing his full duty to the national government, to secure the very best 
service, and plenty of it, for the community in which he lives and thrives. 
He is a Democrat, has long held an enviable position in local democratic 
councils, and has given an excellent administration of the office of deputy- 
county clerk. 

Mr. Swigart's general merchandise establishment, now so widely known 
for miles around, is the only establishment in the neighborhood aiming to 
carry such a stock, and to serve the community in that manner. Wide ex- 
perience, with both local needs and the best markets from which supplies are 
to come, is necessary to make a store of this kind a success ; and it is pleasing 
to learn that the efforts of this California merchant to place the best of every- 
thing before his customers, and at the lowest tariff that the various conditions 
will permit, have been so thoroughly appreciated by the citizens of Academy, 
and their patronage means that they intend to support a store that has always 
so well considered their future as well as their immediate necessities. 

September 6, 1899, witnessed the marriage of Edward Cooper Swigart 
and Fannie L. Kirch, a union that has brought much happiness to both of the 
fortunate parties. The bride is a native of the city of Fresno, and as the 
daughter of well-known pioneers she will certainly always deserve the right 
hand of California fellowship. Two children, Ella May and Gloria Lucile, 
have come to bless the Swigart home and to share with the parents the cor- 
dial good-will of all. The former is a graduate of Heald's Business College 
and now the wife of W. R. Simpson who served overseas in the United States 
Army; they make their home at Academy. 

Mr. Swigart is a member of the Fresno Lodge of Eagles. He was chair- 
man of the committees for the various war and Liberty Bond drives at Acad- 
emy. He is a board member and clerk of the Dry Creek school district and 
in every way does all he can to advance the welfare of his community.