Fred Frank Swinson

This biographical portrait is found in the publication "Kansas, The First Century", Family and Personal History, Volume III, Lewis Historical Publishing Co., Inc., New York, located in the KANSAS Room at the Kansas City, Kansas Public Library.

A pioneer automobile dealer at Pratt, Kansas, Fred Frank Swinson has headed his own agency there for over forty years. He has been a leader in community organizations, including the Chamber of Commerce.

He was born at Fowler, in Benton County, Indiana, on August 23, 1880, son of Nelson and Jennie Ledou Swinson. His father was a native of Sweden. In Fred F. Swinson's early years the family moved to Pratt County, and he attended the public schools there, graduating from Bares High School. From 1895 to 1913, Mr. Swinson engaged in farming, and on April 1, 1913, he founded his automobile sales agency. This he has operated since, having the franchise for the sale of Buick cars till 1929, then Ehevrolet and Oldsmobile and in 1949 also the Cadillac. His offices, salesroom and service facilities are at 101-109 South Main Street, Pratt. Mr. Swinson was absent from his business part-time in 1944-1945, when he flew the United States Mail in Kansas. He was a captain in the Civil Air Patrol from 1944 to 1947. Aviation has long been one of his hobbies.

Active in the Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Swinson served as its president for two years. He was president of the Park Hills County Club in 1950 and again in 1952, and he remains a member of the club's board of directors. He is a charter member of the Rotary Club, and a member of the lodges of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks and the Free and Accepted Masons. In the Masonic order he holds the Thirty-second degree, and is a member of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He and his family attend the First Methodist Church.

At Sawyer, Kansas, on April 6, 1906, Fred Frank Swinson married Laura E. Roots, daughter of Sam and Phoebe Peatrce Roots. Mr. and Mrs. Swinson, who made their home at 306 North Ninnescah Street, are the parents of three children: 1. Earl Connie, born on August 20, 1907. 2. Pearl Lorena, born on February 3, 1911. 3. Vernon Nelson, born on February 11, 1913.