Portrait and Biographical Album of Fulton County,
Illinois: containing full page portraits and biographical sketches of
prominent and representative citizens of the county: together with
portraits and biographies of all the presidents of the United States,
and governors of the state; Biographical Pub. Co., Chicago, IL; 1890;
page 438-439; Transcribed by Margaret Rose Whitehurst
Charles W. Switzer takes a leading part in advancing the
agricultural interests of Farmington Township, where he has one hundred
and forty acres of land on section 34, and eighty acres on section 32.
He and his brother Jesse J., carry on their operations in partnership,
the latter occupying a farm in Canton Township. A representative of the
native-born citizens of this county, our subject is a son of one of its
earliest settlers, Jesse Switzer, Sr., who is still living in our midst.
The parents of Charles Switzer were natives of Maryland. They
came to this county in an early day of its settlement and were among
its most worthy pioneers. The father is still living, having attained
the advanced age of eighty-two years. He was in his day as stout, hardy
and vigorous as any of his fellow pioneers, and did as much work in the
development of the agriculture of the county, as he was an
indefatigable laborer and in due course of time accumulated a
comfortable property.
The subject of this biographical notice was born on his father's
old homestead in Canton Township, February 6, 1844. He has spent his
entire life on a farm, receiving from his father good practical
training in agriculture, and his mother carefully instilled into his
mind principles of right conduct in life. He was much indebted to her,
as every boy is to a good, careful mother. Her maiden name was Rilla
Worrell.
Mr. Switzer has been very much prospered in his farming
ventures, and is very successful, particularly as a stock-feeder. His
cattle are of good grades and bring good prices when sold, and he
markets from fifty to sixty fine hogs each year. His buildings are
ample and well-arranged, and he has a fine looking place under his
management.
Mr. Switzer was married January 18, 1881, to a very excellent
lady, Miss Margaret Miller, a daughter of D. D. and Mary H. (Robb)
Miller, the former of whom died December 1, 1889. Mr. and Mrs. Switzer
have established a home that is described as being a perfect paradise
of good cheer and hospitality. They are the parents of three children:
Clifford, Louis and Lysle.
Our subject is a man of fine physique and good brain power. He
is unpretentious in his manner, yet, withal, is one of the most
considerate and kindly of men, and is highly thought of by the entire
community. In his political views he is decidedly a Republican.
