N. Swanson, merchant and Postmaster, Crescent City, was born June 29, 1857, in Douglas County, Neb., in what was known then as “Winter Quarters,” now Florence. His parents came to this country in 1855, residing for two years in St. Louis, MO., and in the spring of 1857 coming to “Winter Quarters” with a company of Mormons, to which denomination they belonged; on account of their financial condition they did not continue on their way to Utah. They came to Crescent City July 15, 1882, after which they withdrew from Mormonism.

Mrs. Swanson’s early life was spent on the farm; his parents being in limited circumstances, his education was confined mostly to the common schools, which in after years, he was able to attend in winter by working on the farm during the summer months. It was here that he attained that promptness and attention to business that characterized him in after years. Having qualified himself for a teacher, he began that vocation in 1878, and pursed it until October 22, 1879, when he was appointed Postmaster at Crescent City, Iowa; at that time he also engaged in the mercantile trade, and stock and grain buying which he continues at the present time.

In politics, he is a Republican, and works for that party’s interests. He was a candidate for the office of County Superintendent of Schools in the Republican convention held in Council Bluffs, Iowa, September 9, 1881, in which Miss Smith received the nomination. He joined the I.O. of G.T. December 12, 1874, and has continued an active member since. January 21, 1881, he joined the I.O.O.F.

Mr. Swanson’s parents were N. and Johannah (Jensen) Swanson, natives of Sweden, he, born August 14, 1821, died January 12, 1881; she, born December 27, 1824, died October 11, 1874.