Clay County Biographies

HON. CHARLES M. SWETNAM

HON. CHARLES M. SWETNAM farmer and stock-raiser, post office, Liberty in 1882.

Mr. Swetnam was nominated by the Democrats of this county at a primary election to represent the county in the state legislature, and was elected by a very large majority.

At the primary election he received more votes than the total number cast for both of the other two candidates. He made a useful representative in the legislature, and his record was warmly approved by the people of the county.

Mr. Swetnam is a man of large popularity, and very justly so, for the reason that he possesses to a marked degree many of the qualities which command the respect and appreciation of the public. A man of thoroughly upright character, superior general intelligence and agreeable manners, he wins the good opinion of all with whom he comes in contact.

Mr. Swetnam's father, HON. THOMAS T. SWETNAM, was also a representative from Clay county in the legislature. He was elected for 2 terms, at the election of 1848 and the one in 1850. Previously he had served 8 years as assessor of the county. He was a substantial farmer and stock-raiser, and highly respected by the people of the county.

He was from Kentucky to this county in 1835 and died in 1859. His wife, who was a MISS CAROLINE YOUNG before her marriage, also of KY, survived until 1878. Hon. Charles M. Swetnam was born on his father's homestead in this county, July 1, 1848.

He was reared on the farm, and as he grew up acquired a good education in the public and high schools of the county. After attaining his majority he and older brother, THOMAS B. SWETNAM, engaged as farmers, partners, in farming on the old family homestead, which they have ever since continued.

They have a good farm and are quite successful. they also raise considerable stock, which they find a profitable branch of industry. Mr. Sweatnam is a member of the Masonic Order.

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This page was last updated June 7, 2005.