Christian Swartz
Christian Swartz | |
|---|---|
| Born | Template:Birth date Württemberg, Germany |
| Died | 1932 |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, businessman |
| Known for | Mayor of South Norwalk, Connecticut; Sheriff of Fairfield County, Connecticut; president of Old Well Cigar Company and City National Bank |
Christian Swartz (June 15, 1846 – 1932) held the office of mayor of South Norwalk, Connecticut for two separate terms in 1880 and 1882. He also served as treasurer and general manager of The Old Well Cigar Company based in South Norwalk, and fulfilled duties as Sheriff of Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Early life and family
Swartz was born in Württemberg, Germany, and immigrated to the United States with his family in 1849 when he was three years old. His family had professional experience in newspaper publishing and translation both in Germany and later in America.
He completed his elementary education in Newark, New Jersey and graduated from high school in Hastings, Minnesota. In 1866, he earned a diploma from Eastman's Business College located in Poughkeepsie, New York.
On February 4, 1875, he wed Adora M. Flynn. The couple had two children: Charles C. Swartz, who went on to become the 22nd mayor of Norwalk, Connecticut, and Helen M. Swartz.
Business pursuits
Swartz’s career commenced with a cigar manufacturer named Jeremiah Bernd from Danbury. In the spring of 1868, he entered into partnership with Bernd to establish a cigar retail outlet called C. Swartz and Company in South Norwalk. Subsequently, Bernd sold his stake to Reed Haviland. By 1880, Swartz had incorporated the enterprise as the Old Well Cigar Company. The firm experienced consistent growth, and following a reclassification by the U.S. Revenue Department, it was assigned "Factory No. 1."
As South Norwalk expanded by 1882, there was a need for an additional financial institution. Swartz collaborated with Hon. R. H. Rowan, Hon. John H. Ferris, Hon. Talmadge Baker, among other notable community leaders, to establish the City National Bank.
Swartz occupied executive positions including president of both the Volk Hat Company and City National Bank of South Norwalk; he also served as a director at the Norwalk Lock Company.
Civic activities
His public service included terms as city councilman in 1878, mayor of South Norwalk during 1880 and again in 1882, and sheriff of Fairfield County from 1884 through 1887. Starting in 1893, he was appointed to the state shell-fish commission.
Swartz made substantial contributions to municipal infrastructure and healthcare by serving sixteen years on the Norwalk Water Commission, chairing the board of Estimate and Taxation, and holding the presidency of Norwalk Hospital.
In veterans’ organizations, he led the Couglas Fowler Post of the Grand Army of the Republic as commander and was chosen as state commander in 1921.
Memberships
- Free and Accepted Mason
- Grand Commander (1892), Knights Templar
- South Norwalk Club
- Norwalk Club
- Norwalk Country Club