Frank X. Schwab
Francis Xavier Schwab | |
|---|---|
| Born | Error: Invalid birth date for calculating age Buffalo, New York, U.S. |
| Died | April 23, 1946 (aged 71) |
| Occupation(s) | Politician, businessman |
| Years active | 1912–1946 |
| Known for | 48th Mayor of Buffalo, New York (1922–1929) |
Francis Xavier Schwab (August 14, 1874 – April 23, 1946) held the office of the 48th Mayor of Buffalo, New York, serving from 1922 until 1929. A native of Buffalo's East Side, Schwab launched his professional journey at the age of 19 as a foreman and traveling representative for the Pullman Palace Car Company. He eventually became the highest-earning brewery solicitor in Buffalo and established a combined wholesale and retail liquor business in 1912. Additionally, Schwab was president and general manager of Mohawk Products Company, which emerged from the consolidation of Buffalo Brewing Company and Cooperative Brewing Company during Prohibition to manufacture near-beer.
Although Prohibition hindered Schwab’s achievements in the brewing sector, he adapted by producing near-beer while actively resisting the Volstead Act. Federal authorities raided his brewery, resulting in an indictment related to illegal beer possession. Despite having no prior political background and confronting legal issues, Schwab was selected as the Republican candidate for mayor in 1921, initially intended as a humorous nomination by the Knights of St. John.
Winning the mayoral election on November 8, 1921, Schwab confronted major labor conflicts, notably during the intense street railway strike of 1922. He declared a transportation emergency and permitted bus operations, actions that pressured the International Railway Company into adopting open shop policies and effectively dismantling the union. During his administration, Buffalo procured land for an airfield between 1923 and 1924; in 1926, Schwab laid the cornerstone for the airport’s administration building. He secured re-election in 1925 but was defeated by Charles Roesch in 1929. Following his tenure as mayor, Schwab returned to oversee Mohawk Products Company until his passing in 1946.