The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1903-03-30

He had given every indication Of re-
covery and all danger was considered
past. In fact. so hopeful was everyone.
including himself. for his speedy recov-
cry. that his son. Herbert /. Swift who
had been summoned from Boston, left
Saturday night to return to the east.
This son was intercepted at Harris
burg. Pa. with a telegram announcing
the death of his father.
Mr.. swift had been suffering for some
tiue with bladder trouble and a week
ago an operation was determined upon
to give him relief 1t was not expected
that the operation would prove espe-
rially dangerous. and nothing happened
To cause change in this hOpefulness
until Sunday morning. His improve
ment was stopped suddenly by hem
orrhaEe which the doctors were unabls
to check. and which caused his death
iu a short time No arrangements for
the funeral have yet been made
GustaVus franklin Swift began his
business career as butcher and died
leaving a fortune estima ted at from 81
000 QUO to 0O00 600. This fortune Waa
made in the course Of SOrty-fVe years.
He was born at Sandwich Mass. in
June. 1893 He opened a small butcher
shQD in his native town He removed
to Boston when he was less than 80
years Ole He remained in Boston uu-
til 1875. when he came to Chicago. In
this city he engaged is the same bust
ness which he had left i'm Aassac chu-
setfs and developed the department of
shipping live cattle to eastern markets.
lu 1877 he evolved plans for the firsC
refligerating car, and dressed meats in
stead of live animals were shipped to
eastern cities. He was the pioneer in
this kind OF business. and it was not
long before others saw the advantages
of his method and they initiated him.
AIR. swift was not only the oldest
packer" at the time of his death. but
he was the originator of the method
that has made many large fortunes.
From the small plant started in 1877.
has developed great corporation with
branches in St Louis Kansas City, ST.
Joseph Omaha. ST Paul and Fort
Worth, Tex. and with distributing Of
lces IN every important city and town
in the United States and with repre-
sentatives in the leading cities of Elu-
rope, Asia and Africa Tt employees
-2.604 men, pom its capital stock Of
S25.Qo00 900 the sales Of 1902 exceeded
5000 600 00n
Mr. Swift was one of the most widely
known men who have built fortunes at
the Union stock yards. Despite his
aversion to publicity, the extent of his
wealth and the power that naturally
comes with accumulated millions
brought him prominently before the
public on many occasions. His chari-
ties hidden from the world whenever
he found it possible, nevertheless. crept
out His home city hOnored him as one
Of her most substantial citizens. and one
who did much to make the metropolis
of the west the center of great in
dustry His name is synonymous with
success
His private life was little known out
side the circle of immediate friends He
never sought political honors and held
alcnf from affairs that would bring him
into conspicuous places, except when
duty to his business demanded that he
step 10 the front
ar Swift was a typical Yankee. He
was aborn near Cape Cod. in Massachu-
setts He was tall he stopped and his
hair was plentfully sprinkled with
white I'm dress, he was unassuming.
and he had no use for diamonds or
iowelry insofar as he was personally
concerned Tn fact. the general appear
ance OF this millionaire packer remind
ed one more of a deacon or clergyman
from quiet country town than busl-
man in the busiest mart i'm the world
Nothing could be more erroneous than
an opinion Of the packer founded on his
personal appearance. He was one Of the
fastest thinkers and most courageous trade
FNfausionisfs ia the United States Tn 2
srore Of wears he built up a plant which
rivals institutions in the field long before
bis and which at the time he founded his
business we're equipped with every superior
advantage They used to say at the vards
fnat there may be smarter business non
than c.. F. swift bat that they have never
jet got into the packing trade.
The physical endurance Of the million
fire who has created a pl0he-circling trade
iQ twenty wears has often been the subject
n discussion During the early part OF
his career it was difficult to tell when he
rested OF late years he lessened the
sirain
2 o'cloek lie staFea tAsre as long as ne
deemed it necessary. When he wanted
- hustle" ne one could do that faster