Peter Swenson

Contributed  by: Searchers of our Past

Peter Swenson, 94, Stephens County pioneer and for whom Swensondale is named, died at his ranch home, 12 miles southeast of Breckenridge.

Mr. Swenson was one of the most widely known of Stephens County pioneers and one of the oldest residents at the time of his death.

He came to the New York in 1863. He left New York in 1866 and then he and his brother, Nelce, moved to Redwood County, Minnesota. They established a home there and a post office and called it Swede's Forrest. It still bears that name.

The Swenson Brothers moved from Swede's Forrest in 1876. At Swede's Forrest, they entertained governors of various states and established a feeling of fellowship for all persons in that district.

While at Swede's Forrest, he married Miss Christina Tolstenson.

In the fall of 1877, he moved to Bosque County where he stayed until 1879. Following that, he and his family moved to Stephens County where they have lived since. He was engaged in farming and stock raising. In 1918, he organized the Swensondale Oil Company and drilled the first well in Stephens County which produced 1,000 barrels. They drilled 50 oil wells following that. The Swensondale camp at one time had 50 houses, of which more have been torn down after the company sold in 1928.

In 1919, Mr. Swenson established a nursery in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. The nursery is still there, but is not active at this time.

Survived by three daughters - Nellie, Clara and Alma, all who live at the ranch home; one son - S.T. Swenson of Breckenridge; two nephews in California.

Services were held at the ranch home with Rev. A.J. Morgan, mayor of Breckenridge, officiating.

Last Update Monday, 07-May-2018 17:55:41 CDT

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