JULY 26, 1877 TO OCTOBER 29, 1958
Born July 26, 1877 in Burlington, Iowa.
Died October 29, 1958 in Arlington, Washington
Albert Swanson was born in Burlington, Iowa. His mother Anna Anderson was born in Sweden. Details are sketchy. She spoke Swedish. His father was Charles Swanson. We found a picture of his sister, a couple of postcards and letters. Albert Swanson was not into talking about his family roots. He taught us a few sayings in Swedish, but preferred English.
Anna Swanson Ellen Swanson Burlington, Iowa
Albert and Daisy Swanson (Ida Falconer) were married July 5, 1905 in Wilton, N.D. where he owned a men’s clothing store for several years. Daisy and Albert had 3 children: Josephine, Elizabeth and Norman. Cousin Eddie speculated that the couple owned a theatre and restaurant while in Wilton. Daisy and Albert were married 53 years.
Wilton, N.D. 1905 Albert & Josephine Albert & Elizabeth
They came to Seattle in 1921. The Swanson family resided in Lake Forest Park.
Albert was a watchman in Seattle for Frederick & Nelson (Department Store) many years.
Clint Lundy an old friend of Norm’s told us about a scandal. Josephine who appeared to have had many suitors, one sailor not so appealing, tried to discourage the fellow. The belligerent "armed" suitor of Josephine’s came to the Swanson residence in Lake Forest Park and confronted and threatened the Swanson family. Grandpa Swanson according to the record shot the fellow in self-defense. Evidently he was threatening not only Josephine, but also the family. Mr. Albert Swanson was never charged with criminal conduct as he was acting in self-defense. Evidently all the neighbors stood up for his fine character. Even Aunt Jean Quistorff remembered the famous incident. Grandpa was found not guilty.
In 1946 Albert retired from Frederick & Nelson. Here is a picture of Elizabeth Swanson, Ed Larsen and Albert working at Frederick & Nelson's one Christmas Holiday. Three generations working at F&N!
Elizabeth Sipprell, Albert, Ed Larsen
The family moved to Arlington from 1950-1958 and lived at 509 Hillcrest, Arlington.
Christmas at the Swanson Family Home
Arlington, Washington
They enjoyed their grandchildren and neighbors. G’pa Swanson died at 81 suddenly from a heart attack.
Memories of Grandpa from Eddie Larsen: Grandpa was particularly tall and thin.
Grandpa always complained that his stomach bothered him rather than spend money for expensive meals. Once on a trip to Las Vegas Eddie noted that if the food/breakfast was cheap Grandpa’s stomach miraculously improved and he ate everything.
Eddie remembers helping G’ma and G’pa harvest fruit and vegetables from the Swanson garden in Lake Forest Park during the Great Depression.
Memories of Grandpa from Elizabeth Ann Sipprell:
Grandpa Swanson was always looking at ads in the paper. He would consult grandma before driving their old black Chevrolet to town for groceries.
He taught me to say "Father is getting old in Swedish" "Four Honey Segamma." He didn’t want us to talk Swedish.
What a sense of humor. He would tease us saying, "smell this" and tweak my nose with his middle finger and thumb.