(From HISTORY OF MITCHELL AND WORTH COUNTIES, IOWA, 1883, Page 882)

Charles Swessinger, who is the only dealer in harness in the village of Grafton, established himself in the business in 1882. He was born May 30, 1855, and when quit? young came to America with his parents. They located at Sandusky, Ohio, and from thence to Wheatland, Iowa, where they resided three years. Mr. Swessinger removed to Palo Alto county, and engaged in farming for a short time. He was afterwards engaged at various trades and occupations, and finally learned the harness trade. He has built up a large trade, which is steadily on the increase. Mr. Swessinger received a liberal education in the public schools of Iowa. He was married in March, 1881, to Mollie Helmet. They are the parents of one son-Alvin Edward.

Transcribed by Gordon Felland, March 28, 2008