McSwain, Walter S.

Walter S. McSwain was born near the Merced River in Merced County on October 4, 1865, to parents A. C. McSwain and Sarah Cox. He spent his youth in Huron, Lemoore, Selma, and Fresno, where he engaged in the transfer business with John Zapp before joining the Fresno police force. While pursuing a suspect in Chinatown in September 1901, he was severely wounded in the line of duty, but he recovered and continued his service as a dedicated law enforcement officer.

In 1910, Mr. McSwain was elected sheriff of Fresno County on the Democratic ticket and was reelected in 1914 after serving as deputy sheriff and constable. Married on December 2, 1892, to Susie Hartigan of Davis, Yolo County, he was the father of a daughter, Annie Irene, and held valuable city property alongside a 200-acre ranch. He remained an active fraternal member and sheriff until his death on December 6, 1915, leaving behind a legacy of efficient and faithful public service.