Fred Sweitzer

Fred Sweitzer – Resident Benefactor, Officer in WWI, Dashing Gentleman

By Kit Zinser

Mystery:  For about 50 years, a yellow and green plaid “deerstalker/fedora style” wool hat has been hanging on a hook in the hall near the American flag.  I knew little about it, but was aware that it didn’t belong to the family collection of top hats, fedoras, and derbies.  Miriam Land Grimm gifted it to my mother for a certain event.  The name Fred Sweitzer was attached to the gift.  

Reason to search:  For any kid who grew up in Washington during the 20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, and 60s, parades in town were momentous occasions.  Fred Sweitzer was often the Grand Marshal of the Memorial Day Parade.  His bay mount seemed to have the cadence of a well-trained parade horse.  If he stepped sideways and pulled his head down to get a bit of rein, it was all the more exciting.  Fred was relaxed in the saddle like a baby in a cradle.  No one can state for certain, but he may have gotten his “ride” from equestrian Ella Cummings.  Fred was always in his WWI uniform.  I remember him as rather long and lanky, with snow-white hair.  Angular lines complemented his handsome face.  Handsome applies for sure – perhaps even stately.

My findings: The reward came as I opened a book on the History of Woodford and Tazewell County.  Fred’s Grandfather, John Sweitzer (m. Mary Sweitzer), was born in France and drafted into the French Army.  John didn’t serve but emigrated to Pennsylvania and then to Woodford County around 1830.  They had ten children:  Peter Sweitzer, one of his sons, was born in 1848, and Peter married Lena Unsicker, who lived only 23 months into the marriage.  He then married Rachel Ingram.  Two of their four children died quite young, but Willard and 

Fred survived.  Willard was born September 23, 1888, and Fred was born November 22, 1889.  Fred’s father, Peter, farmed 160 acres in Morton Township and also owned 320 acres in Iroquois County.  He bred fine short-horn cattle, raised draft horses, and Poland China hogs. Fred developed a love for horses from his dad.

Their upbringing: Fred and Willard came from a strong family that instilled the virtues of hard work, religious observance, and education.  Peter and Rachel afforded their surviving sons the best the farm could offer.  Fred graduated from the University of Illinois in 1912.  Maybe Fred and Willard saw the movie at the AirDome in Washington, which was shown on Friday, August 18, 1916, entitled “The Great War,” which depicted the patriotic sacrifices and chivalry. Donald Thompson of Paramount News Pictures filmed actual battle scenes. Tickets were ten and twenty cents.  

Seeing them off to war:  WW I was in full swing when the U.S. issued a formal declaration of war in April of 1917.  War is not for the fainthearted, but Washington had a large group of patriots who enlisted.  Unfortunately, casualties were quick – Harold Baylor, George Birkett, Harm William Casper, Walter Goddard, Charles Kice, and Charles L. Kyes did not return to their hometown.  Fred was more fortunate.

His military career:  Fred was in officer training at Fort Sheridan in 1917, serving as Captain of Infantry, 92nd Division at Camp Grant.  He then achieved the rank of Regimental Adjutant, 36th Infantry, for the duration of the war.  He was overseas from June 1918 until February 1919 on the front line for three of those months.  His location in France was in the St. Die Sector, the Argonne Forest, and the Pont-à-Mousson Sector at Metz when the Armistice was signed on November 11.  The war was over.  One year after being discharged, Fred secured an appointment as a Major in the Reserve Corps, rising to Lt. Colonel in 1927.  Brother Willard entered the Army in June 1918 and was bound for Europe in November when the Armistice was signed.  Willard returned home and worked at Hiram Walker until his retirement at age 65 in 1953.

Fred’s continued service: Fred collaborated in the establishment of the Washington Post 100 in 1919, serving as a charter member and commander.  He was also a member of Taylor Lodge and the V.F.W.  He served as Justice of the Peace in Washington Township from 1924 to 1948.  In good company, he received the 1959 Washingtonian Award.

From 1920 to 1950, Fred also served as Mounted Marshal of the Metamora Days parade while making his local appearances in Washington.

The waning days: Fred retired from Couch and Heyle in 1959 at the age of 70.  He and Willard lived quietly across from Dr. Rich’s old office (Corner of High and Walnut) in an upstairs apartment owned by the Glabe family.  Both men strongly supported all things Washington and made their presence count by donating time and services.  The pristine little park (Sweitzer Park) at the foot of Hilldale near Main Street was gifted by Fred and Willard.    

After Willard passed on May 18, 1971, Fred lived alone until his death on May 11, 1980.  He was a handsome, strong presence in town right up until his passing.   If you would like to see Fred’s picture, you might try the American Legion Post 100.  You will immediately recognize the lionhearted soldier who so honorably serves his country and hometown.  Thank you, Colonel.

Washington Historical Society is fortunate to have Fred’s WW I wool uniform, hat, credentials, riding boots, riding crop, spurs, and medals on display each year prior to Veterans’/Armistice Day – November 11.  Stop by and say hello to Fred.