As a city trustee of Merced and former sheriff of Merced County, John Sanderson Swan has been intimately associated with the public life of this locality for many years. He was born in Waterford, Maine, September 30, 1849, a son of Thomas and Eliza (Sanderson) Swan, of Welsh and Scotch ancestors, respectively. Both parents are deceased.
John Sanderson Swan was educated in the public schools of his native state and in the Bridgeton Academy; at nineteen years of age he began to earn his own way in the world and for fifteen years was foreman for one company in New England. As his parents were getting old and needed his assistance, he went back to his home in Maine and remained with them until they both passed away. In 1881 he came to Merced County; the first year he was occupied with farm work, then he rented land and followed grain farming for twenty years, having as many as 6000 acres under cultivation in one season. For many years he conducted a livery stable business in Merced and was also engaged in buying and shipping of hogs from Merced and vicinity. He was elected sheriff of Merced County on the Democratic ticket and served for eight years with entire satisfaction to the public.
Mr. Swan has been married twice. The first time he was united with Miss Sarah Swan, the same name, but no relation; after her death he was subsequently married to Miss Eldora Fuller, a native of Rhode Island. In 1920 Mr. Swan was appointed to his present position of head janitor of the high school building, a responsible position which he capably fills. Fraternally he is an Odd Fellow and an Elk. As a good citizen he is now serving his second term as city trustee of Merced. Politically he votes for the best men and measures.
Source: Outcalt, John. A history of Merced County, California : with a biographical review of the leading men and women of the county who have been identified with its growth and development from the early days to the present; Los Angeles, Calif. : Historic Record Company, 1925.