Robert T. Swofford was born in Benton, Illinois,
August 2, 1860. He lived in his native place until he was
thirteen years of age, and gained an education in the public schools
of the town. He took a clerical situation in a commercial
establishment soon after leaving school, where he remained until he
removed to Shawneetown, Ill.
There he was also employed by a mercantile
firm, and gained the experience which fitted him for better
things. Tiring of the East, Mr. Swofford came to Kansas City in
1887, and entered into the employ of the old W. B. Grimes Dry Goods
Co., with which he remained until 1891, when the Swofford Bros Dry
Goods Company was incorporated with him as its vice-president.

Click to Enlarge
The company's first place of business was at
707, 709, 711 Wyandotte Street. In 1900 the business was removed
to the block facing Eight Street between Broadway and May Streets, its
present location.
Mr. Swofford, among other organizations,
belongs to the Masons, is a Shriner, and holds membership in the
Commercial Club.
He married Miss Bertrees in Illinois in 1886,
and they have two children, a boy and a girl.
|