Businessman. Born in Karlskrona, Sweden, at 17, he emigrated to the US, settling in Omaha, Nebraska where he attended night courses at the Nebraska Business College. In 1899, he took a part-time job as bookkeeper for John Hjerpe who ran a business transporting eggs, milk, and poultry from farm to retailer. In 1905, he went into partnership with Hjerpe and Frank Ellison, and the business became the Jerpe Commission Company. By 1928, Swanson bought his partners out, and by 1938, was one of the larger creameries in the country. During World War II he became the major supplier of poultry and eggs to the U.S. Military. By war's end, the company's name was officially changed to C.A. Swanson and Sons. After his death, at age 70, four years later, his two sons took control of the business, making it world famous for the introduction of the frozen dinner, the first being the chicken pot pie in 1951.
Businessman. Born in Karlskrona, Sweden, at 17, he emigrated to the US, settling in Omaha, Nebraska where he attended night courses at the Nebraska Business College. In 1899, he took a part-time job as bookkeeper for John Hjerpe who ran a business transporting eggs, milk, and poultry from farm to retailer. In 1905, he went into partnership with Hjerpe and Frank Ellison, and the business became the Jerpe Commission Company. By 1928, Swanson bought his partners out, and by 1938, was one of the larger creameries in the country. During World War II he became the major supplier of poultry and eggs to the U.S. Military. By war's end, the company's name was officially changed to C.A. Swanson and Sons. After his death, at age 70, four years later, his two sons took control of the business, making it world famous for the introduction of the frozen dinner, the first being the chicken pot pie in 1951.
Bio by: Iola
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