Gustavus Franklin Swift (June 24, 1839 – March 29, 1903) founds a meat-packing empire in the Midwest during the late 19th century, over which he presides until his death.
He is credited with the development of the first practical ice-cooled railroad car, which allows his company to ship dressed meats to all parts of the country and even abroad, and which ushers in the "era of cheap beef."
Swift pioneers the use of animal by-products for the manufacture of soap, glue, fertilizer, various types of sundries, and even medical products.
Swift donates large sums of money to such institutions as the University of Chicago, the Methodist Episcopal Church, and the Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA).
He established Northwestern University's "School of Oratory" in memory of his daughter, Annie May Swift, who died while a student there.
When he dies in 1903, his company is valued at between US$125 million and $135 million, and has a workforce that is more than 21,000 strong.
"The House of Swift" slaughters as many as two million cattle, four million hogs, and two million sheep a year.
Three years after his death, the value of the company's capital stock tops $250 million.
He and his family are interred in a mausoleum in Mount Hope Cemetery in Chicago, IL.
