(Nov. 3, 1839 - July 13, 1906) Missouri native Jerome Swinford came to Sabine Pass in 1859 to enter the steamboat business. After serving in the Civil War, he moved to Orange where he worked in Alexander Gilmer's mill and later became a popular local merchant. An active Mason, Swinford served as mayor, school board member, and city alderman. He was also instrumental in the early planning of a ship channel at Sabine Pass. In 1888 he was elected to the Texas Legislature.