Background
Swenson, Birger was born on July 31, 1895 in Averstad, Skattkarr, Sweden. Came to United States, 1912, naturalized, 1918. Son of Sven and Johanna (Spetz) Svensson.
Swenson, Birger was born on July 31, 1895 in Averstad, Skattkarr, Sweden. Came to United States, 1912, naturalized, 1918. Son of Sven and Johanna (Spetz) Svensson.
AB, Augustana College, 1924. Doctor of Laws, Augustana College, 1958. Student, Theological Seminary, 1926.
Student, Northwestern University, 1923.
Field representative Augustana Book Concern, Rock Island, Illinois, 1926, circulation manager, 1927-1942, sales manager, 1942-1944, acting manager, 1944-1945, general manager, treasurer, 1945-1962. Associate executive secretary Fortress Press, Board Publication Lutheran Church American, Rock Island, 1962-1963. Executive board Illinois Synod Lutheran Church American, 1965-1971.
Director Graphic Arts Industry, Minneapolis, 1946-1966.
Board missions Augustana Lutheran Church, 1941-1950. President Rock Island Young Men’s Christian Association, 1957-1959. Member Rock Island Board Zoning Appeals, 1965-1975.
Board directors Lutheran Hospital, Moline, Illinois, 1943-1948, 63-65. Trustee Augustana Lutheran Foundation, 1930-1962, Augustana Annuity Trust, 1942-1983. Past president Augustana Annuity Trust.
Founder Swenson Swedish Immigration Research Center, Augustana College Served with United States Army, 1918-1919, Europe. Member Augustana Luther League Council (treasurer 1933-1937), American Federation Lutheran Brotherhoods (treasurer 1939-1943), Augustana College Alumni Association (president 1938-1939), International Council Religious Education (national president publications section 1950-1951), Lutheran Men American, Protestant Church-Owned Publications Association (past president), National Council Churches Christ United States (board managers central department publications and distribution 1950-1954), Augustana, Swedish Pioneer, Illinois history societies, American-Scandinavian Foundation, American Swedish History Foundation, American Swedish Institute, Augustana Swedish Institute, National Lutheran Publications House Managers Association (treasurer 1933-1963), Rock Island County History Society, Rock Island Chamber of Commerce (life member), American Legion. Clubs: Union League (Chicago).
Intrepids Inc, Kiwanis (life member), Quad City Athletic.
Married Lyal E. Westerlund, August 14, 1943.