Zella (CAMPBELL) SWARTZ's grandfather George CAMPBELL came to America from Ireland, landing in New York City on December 10, 1849. It isn't known if George left Ireland due to the potato famine or not. However, many Irish immigrants came to America during this time because of the potato famine. George CAMPBELL became a naturalized American citizen on February 25, 1852.

After Zella graduated from Mount Ayr High School in 1912, she was employed by Mount Ayr attorney L. W. LAUGHLIN. The LAUGHLIN Law Office was located on the upper floor above L. V. THOMPSON's dry cleaning and tailor shop. Zella earned $4.00 a week, learning business skills. In the fall of 1913, Zella accepted a position as deputy recorder under Ringgold County Recorder C. E. THOMPSON. She was paid a salary of $25 a month. Zella became deputy treasurer on October 1, 1815, serving under Ringgold County Treasurer R. A. LAWHEAD. She continued in this capacity during Earl K. ALLYN's term as county treasurer, making $37.50 a month by this time. Zella was employed for a time as a bookkeeper for M. E. Freeland Dry Goods Store. On September 1, 1918, Zella became an employee of the Mount Ayr State Bank, which became Securty State Bank in the late 1930's. Zella retired after 25 years with the bank on August 31, 1943.

Zella's retirement was short-lived, however, ending when she filled in with appointments in 1945 and in 1946, then as Ringgold County's Deputy Treasurer on June 1, 1946. She served under Earl HOOVER and Ada ROGERS before her permanent retirement on December 1, 1953.

Zella CAMPBELL and Roy Raymond SWARTZ (1899-1980) were married on May 6, 1925. The couple resided on a farm in Rice Township. Zella enjoyed her flocks of peafowl, Bantam chickens, and guinea fowl.

Zella (CAMPBELL) SWARTZ fell down her basement stairs which eventually led to her death early in May of 1969 at the age of 77 years.

Her scrapbook containing Ringgold County clippings, photographs, and post cards has been donated to the Mount Ayr Depot Museum.

SOURCES:
Mount Ayr Record-News, Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa. August 18, 2005.

AVITT, Mike. Pages and Pictures from the Past . . . Ringgold County, Iowa: 1885-2005 p. 41. Paragon Publications, Inc. Mount Ayr, Iowa. 2009.