Orson H. Swearingen Esq, 33° PP
(Jul 29, 1871 - Apr 27, 1954)
Member, Westport Lodge #340

1903 - 14° Lodge of Perfection
1903 - 18° Chapter of Rose Croix
1903 - 30° Council of Knights Kadosh
1905 - 32° Consistory of Western Missouri, Kansas City
1905-06 - Wise Master of Rose Croix
1909 - Knight Commander of the Court of Honour
1911 - Coroneted 33° Inspector General Honorary
1927-28 - Venerable Master of Kadosh in The Consistory

1926 - Grand High Priest, Missouri Grand Lodge of Royal Arch Masons

1927 - Potentate, Ararat Shrine

Occupation: Attorney, assistant Jackson County Prosecutor, Kansas City city councilman, Missouri state representative.

Brother Orson Hansford Swearingen was born in Simpson County, Kentucky on July 29, 1871. He came to Kansas City in 1892 and worked for Schmelzer Arms Company to raise funds to enable him to attend law school. He entered the University of Missouri law school in 1895 and graduated in 1897. He began his practice in Kansas City in 1897. When city councilman Beroth of the 5th Ward died in office, Brother Swearingen was elected to fill the position as well as performing as an assistant Jackson County prosecutor. He was subsequently elected to Missouri state representative for the 2nd District in 1899.

Mr. Swearingen was associated with General Milton S. Moore, S. A. Handy and J. Harold Olson, attorneys, with offices in the Rialto Building.

Brother Swearingen was a 33° Mason as well as a past Master of Kadosh in The Consistory and a past Wise Master of the Rose Croix and a past Potentate of Ararat Shrine Temple.