Laura E. McLeod was born August 29, 1884 in Oakdale, Stanislaus, California The daughter of James McLeod and Lou Ann Barber, Laura also had two sisters: Irena E (1882-1883) and Lou E (1887-?).

She was listed in the 1900 US Census with her parents and sister, Lou E McLeod. Also listed in the household were two servants: Joseph Martin and August Falaquist. Their occupations were listed as farm laborers. Father, James, was listed as a farmer.

By 1910 the US Census, Laura was married to George E. Swatzel. George was a grocery clerk. By 1920 George’s occupation was listed as a book keeper at Gray Brothers. His occupation in the 1930 census was that of salesman at a general store. Some time between 1930 and 1940, George became a deputy assessor with the county offices. There are no children listed in any of the census records.

City Directories show George and Laura lived at 858 Grove, Modesto, California for many years.

Laura passed away January 26, 1952 and George died July 18, 1965. They are buried at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery in Oakdale, Stanislaus, California.