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

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

By 1910 the US Census shows Laura married to George E Swatzel. George is a grocery clerk. The 1920 Census shows that George is a book keeper at Gray Brothers.. By 1930 he lists his occupation as a salesman at a general store. The 1940 Census lists George as a deputy assessor with the county offices. There are no children listed in any of the census records.

City Directories show George and Laura living 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.