Emma Clara Schweer

Emma Clara Schweer (; April 28, 1896 – July 25, 2001) served as tax collector of Crete Township, Will County, Illinois, and, at the time of her death, was believed to be the oldest elected official in the United States.

Biography Schweer was born on April 28, 1896, in Ocheyedan, Iowa, and moved to Crete Township in 1905. She attended Trinity Lutheran School, where she took classes in German, and Miles Business College. Schweer became a pilot and later trained World War II pilots.

Schweer's husband, Arthur F. Schweer, held the position of tax collector from its creation in 1933 until his death in 1965; they married in 1923 and he had previously served as Crete's fire chief. During her later years, she was reluctant to run although agreed once nominated.

Schweer was a lifelong Republican and frequently attended Will County Republican Party events. She was also active in the Crete Historical Society, and drove until shortly before her death.

Schweer was also known for her elegant manner of dress; in one incident in 2001 she arrived late to her swearing-in ceremony because her shoes and purse did not match.