Frances L. Swift

Frances L. Swift (1837–1916) was an American church and temperance leader. For eight years, she served as president of the Pennsylvania Woman's Christian Temperance Union (WCTU).

Early life and education Frances Laura Damon was born in Strongsville, Ohio, February 6, 1837. She was descended from New England ancestors, the Damons, who settled in Massachusetts 200 years earlier. Her mother removed to Ohio, after the death of her father. becoming the leader of the first crusade band in the State. the State work prospered under Swift's care as state president of the Pennsylvania WCTU. Under her leadership, the Juvenile Literature and Scientific Instruction Departments became successful, and the Constitutional Amendment work received the continued support of the WCTU throughout the State. Dr. Swift's example helped the cause of temperance, gaining the cooperation of other ministers, and opening doors of opportunity. During her tensure, the State WCTU reported to the National Convention the work of 1,051 Unions, easily outranking all other States. As a striking testimony to her urbanity, former Presidents of both State and National WCTU occupied superintendencies under her guidance. In 1887, she resigned the position of president of the State WCTU, having had 1,100 unions under her care. During the eight consecutive years that Swift served as president of the State WCTU, she also served as president of the local union, where she first pledged herself.

In 1887, she went to Europe for 18 months with her daughter and two other young women.