Spirits of Mizzou

William F. Switzler

Born in Fayette County, Kentucky, William F. Switzler began working for newspaper printing companies at a young age, where he developed a lifelong passion for writing. In 1841, Switzler became editor of the Patriot newspaper in Columbia, Missouri, later changing the name to The Missouri Statesman after becoming co-owner of the publication in 1843. Switzler, a long time member of the Board of Curators, gained notoriety as a preeminent journalist in Missouri after the Civil War. As a State Representative for Boone County, Switzler was a strong supporter of education and was later elected to chair a committee on education for the State.

Switzler wrote an illustrated history of Missouri (1879), a history of Boone County, Missouri (1882), and an unpublished history of the University of Missouri that is retained here in the University Archives. In 1909 the oldest academic building on campus was renamed Switzler Hall in his honor.

Sources:
Switzler, William F., History of Boone County Missouri, St. Louis, 1882.
Dictionary of Missouri Biography, Edited by Christensen, Lawrence O., et al., University Press, 1999.
Missouri Alumnus, University of Missouri Alumni Association, January 1913.