John Joseph Swint

[3] After studying at the Apostolic Mission House in Washington, D.C. for a year, he returned to West Virginia and served as pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Hinton from 1905 to 1908.

[1] Swint was named as head of the Diocesan Apostolate in 1908, then became pastor of St. Patrick Parish in Weston, West Virginia, in 1914.

[3] He received his episcopal consecration on May 11, 1922, from Archbishop Michael Curley, with Bishops Denis J. O'Connell and Hugh Boyle serving as co-consecrators, at St. Joseph's Cathedral in Wheeling.

[1] In 1948, Swint threatened to excommunicate any Catholic women from the diocese who participated in the state competition for the Miss America pageant.

[6] Two women withdrew from competition, but one contestant, Mariruth Ford, ignored his ban and participated, winning the title of queen for West Virginia.