Ted Schwinden was born in Wolf Point, Montana, in 1925. He attended a rural one-room school during his early years. After graduating from Wolf Point High School in 1943 he enlisted in the Army and was discharged as a Staff Sergeant in 1946. He briefly attended the Montana School of Mines, and then transferred to the University of Montana. He received both a B.A. and M.A. in history and political science from the University. He then did post graduate work at the University of Minnesota. In 1954 he took over the family grain farm in Roosevelt County. He served in the Montana Legislature in 1959 and 1961. He headed the Montana Grain Growers Association for two years from 1965-1967. In 1969 Governor Forrest Anderson appointed Schwinden Commissioner of State Lands. He served as Lieutenant Governor for one term under Governor Thomas L. Judge. He concentrated on natural resources, agriculture, and energy issues. He succeeded Governor Judge in 1981 and served two terms as Governor.
Bill Christiansen served as Lt. Governor from 1973-1977 after a career in the Legislature.
From the description of Montana Lieutenant Governor (1977-1981 : Schwinden) records, 1974-1980. (Montana Historical Society Library). WorldCat record id: 575253966
