Benjamin Swan (Vermont politician)

Swan was born in Worcester, Massachusetts, on November 12, 1762,^[1] the son of William Swan and Lavina (Keyes) Swan.^[2] He trained as a merchant in Worcester, Boston, and Montreal before moving to Woodstock, Vermont, in 1791.^[3]

Swan continued his mercantile career and was also successful as a banker, including serving on the board of directors of the Vermont State Bank.^[4][5] He was also an owner or partner in several ventures, including a pearl ash factory.^[6][7]

A Federalist,^[8] Swan served in local offices including postmaster.^[9] He served as Justice of the Peace when holders of that office still heard court cases.^[10][11] He was also active in the militia, and achieved the rank of major.^[12]

In 1796, Swan was appointed county clerk, an office in which he served until his death.^[13] Swan was elected Vermont state treasurer in 1800. He served until 1833, and is the state's longest-tenured treasurer.^[14]

After years of running virtually unopposed, even after the demise of the Federalist Party, in 1833 Swan narrowly lost his bid for reelection to Augustine Clarke, 19,661 (50.8%) to 19,056 (49.2%). Swan was a Mason, and Clarke was the candidate of the Anti-Masonic Party, so his win demonstrated the strength of that third party movement.^[15]

Swan died in Woodstock on April 11, 1839.^[16] He is buried at River Street Cemetery in Woodstock.^[17]

The Major Benjamin Swan home at 37 Elm St. in Woodstock was constructed in the mid-1790s. It is a local landmark, and is a privately owned residence.^[18]

In 1804 Swan married Lucy Gay. Their children included: Benjamin (1805–1852); William (1807–1811); Lucy (1810–1892); William (died 1816); Eleanor (died 1817); and Mary (1813–1867).^[19]

Swan's brother Timothy Swan was an eccentric composer and poet who lived at Suffield, Connecticut.^[20] Swan's sister Lavina married Vermont Lieutenant Governor Jonathan Hunt of the prominent Hunt family of Vermont.^[21] Swan's nephew was U.S. Congressman Jonathan Hunt.^[22]