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Benjamin Swan (November 12, 1762 – April 11, 1839) was an American merchant, banker and politician. He was an important political figure in Vermont and served as State Treasurer.
Benjamin Swan | |
|---|---|
| Vermont State Treasurer | |
| In office 1800–1833 | |
| Preceded by | Samuel Mattocks |
| Succeeded by | Augustine Clarke |
| Personal details | |
| Born | November 12, 1762 Worcester, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Died | August 11, 1839 (aged 76) Woodstock, Vermont, U.S. |
| Resting place | River Street Cemetery Woodstock, Vermont |
| Spouse | Lucy Gay Swan |
| Relations | John Webster Timothy Swan Lewis R. Morris Jonathan Hunt Jonathan Hunt |
| Children | Benjamin Swan William Swan Lucy Swan William Swan Eleanor Swan Mary Swan |
| Parent(s) | William Swan Lavina (Keyes) Swan |
| Residence | Woodstock, Vermont |
| Profession | Merchant Banker Politician |
| Signature |  |
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]
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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]
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