Benjamin Swan (Vermont)
| Benjamin Swan | |
|---|---|
| Vermont State Treasurer | |
|
In office 1800–1833 |
|
| Preceded by | |
| Succeeded by | Augustine Clarke |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
November 12, 1762 Worcester, Massachusetts |
| Died | August 11, 1839 (aged 76) , Vermont, U.S. |
| Resting place | River Street Cemetery |
| Citizenship | US |
| Spouse(s) | 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 |
| Parents | William Swan Lavina (Keyes) Swan |
| Residence | |
| Profession | Merchant Banker Politician |
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.
Swan was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on November 12, 1762, the son of William Swan and Lavina (Keyes) Swan. He trained as a merchant in Worcester, Boston, and Montreal before moving to in 1791.
Swan continued his mercantile career and was also successful as a banker, including serving on the board of directors of the Vermont State Bank. He was also an owner or partner in several ventures, including a pearl ash factory.
A Federalist, Swan served in local offices including Postmaster. He served as Justice of the Peace when holders of that office still heard court cases. He was also active in the militia, and achieved the rank of Major.
In 1796 Swan was appointed County Clerk, an office in which he served until his death. Swan was elected Vermont State Treasurer in 1800. He served until 1833, and is the state’s longest-tenured Treasurer.
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.
Swan died in Woodstock on April 11, 1839. He is buried at River Street Cemetery in Woodstock.
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.
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Wikipedia