John H. Swift (August 29, 1840 – December 14, 1911) was an Irish-American manufacturer and politician from New York.
Swift was born on August 29, 1840, in Ireland, the son of Peter Swift and Katharine Monahan. He immigrated to America in 1845.[1]
Swift initially lived inPoquonock, Connecticut, and attended public schools there. While serving as an apprentice to a carriage manufacturer, he enlisted in Company A,12th Connecticut Volunteers. He served with them for three years during theAmerican Civil War, participating in several major battles under GeneralsBenjamin Butler,Nathaniel P. Banks, andPhilip Sheridan.[2] Following his discharge, he learned the blacksmith trade and began working as a skilled mechanic for a large forging company inSouthington, Connecticut. In 1883, he formed a manufacturing company called the Union Carriage and Forging Company inUnion, New York, with fellow factory workmen with Le Roy S. White and George D. Lincoln. In 1899, they incorporated the Union Forging Company, with Swift as its vice-president.[1]
Swift was aRepublican all his life, casting his first presidential vote forAbraham Lincoln on a Virginia battlefield. He served as trustee and president of the village of Union for four years. In 1899, he was elected to theNew York State Assembly as a Republican, representing theBroome County 2nd District. He served in the Assembly in1900[2] and1901.[3]
Swift was an active member of theGrand Army of the Republic.[2] In 1868, he married Norah Carroll ofWinsted, Connecticut. Their children were James C., Ellen A., Lillian C., and John P.[1]
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Swift died at home on December 14, 1911.[4] He was buried in St. Patrick's Cemetery.[5]
| New York State Assembly | ||
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| Preceded by | New York State Assembly Broome County, 2nd District 1900–1901 | Succeeded by |