The Rutland daily globe. [volume] (Rutland, Vt.) 1873-1877, 1875-07-10
SAMUEL SWIFT, LII. D.

SAMUEL SWIFT, LII. D.
The last man of generation that assist
ed in forming the social, civil, legal, liter
AIRY and religious character of the common
wealth has passed away. One whose &C
tive life covered period of time, en-
brating almost the history of our civil, be-
ncvolent and literary institutions De-
seconded from one of the earlier and most
distinguished famlir s among the first set
tiers, he has contributed his full share to
the promotion and upbuilding of many of
the enterprises that haye contributed to
our prosperity and position as state. We
refer TO the deceasc of Hon. Samuel Swift,
which occurred at his home, in Middle
bury, on Thursday afternoon last, at the
extreme age of nincty-three years and six
months. He died literally full of years
and honors.
Samuel Swift, the son of Job Swift,
an early minister of Bennington, was born
at Amenia, New York, August 8, 1852. He
fitted for college in the old academy at
Bennington, and graduated from Dart
mouth college in 1900, and before his death
was the Oldest living graduate of that in
stitution. On his graduation, after teach
ing for year, he became tutor at Mid
dlcbury college in 1901, succeeding Joel
Doolittle--afterwards prominent lawyer
of Middlebury, and occupied that position
until 1903. He then entered upon the
practice of law. He was treasurer of
Middlebury college, 1906 to 1910, and
again in 1887 to 1880; secretary to the cor
poration from 1906 to 1926, and member
of the corporation from 1927 until his death.
Nearly half century was Judge Swift
thus identified with the college. Few
have contributed more by their labors and
wise counsel to its maintenance and pros
perity. He has labored increasingly for
its interests, as he did for every cause in
which his sympathies were enlisted.
Mr.. Swift was early called to official
position, having been secretary to the gov
crnor and council, in 1918 and 1914
and was the last representative of the
officers of that honorable body-Judge
Daniel kellogg having died but few
months ago. He represented Middle
bury in 1916, 1917, 1929, 1910, 1871,
1916 senator from Addison county in
1S3S-39 clerk of the Addison county
court from 1914 to 1S47 judge of probate
for the district of Addison from 1919 to
1941, when he was succeeded by Hon. Silas
II. Jennison; judge of the county court
from 1866 to 1857. He was the delegate
from Middlebury in the constitutional con-
vcntions of 1923 and 1886. He was among
the earliest projectors of the Rutland and
Burlington railroad, laboring assidiously to
secure its construction, and was for some
ten years the treasurer of the corporation.
He not only gave his energies of mind and
personal services but contributed his money
literally and was among that class who
sacrificed their property in the project and
thereby died in comparative poverty.
Judge Swift was gentleman of hstori
cal tastes and gave much of his leisure
time to the study of biography, and thu
collection of material relative to the early
history of the state, and in 1860 gave tn,
result Of his researches in the publication
of the History of Middlebury and Addison
county, volume of great interest which
has had wide circulation. He has alst
published several addresses delivered upor
special occasions. In 1879 and 1918 he ed
tied newspaper at Middlebury. In hi
sphere he has given much time to literar,
pursuits. In 1903 he received the honorar,
degree of A. M. from Middlebury college
at the same time with Chauncy Langdon
Charles X. Williams, Cephas Smith an
Peter Starr, all of whom are long since de
ceased, and was honored with the degre
of LII. d., from the college in 1860.
We have given an imperfect sketch O
one who has occupied large space in tn
annals of the state. Bearing the name O
one of the earliest and distinguish
families, his life embraced almost the his
tory of the state and its institutions En-
ierlng early into public life, he becam
familiar with the workings of our syster
of government, and has largely contribute
TO the formation of our laws and customs
The compeer of many of Vermont's mos
eminent citizens of all professions an
classes, his field of observation has bee
wide and varied, and few men have in
proved the opportunity better Had
larger number of the elder men of III
state availed themselves, as did Jude
Swift, of the opportunity afforded, on
history would have been far more pc
feet. In private life Mr.. Swift was vi
right and conscientious, in the COMM
nifty in which he so long dwelt love
and honored, and will be borne to h
tomb with fitting honors by his fellow
citizens. He leaves several childier
among whom are Hon. George s. Swift
the recorder of the city of Detroi
Michigan.