Benjamin Swift

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Benjamin Swift (April 3, 1781 November 11, 1847) was an American politician.

Swift was born in Amenia, New York. He moved with his father to Bennington, Vermont at the age of 5. In 1809 he moved to St. Albans, Vermont and became an important lawyer, banker and farmer in that area. He immediately became active in politics, serving in the Vermont state assembly during 1813. He again served in the Vermont state assembly from 1825 to 1827. He then served in the United States House of Representatives from Vermont from 1827 to 1831 and as a member of the United States Senate from Vermont from 1833 to 1839. Swift was not renominated for a second term in the Senate and returned to St. Albans, where he continued to work as a lawyer and farmer until his death. While in Congress, Swift was a strong opponent of President Andrew Jackson and helped found the United States Whig Party.

Preceded by
Ezra Meech
U.S. Representative from Vermont's 4th district
1827 - 1831
Succeeded by
Heman Allen
Preceded by
Horatio Seymour
United States Senator (Class 1) from Vermont
1833–1839
Served alongside: Samuel Prentiss
Succeeded by
Samuel S. Phelps