'The subject of our sketch was next to the younger of four boys, being left at the age of thirteen years to take care of himself and to be the architect of his own future.'

  'He had been deprived of the advantages of schools, being situated in a rural district of a sparse population from his childhood, and most of the time during this period a distance of from three to four miles from a common district school, the advantages to be derived therefrom were of necessity quite limited. He was obliged to labor during summer and improved the winter season by going to school through deep snow and untroden paths during a long and tedious winter, and often times came very nigh freezing on the way.'

  'Following the death of his father he found employment in various capacities, receiving small wages for his services from which he clothed himself, and which enabled him to go to school a part of the time, always working for his board when doing so.'

  'He was subsequently called on by an enterprising merchant who invited him to serve an apprenticeship with him in the mercantile business. He readily accepted this offer and served two years, receiving a sum sufficient for his support. By his integrity and perseverance he gained the confidence and esteem of his employer and also of those with whom he became acquainted during this period.'

  'He was subsequently employed in the capacity of clerk in a store for three years in Batavia, Genesse Co., N. Y., where he attracted the attention of a highly intelligent and wealthy citizen, Hinman Holden, Esq., through whose kind offices he was introduced to Mr. Oliver Lee of Silver Creek, with whom he became associated as a partner in the mercantile business in the fall of 1828. In 1834 he purchased the interest of his partner in trade.'

  'When the bank of Silver Creek was organized he became a stockholder and was elected one of the directors and subsequently was elected cashier of that institution, which office he held till the winding up of the bank.'

  'He was appointed postmaster of this village in 1841, upon the petition of the citizens without distinction of party. He appointed a worthy and intelligent widow lady his deputy, who discharged the ordinary duties of the office, and to whom all of the profits were given.'

  'He has received several military commissions during this period and many civil trusts, all of which he has discharged to the general satisifaction of those whom he was chosen to represent.'

  'He has always been a decided but not a violent politician, He identified himself with the democratic party and voted for General Andrew Jackson in 1828, and also for General Franklin Pierce in 1852, voting for all of the intermediate democratic candidates for the presidency.'

  'He also officiated as Indian agent for many years, during which time he learned the Seneca Indian language, which he could speak fluently at the time of his death, During his active career he accumulated a large property, which has enabled him to live in affluence and comfort for many years at his pleasant home on Dunkirk street.'

  'In 1831 he married the daughter of his partner, Miss Eunice Lee, by whom he had seven children, only two of whom are now living - Oliver Lee Swift and Franklin Swift, both of this place. Besides the two sons mentioned above, he has a granddaughter, Miss Francella Swift, and a great grandson, Master Harry Swift.'

  'His first wife having entered into rest March 6, 1866, in the fall of 1868 he was united in matrimony with Mrs. Abbie Kingsley of Connecticut who was a widow with one daughter, Miss Josephine Kingsley. Mrs. Swift died of consumption in 1880 and was followed by her daughter who died seven years later. During Mr. Swift's failing years he has been tenderly taken care of by the members of his family.'

  'In the death of Major Swift Silver Creek has lost one of its most prominent citizens, for three score years and ten he has been identified with the interests of this beautiful village, he was a gentleman in every sense that the word implies, to know him was but to honor and respect him, his career was marked with the highest honor and integrity through out, and whilst his loss will fall heavily upon our older citizens, yet he went down to the grave like a hero in the strife, his example is one worthy of emulation by the young, and we believe that long years after his mortal body has rested in the grave that the name of Major Swift will be held up in loving memory by those who were interested in the early history of Silver Creek.'