Zephaniah SWIFT, Congress, CT (1759-1823)

SWIFT, Zephaniah, a Representative from Connecticut; born in Wareham, Plymouth County, Mass., February 27, 1759; moved with his parents to Lebanon, New London County, Conn.; completed preparatory studies; was graduated from Yale College in 1778; studied law; was admitted to the bar and commenced practice in Windham, Conn.; member of the state house of representatives 1787-1793, serving as speaker in 1792; clerk of the house for four sessions; elected as Pro-Administration candidate to the Third Congress and reelected as a Federalist to the Fourth Congress (March 4, 1793-March 3, 1797); resumed the practice of law at Windham; also engaged in literary pursuits; secretary of the French mission in 1800; judge of the supreme court in 1801 and chief justice 1806-1819; member of the Hartford Convention in 1814; again a member of the state house of representatives 1820-1822; died in Warren, Trumbull County, Ohio, September 27, 1823; interment in Oakwood Cemetery.

Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present