Frederick Swift was born in Mansfield, Connecticut on January 30,
1831. He came to Detroit in September of 1847 and started in the
shoe business. Swift and his brother later formed a drug manufacturing
business. He was appointed Postmaster of Detroit in 1866 and served
in that office for eight years. Swift was twice married and had
six children.
Frederick Swift entered military service on June 17, 1862 as a captain
in the 17th Michigan Infantry. He was made Lt. Colonel on November
26, 1863. Swift was taken prisoner at Spottsylvania, Virginia on
May 12, 1864 and was exchanged on August 3, 1864. He was made colonel
on December 4, 1864 and brevetted Brigadier General of U. S. Volunteers
on March 13, 1865. During the period of his service, he participated
in battles at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Vicksburg and Jackson, Mississippi.
Swift mustered out of service on June 3, 1865.
General Frederick Swift was given the Congressional Medal of Honor
on February 15, 1897. The citation was for gallantly seizing the
colors and rallying the regiment after three color bearers had been
shot and the regiment, having become demoralized, was in imminent
danger of capture at Lenoire Station, Tennessee on November 16,
1863.
General Swift died on his 85th birthday after a brief illness.
Born: January 30, 1831
Died: January 30, 1916
Buried: Section H, Lot 23
