M.W. John Henry Swarthout 1889

John Henry Swarthout

Descended from a long line of Dutch ancestors who had been prominent in New York affairs, John H. Swartwout was born in Stamford, November 19, 1849. After study in private schools and in Burlington College of New Jersey, he entered business, although he showed considerable musical ability.

In civic life he was chosen a member of the Board of Wardens and Burgesses of Stamford in 1879 and in 1885 represented his city in the General Assembly. For two years he was Postmaster, under President Cleveland, and for a long time prominent in state politics. For several years he was organist and choirmaster of St. John's Episcopal Church. .

Entering Masonry through Union Lodge, No.5, he was raised April 16, 1871, and served his Lodge as Master from 1879 through 1883. Exalted in Rittenhouse Chapter, No. 11, R. A. M., in 1872 he filled the position of High Priest in 1380. Although Knighted in Clinton Commandery, No.3, K. T., he later affiliated with Hamilton Commandery, No.5, K. T., because of his residence in Bridgeport. In this city he was also connected with Scottish Rite bodies.

Elected Grand Junior Deacon in 1884 he became Grand Master in 1889 and declined a reelection. In Grand Chapter, R. A. M., he reached the position of Grand Scribe.

He was companionable and public spirited and directed well the observance by the Masonic bodies of the Centennial of the Grand Lodge of Connecticut. This was celebrated in New Haven July 10, 1889, and was attended by large numbers of the Craft. .

Brother Swartwout's death occurred at the Masonic Home in Wallingford April 24, 1925.

His picture appears in the Proceedings of 1889.