Zephaniah Swift facts for kids

Zephaniah Swift (February 27, 1759 – September 27, 1823) was an important American figure. He was a writer, judge, lawyer, and politician from Windham, Connecticut. Swift served as a U.S. Representative for Connecticut. He also became a judge on the State Supreme Court. He is famous for writing the first major law book published in America.

Early Life and Learning

Zephaniah Swift was born in Wareham, Massachusetts. His parents were Rowland and Mary Swift. Later, his family moved to Lebanon, Connecticut. He studied hard and graduated from Yale College in 1778.

After college, he studied law. He then became a lawyer and started his own practice. This was in Windham, Connecticut.

Swift's Career in Government and Law

Swift was active in Connecticut politics. He served in the Connecticut General Assembly from 1787 to 1793. He even became the speaker of the assembly in 1792.

He then represented Connecticut in the U.S. House. He was a member of the Pro-Administration Party. Later, he joined the Federalist group. He served in Congress from March 4, 1793, to March 3, 1797. After his time in Congress, he returned to Connecticut. He was again elected Speaker of the General Assembly.

Writing Important Law Books

In 1795, Swift wrote "A System of the Law of the State of Connecticut." This was the very first major law book published in America. It helped explain the laws of Connecticut.

In 1796, he worked on a special committee for Congress. He helped put together the first official collection of "The Laws of the United States of America." This huge three-volume set was published by Congress. It had a detailed index. For many years, people thought the publisher, Richard Folwell, did this work. But later, historian Clarence E. Carter showed that Zephaniah Swift deserved the credit.

After Congress, Swift continued his law practice. He also kept writing. In 1820, he published "A Digest of the Laws of the State of Connecticut." This book was so useful that people joked a law office only needed "a three legged stool and Swift's Digest." He also wrote the first American book about the law of evidence. Some people called him an "American Blackstone," comparing him to a famous English legal writer.

Swift's books were highly respected across the United States. They are still mentioned today. Even though his "System of Laws" focused on Connecticut, it covered American law generally. It was meant for people all over the country.

Teaching Law and Public Service

Swift also ran a successful law school from his office. It was known as Swift's Law School. Many students learned from him. Some of his students became important judges themselves. These included Charles J. McCurdy and Rufus P. Spalding.

He was also a member of the Connecticut council of assistants in 1799 and 1801.

Diplomatic Efforts in France

In 1800, President Adams appointed Swift to a special mission to France. He served as secretary. The goal was to peacefully end the "Quasi-War" with France. This conflict started because of the XYZ Affair. The mission was successful. They reached an agreement with Napoleon and Talleyrand. This agreement was called the Convention of 1800.

This treaty helped improve relations with France. It even opened the door for the Louisiana Purchase in 1803. President Adams believed this treaty was one of his most important achievements.

Serving as a Judge

Swift became a judge on the Connecticut Supreme Court in 1801. At that time, it was called the Supreme Court of Errors. He served as the chief justice from 1806 to 1819.

From 1814 to 1815, Swift was a delegate to the Hartford Convention. This meeting discussed important issues, including opposition to the War of 1812. When Connecticut adopted its new Constitution in 1818, he lost his Supreme Court position. He then returned to the Legislature.

Shaping American Law

Zephaniah Swift was a leader in creating American common law. This was different from English law. Before him, American courts often followed English court decisions.

In 1795, Swift's "A System of Law" explained what Connecticut's common law was. It was based on what Connecticut judges were actually doing. This was a big change from English traditions. It showed that the American Revolution had real meaning in law.

Swift's books were very popular. Many important people subscribed to his "A System of Law." This list included President Washington, Vice President Adams, and half of the U.S. Supreme Court. Other famous people like James Madison and Aaron Burr also subscribed. Subscribers came from all states, including the original 13 colonies.

In his book, Swift explained that everyone should understand the laws. He said laws help protect "life, liberty and property." He believed the best way to share this knowledge was to make laws "simple" and "systematic." He wrote that clear laws give people "more effective security for their liberty."

Supporting Judicial Independence

Swift strongly believed that judges should be independent. He thought lawmakers should not interfere with courts. He spoke out against the Legislature changing court decisions. When the Legislature reversed a court decision he oversaw, Swift was very upset. He wrote that the Legislature should "never encroach on the jurisdiction of the Judiciary."

Because he spoke his mind, he was not reappointed as a judge in 1818. However, his ideas about judicial independence were later supported. This happened when the 1818 Constitution was adopted. Historians say Swift was a key person in calling for the convention that wrote Connecticut's first constitution.

Fighting for Freedom

Swift was a strong opponent of slavery. He called it a "dishonor to human nature." He was an active member of the Connecticut Society for the Promotion of Freedom. This group worked to help people who were illegally held as slaves.

In 1791, he gave a speech in Hartford. This speech helped Connecticut pass a law in 1792. This law encouraged slave owners to free their slaves. It protected former owners from having to support their freed slaves. A bill to completely end slavery passed the Connecticut House of Representatives. However, it did not pass the upper house.

Swift also wanted to make criminal laws fairer. He supported making prisons more comfortable. He also wanted to reduce the number of crimes punishable by death. In Swift's time, judges usually did not explain the law to juries. He argued against this. Today, judges explaining the law to juries is a common and important part of trials.

In 1815, Yale College gave Swift an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Swift served again in the State's House of Representatives from 1820 to 1822. He ran for Governor of Connecticut in 1822 and 1823 but did not win.

Personal Life

Zephaniah Swift married Jerusha Watrous Swift (1763–1792). They had one son named Henry. After Jerusha passed away, Swift married Lucretia Webb Swift (1775–1843) on March 14, 1795. They had seven children together: two sons named George, Edward, Lucretia, Emily, Lucien, and Julia.

Zephaniah Swift passed away on September 27, 1823. He was visiting his children in Warren, Ohio at the time. He is buried in Oakwood Cemetery in Warren.

Published Works

• "A System of the Law of the State of Connecticut" (1795)
• "A Digest of the Laws of the State of Connecticut" (1820)
• "A Digest of the Laws of Evidence in Civil and Criminal Cases" (1810)
• Compiled and edited the first official, authorized version of "The Laws of the United States of America" (1796), often called "Folwell's Statutes."