Albert Nathaniel Swain (1828-1912) of Bellows Falls, son of Nathaniel and Lucia (Stow) Swain, was born in Reading, July 12, 1828.
He received his literary instruction in the common schools, but his practical education was derived from the printing office. In this latter he served an apprenticeship of three years, commencing in 1847 in the office of the Vermont Journal at Windsor, during which he gave some attention to the study of Latin. After this he continued for a similar period as journeyman with the same employer, when seized with an ambition to become a journalist he removed to Brattleboro and there found a position as printer and assistant editor of the Vermont Republican then published by O. H. Platt. In 1856 he came to Bellows Falls, where he became editor and soon after proprietor of the Bellows Falls Times, which he continued to publish, in connection with conducting a job printing establishment, for more than thirty-two years, when he retired from active life still making that town his place of residence.
Mr. Swain was married, Nov. 13, 1856, to Susan W., daughter of John L. and Phebe (Town) Putnam of Brattleboro.
He was an early member of the antislavery party and cast his first ballot for the candidates of the old Liberal party, when it could poll but six votes in his town. In 1852 he voted for John P. Hale, and after the organization of the Republican party gave to it a steady and loyal adherence.
In 1870 Mr. Swain was elected a member of the Constitutional Convention by the unanimous vote of his fellow-townsmen. This assembly he regards as the strongest in ability of any legislative body with which he has been connected, being composed of the strongest men in the state, among them exGovernors, congressmen, judges, and that eminent lawyer, Hon. E. J. Phelps. The most prominent question debated and decided in that convention was that of the biennial sessions of the Legislature, the adoption of which measure received the earnest support of Mr. Swain. He was also a representative in the Assemblies of 1872 and 1876, and was chosen senator from his county in 1886. He was assigned to various committees, including those on education, printing, joint rules, railroads, and federal relations. On the first three he served as chairman.
Mr. Swain was one of the originators as well as earliest members of the Vermont Press Association, and for four years acted as president of that body. He served as postmaster of Bellows Falls under the administrations of Lincoln, Johnson and Grant, giving general and marked satisfaction in this position during a period of twelve years. He has been a trustee of the Bellows Falls Savings Bank since 1882, president of the Rockingham Free Library since its organization, and has held many other positions of trust and responsibility, in all of which he has never disappointed the expectations of those who have committed these duties to his care.
Source: Men of Vermont: An Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters and Sons of Vermont (1894)
Died 9 Mar 1912 (aged 83), Rockingham, Windham County, Vermont, USA