SWIFT, John White, merchant, born in Philadelphia. Pa., 30 January, 1750; died in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, in 1819. His father, John, was a merchant, a common councilman in 1757-'76, and then collector of the port of Philadelphia from 1762 till 1772. John White was graduated at the College of Philadelphia in 1767, and became a merchant at Quebec. On the approach of General Richard Montgomery he joined his command, serving as captain, and was wounded in the assault on that place. On his recovery, General Wooster appointed him inspector of accounts and works at Montreal, which post he resigned on the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. He was purser of the ship " Empress of China," the first vessel to enter Canton, China, under the American flag.--His son, John, lawyer. born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 27 June, 1790; died there, 9 June, 1873, was admitted to the bar in 1811. He was a leader of the Whigs of Philadelphia, and was mayor in 1832-'8, 1839-'41, and 1845-'9, winning applause by the courage with which he quelled several riots, leading the police in person.