13 Facts About Samuel Swartwout

Samuel Swartwout was an American soldier, merchant, speculator, and politician.

Samuel Swartwout is best known for his role in the Swartwout-Hoyt scandal, in which he was alleged to have embezzled $1,222,705.09 during his tenure as Collector of the Port of New York.

Samuel Swartwout was one of seven children born to Abraham Swartwout and Maria Swartwout.

Samuel Swartwout remained close to Burr throughout the latter's life, and was his traveling companion on several long trips.

Samuel Swartwout was an active participant in Burr's venture in the West and in the conspiracy trial that resulted from it.

Samuel Swartwout then continued to Richmond to attend Burr's trial, where he was a key witness in the indictment hearing.

Samuel Swartwout held meetings in New York where Stephen F Austin, Branch Tanner Archer, and William H Wharton appeared in quest of funds and supplies.

Samuel Swartwout sent provisions to Texas at his own expense and saved the two-ship Texas Navy from a consignment sale by paying for repairs to the vessels.

Samuel Swartwout left office at the expiration of his term in 1838, retaining $201,096.40 with which to pay any pending claims that might be brought against him.

Samuel Swartwout then went to England to raise money on his coal property before ensuring that his account at the customhouse was closed.

Samuel Swartwout forfeited his personal property to pay the deficit, and returned to the United States in 1841 after federal officials assured him that they would not prosecute him.

Samuel Swartwout died in New York City on November 21,1856.

Samuel Swartwout was buried at Trinity Church Cemetery in Manhattan.