From the Belmont Dispatch, October 14, 1910
Well-Known Lawyer and G.A.R. Commander Buried at Cuba, His Former Home.
The funeral of Harlan J. Swift of Lakeview, who died suddenly at his home Thursday night, was held in the family home at Cuba, N.Y., Saturday afternoon.
Judge Swift, who was who was one of the best known men in Western New York was born in Allegany County, October 2, 1843, and he attended the common schools of Cuba. Later he was a student at Rushford Academy, at Alfred University, and at the Albany State Normal School. In 1863 he enlisted in Company H, 2nd New York Mounted Rifles.
He was promoted from a private to second lieutenant and later to captain of his company. He was under Grant in the Army of the Potomac, and was granted a medal for gallant conduct at the mine explosion before Petersburg, July 30, 1864.
At the close of the War he took up the study of law and was graduated from the Albany Law School, and was admitted to the bar in 1866. He practiced at Cuba where he became a partner to E. D. Loveridge until 1882, when he was appointed county judge of Allegany County. In 1882 he made a his home in Buffalo.
He was one of the organizers of the Bartle post, G. A. R., Of Cuba, and for five years was its commander. He was a department commander of the state G. A. R. in 1907, and a member of the order of the Loyal Legion Commandry of New York. He was also a member and played a prominent part in several other State military and fraternal societies in this State. On May 26, 1869, he married Martha Higgins of Rushford. They have one son, Parton Swift, who survives him.