Private Benjamin C. Swain was born ca. 1830 at Washington County, North Carolina.

He served as a Private in the state militia during the 3rd Seminole War, being enlisted in James F. P. Johnson’s Independent Company of Mounted Volunteers at Fort Brooke (Tampa, Florida) from June 19th to December 19th, 1857. The muster roll gives his age as 27, a physical description of fair complexion, blue eyes, and light hair, and his occupation as a farmer.

He was mustered into service on July 20th, 1861 as a Private in Captain James P. McMullen’s Infantry Company, which was stationed at Clearwater Harbor, Pinellas County, Florida. He remained in this unit until its 3-months term of service expired on October 20th, 1861.

He next enlisted with Captain Henry Mulrenan’s Florida Volunteer Coast Guards as a seaman on January 1st, 1862; on January 9th, 1862 he was assigned to the crew of the Mary Jane.

He remained in this unit until mustered into Confederate service on March 5th, 1862 when he was enlisted as a Private in Captain Smith’s Company (Key West Avengers), 7th Regiment Florida Infantry by Major R. B. Thomas at Tampa, Florida for a period of 3 years or the war.

He is reported present on all rolls until February 6th, 1864 when he is reported absent on a 30-day furlough.

There is no further record of service after this date.

Benjamin Swain