1886 – 1898
Did you know Taylor Swift is a descendant of one of our New Bedford Port Society Presidents? Jireh Swift, our seventh president, brings the iconic singer-songwriter’s roots back to our city while shedding light on our historic church’s past.
Jireh’s story began when his father Jirah Swift and his mother had their son in Dartmouth, Massachusetts. Jireh came from a long line of “Jirah’s” who derived from London, England in the early 1600’s. As Jireh grew up along the coast of fellow merchants and whalers, he eventually founded his organization called Swift and Allen. The business entailed assisting whalers and ship chandlers throughout the whaling industry and turned it into a huge profit. Soon, Jireh’s name spread throughout New Bedford thanks to his contributions such as iron ware and groceries provided to whaling ships. In due time, Jireh joined the New Bedford Port Society and became the Seamen’s Bethel’s president in 1886 where he served for twelve years.
Since Jireh’s time, the Swift’s family spread throughout the country and eventually led to Jireh being the fifth-great-grandfather of Taylor Swift. Not only that, in 1909 an elementary school was built and named after the whaling merchant also. To this day, the New Bedford Port Society cherishes the historic individuals who shape our past and influence our present as well.