Representative Joshua William Swartz

Joshua William Swartz (June 9, 1867 – May 27, 1959) was an American lawyer and Republican politician who served as a Representative from Pennsylvania in the United States Congress from 1925 to 1927. Over the course of a long legal and public career, he represented the interests of his constituents at both the state and national levels and contributed to the legislative process during one term in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Swartz was born on June 9, 1867, in Lower Swatara Township, Pennsylvania, just west of Harrisburg. He was raised on his father’s farm, an upbringing that grounded him in the agricultural life of south-central Pennsylvania. He attended the local rural schools before pursuing further education at Lebanon Valley College. He also studied at the Williamsport Commercial School, gaining business and commercial training that would complement his later legal and political work.

Pursuing a professional education in law, Swartz enrolled in the law department of Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Dickinson’s law program in 1892, completing the formal legal training that prepared him for admission to the bar and the start of his legal career. That same year, in 1892, he was admitted to the bar and commenced the practice of law in Harrisburg, the state capital, where he would maintain his professional base for the rest of his life.

Swartz quickly established himself as a practicing attorney in Harrisburg and became active in public affairs. His legal work and community involvement led to his election to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, where he served from 1915 to 1917. As a member of the state legislature, he participated in the formulation of state laws and policies during a period marked by progressive-era reforms and the lead-up to American involvement in World War I.

Building on his experience in state government, Swartz was elected as a Republican to the Sixty-ninth Congress, representing Pennsylvania in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1925 to 1927. His service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history, in the midst of the 1920s economic expansion and evolving national policy debates. As a member of the House of Representatives, Joshua William Swartz participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of his Pennsylvania constituents, contributing to the legislative work of the Republican majority during his single term in office.

After completing his term, Swartz declined to become a candidate for reelection in 1926 and chose to return to private life. He resumed the practice of law in Harrisburg, continuing his legal career and remaining a respected figure in the community. He practiced law there until his death, maintaining his professional engagement well into his later years.

Joshua William Swartz died in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, on May 27, 1959. He was interred at Paxtang Cemetery near Harrisburg. His long life spanned from the post–Civil War era through the mid-twentieth century, and his career reflected sustained service as a lawyer, state legislator, and member of the United States Congress from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.