Born in Miami Township, Clermont County, Ohio, Swing read law to enter the bar in 1842.

He was in private practice in Batavia, Ohio starting in 1842.

[1] On March 29, 1871, Swing was nominated by President Ulysses S. Grant to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio vacated by Judge Humphrey H. Leavitt.

Swing was confirmed by the United States Senate on March 30, 1871, and received his commission the same day.

Swing served in that capacity until his death on October 31, 1882, in Batavia.