James Swan emigrated from Scotland in 1854 and worked at the Bassett Iron Works in Birmingham, CT, the Farrel Foundry & Machine Co in Ansonia, CT, and for Oliver Annes before buying Annes' business in 1877. He acquired Douglass Mfg. Co. and changed its name, but apparently still used its name in 1894. Upon Swan's death, the company passed to his son William, followed by his brother John, followed by James, son of John.