Swett, Benjamin, approximately 1738-1819

Benjamin Swett (1738-1819) was a Quaker minister. He was born to John Swett around 1738, likely in Delaware. In 1759, Philadelphia Yearly Meeting granted him a certificate to visit. Swett married Mary Howell of Philadelphia in 1762, and both he and his wife later became ministers. The couple moved to Burlington, New Jersey, and later to Haddonfield, New Jersey. In 1771, Swett visited Long Island, New York, on a religious visit. In 1778, Swett accompanied John Hunt in a visit to Native Americans living near Edgepelick, New Jersey. From 1797 to 1801, the Swetts accompanied Charity Cook on a visit to Friends in Europe. Swett also served on Philadelphia Yearly Meeting's Indian Committee. Benjamin Swett died March 27, 1819, near Haddonfield, New Jersey, and left money to the Society of Friends for the care of people with mental illness.