Hunt-Swartout raid facts for kids

The Hunt-Swartwout Raid was a scary event that happened in 1756 in New Jersey. It was part of a bigger conflict called the French and Indian War (1755–1763). During this time, the area near the Delaware River was mostly wild land with few settlers. In 1756, a small group of five men from the Lenape tribe, who lived near the Susquehanna River, traveled into New Jersey. They went to the homes of local leaders Richard Hunt, Anthony Swartwout, and Daniel Harker. The Lenape group attacked and burned some homes, killing Anthony Swartwout and several members of his family. They also took people from the Hunt and Swartwout families as captives. These captives were held for several years before some of them returned home.

What Happened?

The Lenape group first approached Daniel Harker's house. However, they decided not to attack because Harker had about twelve militia men with him. Instead, the Lenape continued down the Delaware River towards Anthony Swartwout's home.

At Swartwout's house, the Lenape attacked. They searched and burned the home, and sadly, Anthony Swartwout and several of his family members were killed. The Lenape also took other people from the Hunt and Swartwout families as captives.

The Captives Return

Among those taken were Thomas Hunt and another person who was captured from Richard Hunt's household. These two captives were taken to Canada. There, they were held by a French military officer.

Thomas Hunt eventually returned home in 1759. He had been held captive for three years and nine months. His release was made possible because of a peace agreement called the Treaty of Easton in 1758. Anthony Swartwout's two remaining children, a daughter and a son, were also held captive by the Lenape tribe. They were held for about a year before being released.

Lasting Names

After Captain Anthony Swartwout's death, a large body of water in Stillwater that was known as 'Great Pond' was renamed Swartswood Lake in his honor. Also, Captain Richard Hunt, who lived in Hardwick, had a pond named after him. This pond, called Hunts Pond, is located in the nearby town of Fredon.