Leon’s paternal Great Grandfather came to the Boothbay Region from Castine, Maine in 1795 and settled on what today is known as Isle of Springs. His Grandfather Harvey inherited the island after caring for his parents. The property was sold in 1887, but Harvey remained as the caretaker of the island for many years after that. Leon worked in the commercial fishing business in his youth, and Swett’s Island (as it was known before the sale), was well fitted with smoke houses and other equipment necessary to the trade.

He married Rosa Brewer Greenleaf, in Bath, ME on September 12, 1908, and they had three children - Ruth Swett Allegrin, Raymond, and Leslie. Leon worked as a lobsterman and herring fisherman throughout his life. Rosa passed away at the age of 35 on March 26, 1915, leaving him to raise the children by himself.

He married his second wife, Lillian Azuba Rider, of Georgetown on December 4, 1916 in Bath, ME, and they had eight children - Minnie Swett Hart, Ida Swett Haas, Agnes Swett Morin, Josephine Swett, Merton Swett, John Swett, David Swett, and Frank Swett. Leon’s name shows in the World War I draft registration, but he was not called to serve.

Leon passed away on February 12, 1971, in Boothbay Harbor, ME, at St. Andrews Hospital at that age of 95. At the time of his death he had 26 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Leon Perry Swett lobstering