Wilson Cary Swann

Wilson Cary Swann (1806 – March 21, 1876) was an American physician, philanthropist, and social reformer.

Born in present-day Alexandria, Virginia, he moved to Philadelphia in 1847, and spent the rest of his life there.

Swann had leadership roles in several philanthropic organizations in Philadelphia, including the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Philadelphia Fountain Society, which financed the construction of numerous drinking fountains in the city.

[5] When the Civil War began, Swann joined the Union League, and helped fund the construction of its clubhouse on Broad Street.

His collection reportedly included works by Rubens, Titian, Leonardo da Vinci, Murillo, Angelica Kauffman, and Leutze.

The fountain was designed by sculptor Alexander Stirling Calder and architect Wilson Eyre.