Born in Baltimore, Benjamin was the third child born to Reuben Etting and Frances Gratz Etting. His was part of a less affluent (though by no means destitute) branch of the large, prominent Gratz-Etting family, centered in Baltimore and Philadelphia.
Like his uncle Solomon, Benjamin became a merchant. He established himself in Philadelphia and was involved in what has been termed the Old China Trade, commerce between the early republic and the Qing Empire under the Canton System. Exporting goods like furs, metals, grains, and ginseng from Appalachia, the American traders would, in turn, import porcelains, tea, spices, textiles, and furniture. At twenty-four, Etting set sale for Canton and he remained there for three years, until 1825.
Benjamin remained very close to his extended family, including cousins and aunts and uncles in Baltimore. A letter from his aunt Sally, written soon after his return from China, demonstrates her affection for him, her familiarity with his business, and the novelty and excitement of the items he has brought back from his voyage. “Have you sold all your goods,” she asks, “and have you done well by them?”
I believe no one takes a more sincere interest in you than your poor old Aunt Sal. Have you many chests of tea such as my brother [Solomon] got from you, and what is the price? He tells me he don’t know as the chest was a present from you to Rachel [Gratz Etting]. If they are not too high I think it likely I could dispose of them.
You have not let us know what we owe you on the china. ‘Tis very beautiful, and every time I look at it I see something new to admire. My dear Ben, bring down a little black tea, for we cannot get such as you have been drinking…
I have no news to tell you, for in the literal translation of the word, I am a very homely girl.
In 1830, Etting married Harriet Marx of Richmond, Virginia, daughter of Joseph and Richea Myers Marx. Etting sailed for China three more times, in 1831, 1835, and 1837. He and Harriet had five children together, whom they raised in Philadelphia.
