BIOGRAPHICAL NOTE

Agnes Swineford was born in Cleveland, OH, Oct. 23, 1879. Her mother, Mrs. Wilhelmina (“Minnie”) Smith, later married Alfred P. Swineford. They came to Alaska in 1886, when Alfred Swineford was appointed first resident Governor of Alaska. Agnes lived in Sitka and Ketchikan until 1901, then married Allen Shattuck of Juneau. She lived in Juneau until his death in 1960. Agnes died in San Rafael, California, March 15, 1973. [From: Juneau Empire, 3/26/1973, MS 150

HISTORICAL NOTE

The Thetis, a three-masted, wooden-hulled steamer was acquired by the U.S. Navy in 1884 to search for Lt. Adolphus W. Greely's polar exploration party. In 1887, the Thetis sailed to Alaska and Gov. Alfred P. and “Minnie” Swineford were invited on a short cruise to visit southeast Alaskan villages. In May, 1888, Gov. Swineford accompanied a more extensive voyage of the Thetis (PCA 27), lasting four months and five days, exploring 10,000 miles of Alaskan coastline from Sitka to Point Barrow. It joined with the Revenue Cutter Bear to search for the missing schooner, the Jane Grey. The Thetis was transferred to the Revenue Cutter Service in 1899 to transport Siberian reindeer to Alaska. It served under the American flag for 32 years before becoming a sealer for the next 34 years. In 1950, the Thetis was grounded outside of St. John's, Newfoundland where it finally broke up.