The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Alexander Swift: Builder of Monitors and Pick Pocket Victim

Alexander Swift's company built four monitors: Catawba, Yuma, Oneota, and Klamath.

He most likely acquired some money from his company, but I can't find out much about his life or where he is buried. He must have been a very important man in Cincinnati, but there is not much on the internet about him.

However, I did come across an article in the April 27, 1882 article in the New York Times where5e he had $125 stolen from him. He was in New York to catch the White Star steamer Celtic to Europe.

Before leaving, he walked down Broadway where a young woman started talking with him and threw her arms around him. He repulsed her advances and she walked away very quickly. He soon discovered that his wallet was gone.

He ran after her and caught her. While grabbing her, she pleaded to the people around them to help. A detective arrived on the scene and recognized her as a known pickpocket.

While questioning her, Mr. Swift's pocket book fell out. The money was gone, but Swift's checks and ship tickets were still there.

Poor Mr. Swift. --Old B-Runner