Alfred P. Swineford

Michigan politics While in Michigan, Swineford became active in Democratic politics. In 1871, he was elected to a seat in the Michigan House of Representatives. He began a two-year term as mayor of Marquette, Michigan, in 1884. Swineford also was Michigan's representative to the World Cotton Centennial in New Orleans.

Alaska President Grover Cleveland appointed Swineford as Governor of the District of Alaska on May 9, 1885. He supported granting Alaska territorial status.

Following the inauguration of President Benjamin Harrison, Swineford's term of office ended on April 20, 1889.

Later life After leaving office, Swineford returned to Michigan. In 1893, with the return of President Cleveland to the White House, many Alaskans hoped the former governor would be reappointed to office. President Cleveland, bowing to special interests opposed to Swineford, instead appointed him Inspector General of the United States General Land Office. In this office he oversaw the 1898 opening of the Cherokee Outlet.

In 1898, Swineford moved back to Alaska. That same year he published the book, Alaska: Its History, Climate and Natural Resources, Hardcover. In alignment with his mining interests, he published the Ketchikan Mining Journal from 1901 till 1905 and the Ketchikan Mines from 1907 till 1908. Swineford died in Juneau, Alaska, on October 26, 1909. He is buried in Juneau at Evergreen Cemetery.