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Sir Alexander Swettenham
James Alexander Swettenham.jpg
Governor of Jamaica
In office
30 September 1904 – 1907
Monarch Edward VII
Preceded by Augustus Hemming
Succeeded by Sydney Haldane Olivier
41st Governor of British Guiana
In office
3 July 1901 – 26 September 1904
Monarch Edward VII
Preceded by Walter Joseph Sendall
Succeeded by Frederick Mitchell Hodgson
Acting Governor of the Straits Settlements
In office
7 December 1899 – 5 November 1901
Monarch Queen Victoria
Edward VII
Preceded by Sir Charles Mitchell
Succeeded by Sir Frank Swettenham
7th Colonial Secretary, Straits Settlements
In office
11 February 1895 – 7 December 1899
Monarch Queen Victoria
Governor Charles Mitchell
Preceded by William Edward Maxwell
Succeeded by Walter Egerton (acting)
Sir Charles Walter Sneyd Kynnersley (acting)
20th Accountant General and Controller of Revenue
In office
31 July 1891 – 10 June 1895
Preceded by George Thomas Michael O'Brien
Succeeded by William Thomas Taylor
Personal details
Born
James Alexander Swettenham

1846
Belper, Derbyshire, England
Died 19 April 1933(1933-04-19) (aged 86–87)
La Colline, Switzerland
Resting place Vevey, Switzerland
Spouse
Mary Emily née Copeland
(m. 1905)
Parent
  • James Oldham Swettenham (father)
Alma mater Clare College, Cambridge
Occupation Colonial administrator

Sir James Alexander Swettenham (1846 – 19 April 1933) was an important British leader. He served as the Governor of British Guiana from 1901 to 1904. Later, he became the Governor of Jamaica from 1904 to 1907.

Early Life and Family

Growing Up in England

Alexander Swettenham was born in 1846. His father, James Oldham Swettenham, was a lawyer. Alexander grew up near Belper, in Derbyshire, England. He later studied at Clare College, Cambridge, a famous university.

His Family Life

Alexander had a younger brother named Frank. Frank also worked as a colonial administrator, like Alexander. Alexander married Mary Emily Copeland in 1905. Her family was known for making Wedgwood pottery. Alexander and Mary did not have any children.

A Career in Colonial Administration

Early Roles in Asia

Alexander started his career in 1868. He joined the Ceylon Civil Service. Ceylon is now known as Sri Lanka. He worked there until 1883. In 1884, he became the Receiver-General for Cyprus. This job involved managing money.

He returned to Ceylon in 1891. There, he became the Accountant General. He held this important financial role until 1895. After that, Alexander moved to Singapore. He served as the Colonial Secretary there. This was a very senior position. He even became acting Governor for a short time. This happened when the previous Governor, Sir Charles Mitchell, passed away. Alexander then handed the role over to his brother Frank in 1901.

Governor of British Guiana

From 1901 to 1904, Alexander served as the Governor of British Guiana. This country is now known as Guyana. As Governor, he was the main leader. He was responsible for managing the colony.

Governor of Jamaica and the Kingston Incident

In 1904, Alexander became the Governor of Jamaica. This was another important leadership role. In 1907, a very strong earthquake hit the island. It caused a lot of damage. Alexander was in charge of helping the island recover.

During this time, American marines arrived to help. They were led by Rear-Admiral Charles H. Davis Jr. However, Alexander felt he had the situation under control. He asked the American forces to leave. The Americans were offended by this request. This disagreement became known as the Kingston Incident. Because of this event, Alexander decided to resign from his position.

Later Life and Recognition

His Final Years

Alexander passed away in 1933. He died in a clinic in La Colline, Switzerland. He was buried in Vevey, Switzerland.

Awards and Honours

Alexander received special recognition for his work. In 1892, he was awarded the Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George (CMG). He was later knighted in 1898. This meant he could use the title "Sir." He became a Knight Commander of the Order of St Michael and St George (KCMG).

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