.jpg)
.jpg?1520282740)
Person Record
Metadata
Name |
Grafton, Jennet ("Nettie") |
Other Names |
Grafton, Nettie Grafton, Netty |
Born |
May 31, 1881 |
Birthplace |
Calumet, Michigan |
Deceased |
Dec. 7, 1927 |
Deceased |
Near Isle Royale, Lake Superior |
Relationships |
Siblings: Annie Grafton Jemima (Grafton) Bonesteel |
Occupation |
Nettie was born in Calumet, Michigan. By the time she was nine, she and her family were living in Arran Township, Bruce County with her maternal grandparents, Mr. and Mrs. John McKenzie. Both of Nettie's parents died when she was nine years old. Around the age of 10, she was adopted by her maternal aunt Mrs. William McVittie (Margaret McKenzie) of Southampton. Nettie began her work as a ship steward in 1908 and continued for 19 years until the time of the Kamloops disaster in December 1927. "For four seasons she sailed on the St. Lawrence River Route but the greatest part of her time was spent on the upper lakes freighters." The newspaper article "Southampton Mourns Death of Stewardesses" praises Nettie as a "very jolly girl, had a smile for everybody and always ready to help anyone in need especially when in discharge of her duties on the lakes, where she had a host of friends." It also indicates that "in her last letter dated Dec. 1st, written while locking through the Welland canal she stated this was their last trip for the season also her last season on the lakes." |
Sources |
"Southampton Mourns Death of Stewardesses" newspaper article in Bettridge, Harold. "Scrap Book: Alice Bettridge - Kamloops." Bruce County Museum & Cultural Centre, A2022.081.002. |
