Historial Sketches and Experi
ences of Trail-Blazers Who Made
Alaska the Empire of the North
PIONEERS OF ALASKA
EDITED BY
JOHN W. FRAME
President Anchorage Igloo No. 15
THE GREAT LAND
9F THE NORTH
Fifty years ago tociay the Stars and
Stripes were hoisted in Sitka. This i
was the formal transfer of the coun-1
try known as Russia America to the
United States. The name was chang
ed to that of Alaska.
The word Alaska is of Greek and
Russian composit origin and means
“Great Land.” The contract for pur
chase of Russia America was made on !
the 30th day of March, 18G7, but it
was not transferred until October 18 j
of that year.
By the act of July27, 18G8, congress
extended the laws of the United States
relating to customs, commerce, and
navigation to Alaska, conferred juris
diction upon the United States district
courts of California and Oregon and
the district courts of Washington Ter
ritory to try all violations thereof, and
established the customs office at Sitka.
No attempt was made to establish
civil government in Alaska until 1884,
the territory being governed until that
time, first by the military forces of
the United States, and subsequently
by the revenue cutter service. In 1884
a formal organization of civil govern
ment was initiated by the act of con
gress approved May IT. This act made
Alaska a civil and judicial district, es
tablished the capital at Sitka, provid
ed for the appointment of a governor,
created a district court, provided for
the appointment of one judge, a mar
shal, district attorney, clerk, and four
f commissioners, having the powers of
justice of the peace. The general laws
of the state of Oregon were declared
to be the law in Alaska where and
when applicable. The territory was
made a land district with the land of
fice at Sitka, and the mining laws of
the United States were extended to
the territory at this time.
Prior to 1899, the criminal laws of
Oregon .and the code of procedure,
were made the law of Alaska and its
code of procedure. The civil laws of
Oregon remained the law of Alaska
until 1900. At this time congress en
acted a law reorganizing the courts,
making three judicial divisions and
providing a judge for each, together
with other court officers.
The headquarters of the first judi
« cial division was fixed at Juneau, the
second at St. Michaels, and the third
at Eagle.
The mining laws were first extended
to Alaska in 1884, and more fully in
1900. The homestead law was extend
ed to Alaska in 1903.
Alaska was organized as a territory
by the act of congress, June 6, 1900,
providing for a judicial and executive
branch of civil government. The law
providing for the legislative depart
ment was not enacted until August 24,
1012.
Alaska is the last great frontier. It
is a land where men by honest toil,
grow hardy both in mind and body. It
is no place for the indolent or unam
bitious man. The natural difficulties
of life are greater here than in many
other places. Persistency and tireless
energy are here especially essential to
success.
Our territory is one of the fairest'
under the sun and it is entirely by the
persistent, patient, and perservering
labor of our true men that Alaska is j
now emerging from obscurity to the
sunlight of rugged greatness. The
hopeful worker is always the true op
tomist, and because of the study
strength and happy industry of her
pioneers, Alaska, with prophetic soul,
now looks beyond the summit of her
lofty hills with an abiding faith in her
greet future.
Samuel Gullet, of Port Graham, was
admitted to the Sitka Home on the
27th of September. He came to Alas
ka in 1888. Mr. Gullet is a native of
Texas, having been born in the Lone
Star state November 14, 1849.
John Lochner, of Glacier creek, was
admitted to the Sitka Homs during
September. Mr. Lockner was born in
4 Austria, February 12, 1856 and came
to Alaska in ’93.
A BROTHERLY MEETING.
There was a brotherly meeting of
three early-timers in Alaska at Pio
neer hall on Friday evening last, that
is worthy of recording on this his
torical page.
Thirty-three years ago there was in
Afognak an association of the white
men in that locality who called them
selves the “Pioneers of Alaska.” They
met, had their “smokers” and talked |
over the incidents of their lives in j
much the same manner the pioneers j
do today in their different igloos, j
Captain Axel Olsen, now a prosperous
farmer near Matanuska, and h rank
i Korth, the Anchorage Sheet Metal
man, were two of the members. Cap
tain George Howe, now of Anchorage,
i was also a fellow pioneer along with
the other two old-timers but he did
not belong to the organization of
“Pioneers of Alaska.” Nevertheless
he was a great friend of the other
two and they were often together.
One day one of them informed the
other two that he was going down to
some other part of the country and
in bidding them goodbye remarked,
“When will we three meet again?”
1 hat meeting took place at the i 10
neer hall last Friday evening and to
hear those old fellows talk of Pioneer
days made some of the boys who have
been here twenty years feel like che
chacos. And their whole heart was
in the conversation. The incidents of
their lives from the time they parted
at Afognak thirty-three years ago, up
to the time of their meeting Friday
evening, if written in detail, would
make a most interesting book, for
Captain Axel Olsen is one of the best
known navigators on the north Paci
fic coast. He has been as far north
with a vessel as any man living. There
is not a nook or inlet of the coast
that he is not familiar with. He has
been master of a number of vessels
that have brought thousands of men
to the far north, and is known by all
the old-timers.
Captain Gorge Howe, the other nav
igator of this trio of old friends ex
plored all this Cook Inlet country
years before the present generation
was born. He has piloted many a ship
into the bays and arms of the sea in
this part of Alaska, and never yet lost
a craft. He is the oldest man of the
trio, but still hale and hearty.
Their friend, Frank Korth, did not
take to the water. He lias lived most
ofthat thirtv-three years in this part
i
of the north and reared a family of
ten children. He has the distinguish
ed honor of being the father of the
first Alaskan boy to enlist in the great
war for liberty, now raging in the old
world. If you wish to figure how time
is passing in Alaska, note the fact that
it was thirteen years after the parting
of these young fellows in Afognak, be
fore this young soldier now defend
ing his country, was born. 'When Cap
tain Olsen first came to Alaska he was
four years younger than the son of his
friend Korth, now in the army. It
would have done your soul good to see
the joyful reunion and hearty hand
shaking of those three Afognak pio
neers.
A DISTINGUISHED VISITOR.
Captain Axel Olsen, of Matanuska,
was a distinguished visitor at the
Pioneer hall at the last meeting. He
was born in Norway way back in the
early ’60’s. From his earliest child
hood he has lived on the water. He
came to Alaska when a mere lad, only
16 or 17 years of age. Kodiak was
then the metropolis of this part of
Alaska and he made that his head
quarters when ashore. He has made
i many trips to the far north. He took
the first vessel (the schooner Bear) in
to Nome, landing there on the 9th
day of May, 1899. He has always
j been a loyal friend of Alaska, and
has made several trips to Washington
to personally appeal to different presi
dents in behalf of his home northland.
He has made several hundred thou
sand dollars in the north but not in
, profits from his fellow man. He ex
plored the sea and prospected the
hills, and when he won it, it was as
free as water for the help of those in
j need. His heart is void 6f that mean
DOINGS OF IGLOO NO. 15
One of the largest meetings that
Igloo No. 15, Pioneers of Alaska, has
ever held, took place at their hall or.
Friday evening last.
There was one applicant, Mr. Chas.
Cannard, for membership. He was
elected and, under suspension of the
rules, he, along with Capt. Holbrook,
who had been elected at a previous
meeting, took the obligation.
The building committee which has
had charge of the moving and over
hauling of the big hall, made its re
port and was discharged. The com
mittee appointed to audit the accounts
of the building committee made a full
report showing the receipts and dis
bursements of the building fund in
| segregated form. The building com
mittee was discharged with a vote of
i thanks for the efficient services ren
dered to the igloo. The custody of
I the building is now in the hands of
the trustees.
Brother George Vause, who has
been absent much of the summer in
the service of the commission, was
i
i present and delivered a very mter
! esting talk.
The igloo voted to transfer $250
from the general treasury to apply on
building account. This makes some
thing over $1,300 paid by the igloo on
the building since it was moved to the
lot. The receipts of the evening were
$74.
The committee appointed to secure
a cemetery plot reported that the
same had been selected in conjunction
with the city authorities and that
steps would be taken soon to have
the same cleared and put in condition.
The committee on Alaska day exer
cises reported that everything had
been attended to and that considera
l ble interest had been manifested in
the work.
CHAS CANNARD.
The only applicant for membership
in the Igloo on Friday evening last
i was Charles Cannard. He was born in
Blackaman, Louisiana, in 1858, and
' came to Alaska in ’97. For a while he
I
j prospected on Telegraph creek. He has
been in most of the camps of Alaska
and finally landed in Anchorage when
| it was a mere camp town. Mr. Can
I nard is a stonemason by trade, but
| since coming to the north has followed j
' mining most of the time.
LIST OF MEMBERS OF IGLOO NO. 15.
Austin, J. R.
Alima, A. N.
Alierton, Theo.
Armstrong, K.
Athens, George.
Barnes, A. M.
Bartholf, B. S.
Buffington, J. O.
| Brown, Chas.
Bailey, A. C.
Brennen, Peter.
| Baker, Matt.
Barry, T. S.
Boyce, \V. T.
Brown, Arthur.
Boynton, J. E.
Brown, Felix.
Black, Wm. A.
Burman, Wm. Erie.
Rodreau, Wm. A.
Babis, Wm. J.
Baricklaw, Chas.
Barber, G. B.
Cribb, Harry.
Clapp, C. R.
Conners, Edward C.
Clark, Robert E.
Chovin, J. C.
Connolly, Francis.
Cresa, Alex A.
Craig, A. C.
Crocker, U. G.
Callaghan, Jerry.
Cunningham, Peter.
Carpenter, W. T.
i Cox, G. W.
Conklin, G. H.
| Calvin, S. R.
j Copies, F. C.
Carlson, Albert.
Cannon, Frank B.
Carlson, J. E.
Chittick, A. A.
Coonejy, James.
Cone, C. Edward.
DeLorne, John.
Duncklee, E. A.
I Davis, E. B.
Delfel, George.
Dies, Chas.
Duchisne, Peter.
Deschamps, I. L.
Deschurg, George.
Dwyer, Thos. W.
Doherty, R. G.
Davidson, J. C.
Dougherty, Wm.
Dalton, J. J.
Diedrick, M. W.
Estes, Geo. L.
Eckert, Philip.
Fern, J. El.
Frantzen, Cris.
Freemont, Chas.
Fox, Eld win.
Fitzgerald, P. H.
Frame, John W.
Flemming, R. H.
Fonda, Clark.
Frame, J. W., jr.
Frisby, J. P.
Gaffney, Jas. C.
Grandfors, Otto
Gesper, Matt
Gates, Geo., Knik.
Gleason, Frank.
Gemmel, W. B.
Green, George.
Gallagher, Henry P.
Gillespie, John.
Holmes, Levi W.
Hales, J. J.
Hussey, M. R.
Herron, Chas. E.
Henning, C.
Harris, John.
Hunter, Robt.
Healey, Frank.
Hendricks, John.
Hirvella, A.
Healy, M. H.
Hetland, A.
Hunt, P. S.
Hood, Fred
Hammerschmidt, C.
Hebert, Peter.
Huff, C. M.
Henry, John A.
Heavy, M. E.
Howe, Geo. A., jr.
Hayner, Robert.
Hartigan, John.
Howe, Geo. A., sr.
Hicks, Harry.
Holbrook, R. B.
Hitlz, W. H.
Iverson, Peter.
Ince, J. A.
Johnson, George.
Jackson, Jean.
Johnson, Carl L.
Johnson, Carl J.
Jameson, E. L.
Johanson, F. W.
Jensen, Louis.
Jones, D. W.
Jandos, Joseph.
Johnston, Edward.
Iventzell, Wm. H.
Kirby, Robert.
Korth, Teter.
Krumm, J. R.
Kenyon, J. S.
Kaiser, H. G.
King, Jos.
Kafferstein, C. A.
Kiland, John 0.
Kvvig, Dr. K. A.
Korth, Frank.
Kemp, C. L.
LeClair, Jos.
Lilwall, L. B.
Lindfors, Chas.
Larson, Ray C.
Lynch, Pat.
Lake, Clinton V.
Lawson, Adolph.
Levin, Ernest.
Lindig, W. H.
Liles, D. C.
Lvnch, M. H.
Leveld, M. J.
Lee, B. A.
Lowney, Cornelius.
Lothrop, Robt. B.
Lathrop, Capt. A. E.
Lee, George S.
Larsen, Ray C.
McNiece, Sam.
MacDonald, John.
McLeod, J. D.
McDaniels, H. E.
McClain, John.
McLennon, L. S.
McKenzie, Alex.
McGown, Camile.
McWilliams, A. P.
McLaughlin, J. A.
McKinnon, M. J.
McDaniels, J. Casey.
McFate, H. W.
McNutt, J. M.
McCain, J. N.
McCormick, Wm.
McMullen, John.
McKenzie, Chas. M.
McMellen, M. S.
McCombre, Alex.
McKay, J. N.
Morin, George L.
Miner, W. A.
Meehan, P. K.
Meyers, Jno. J.
Morton, James H.
Martin, FYed A.
Matthews, J. S.
Mackay, J. R.
Minnis, J. W.
Madigan, M. F.
Markle, L. N.
Mathison, Chas.
Maher, Thos.
Mackay, Bruce.
Mullen, Edward.
Madden, D. E.
Martin, Ferdinand.
Miller, Ed.
Needham, T. R,
Nelson, T. W.
Nelson, Axel.
Nelson, Jack.
Novak, Joseph.
Neely, Thos.
Nelson, Walter.
Nicholson, J. M.
Nylen, George.
Orr, T. K.
Ormsbee, W. H.
Osier, C. C.
O’Hara, Neil.
Oliver, Thos.
O’Rork, Richard.
Osborne, George.
Ownby, Victor.
Probst, J. C.
Paulson, J. C.
Patched, J. M.
Peters, Chas.
Pinard, J. B.
Peterson, Wm.
Peterson, P. J.
Pearson, Neil H.
Price, Thos. C.
Peterson, Chas. A.
Peterson, C. B.
Parker,Prof. Hersehel
Paton, Joseph.
, Packard, C. H.
Phines, F. A.
Iiobart, J. E.
Rasmussen, Jos.
J?ae, Don S.
Robinson, John H.
Rvne, Gus.
Ryan, E. W.
Russell, J. M.
Reamsnider, A.
Rulapaugh, George.
Rogers, John.
Riley, Thos.
Roberts, Wm.
Reed, Frank I.
Rvan, James.
Redwood, F. W.
Ross, H. W.
Seymour, Rex.
Sonntag, Emil.
Shaughnessy, Thos.
Stamey, P. T.
Sur.dberg, P. O.
South worth. W. 0.
Smith, Theo. D.
Schmuck, W. J.
Small, Robt.
Sundmacher, C. H.
Soper, S. S.
Sharts, Robert.
Sherlock, J. J.
Sherman, W. A.
Smith, P. Joseph.
Supernant,Andrew A.
Sage, Chas. A.
Swanson, Olof.
Taylor, W. A.
Taylor, Alex B.
Thompson, A. G.
Tompkins, J. F.
Thompson, John H.
Vause, Geo. R.
Wilson, A.
Wright, Fred.
Wilson, Frank.
Wolf, Henry.
White, Robert.
Ward, J. W.
Woolover, W. S.
Wills, Joseph.
Watson, Harry.
Wineburg, Aug.
West, Thos. E.
Whitney, J. D.
Wiekersham, James.
Walkinshaw, T. T.
Waller, J. L.
Wright, J. W.
Watson, Charles A.
Wehnke, Ernest.
Webb, Capt., R. D.
Wierman, Joseph V.
Walton, J. C.
Wolsky, Sol.
ness of a desire to accumulate, ac
cumulate, ACCUMULATE, in the
midst of want and misfortune among
others around him. It does one good
to meet a real pioneer spirit. Capt.
Olsen is ore of them. May the pota
toes on his Matanuska farm grow big
as water-backets, and his r::ch land
flow with milk and Honey!
The Anchorage Daily Times is the
biggest paper in Alaska.
Wm. H. Cross, of Nome, died at the
Sitka Homo on October 1 of cerebral
hemorrhage. The deceased was born
in Minnesota in 1855. He had been a j
resident of Alaska for 19 years.
James Carpenter, of Ruby, died at
the Pioneer Home, Sitka, on the first
cf October. Mr. Carpenter was born
in Michigan in 1851. He came to
Alaska in 1898.
NORTHERN LAND.
By Gertrude Spiers Rader.
Thy streams abound with wealth un
told,
Northern Land, Oh Northern Land.
Thine ancient hills are ribbed with
gold,
Northern Land, Oh Northern Land.
In nature’s storehouse, rich and vast,
You hold your treasure hard and fast,
But you will yield to us at last,
Northern Land, Oh Northern Land.
Short years ago thou wast unknown,
Northern Land, Oh Northern Land.
Now thousands find in thee a home,
Northern Land, Oh Northern Land.
Traders and trappers led the way,
Fishers and miners made it pay;
The farmer too, has come to stay
In Northern Land in Northern Land.
What forests on thy hills are found,
Northern Land, Oh Northern Land.
What berries in thy fields abound,
Northern Land, Oh Northern Land.
What fishes in thy waters glide,*
Thy furs find market far and wide,
And game abounds on every side,
Northern Land, Oh Northern Land.
Though sunless now and white with
snow,
Northern Land, Oh Northern Land.
In summer fair, the wild flow’rs blow
In Northern Land in Northern Land.
We do not mind the winter drear,
In every cabin fires burn clear,
And friendship brings its own good
cheer,
In Northern Land in Northern Land.
We seek as Pilgrims sought of old,
Northern Land, Oh Northern Land.
A heritage for freemen bold,
Northern Land, Oh Northern Land.
And now a rousing three times three
Land of our hopes we raise to thee,
Tomorrow’s empire thou shalt be,
Northern Land, On Northern Land.
The foregoing poem was written by
the author while at Rampart in the
year 1005. It has attained great pop
ularity in the interior country and has
been adopted as the official ode of
Igloo Xo. 3, Pioneer Women of Alas
ka, at Fairbanks. It is sung to the
music of “Maryland My Maryland”
and is dedicated to all the pioneers of
Alaska.
THE PIONEER TAMALE HOUSE.
Brother Charlie Kafferstein has
changed the name of his tamale house
from “The Gem” to the “Pioneer Ta
male House.” This was because so
many of the Pioneers have been
crowding into his place for one of
those fine lunches he serves. On Sun
days he has a chicken dinner that
makes an old pioneer feel that he is
back in Missouri again. And those
oyster cocktails he serves has caused
a number of the old boys to rush over
to the mayor’s office and ask to go to
France. This “fountain of youth” is
around on avenue C, between Fourth
and Fifth.
PHINNEY S. HUNT
PASSES AWAY
The death of Phinney S. Hunt, on
Sunday, last, at Seward, calls to rest
another early pioneer of Alaska. Mr.
Hunt was born at Kalamazoo, Michi
gan, on the 24th day of April, 1860.
On the 29th of March, 1886, he was
married to Miss Rose E. Frazer, at
Grand Rapids, Michigan. While living
there the two sons, Edwin William and
Alvah P., were born, Edwin on Jar.u
, ary 23, 1883 and Alvas June 26, 18tM.
j The family later moved to Sacra
' mento, California, and for fifteen
i years resided inthat state. In 1898
! Mr. Hunt, in advance of his family,
came to Alaska, settling in Valdez. A
I short time afterward the family fol
j lowed and their home was there until
| last year when they moved to Anchor
1 age. Edwin the elder son is married
and is a business man of Valdez. Al
vah, has been the assistant to his
father as official photographer of the
Alaskan Engineering Commission for
the last few months.
Mr. Hunt, with his son, Alvah, as as
sistant photographer, was at Seward
on official business for the Commis
sion, and while on his way to the train
for the purpose of returning home, he
suddenly fell and in a very short time
ceased to breathe. A physician was
immediately summoned but life was
extinct when he arrived.
Mr. Hunt was a very active mem
ber of the Pioneers of Alaska while
living in Valdez and after coming here
became a member of Igloo No. 15. He
was also a member of the Masonic fra
ternity, and the Independent Order of
Oddfellows, all of whom will join in
the funeral services to be held soon
after the body arrives on the first
steamer. Mr. Hunt held the high of
fice of Deputy Grand Master for Alas
ka in the I. O. 0. F. and the funeral
services will be under the auspices of
that fraternal order. The deceased
leaves a wife and two sons to mourn
the loss of a devoted husband and
kind father. The father of the de
parted brother is also still living at
the advanced age of SO years. His.
home is at Sautelle, California. The
announcement of the funeral services
will be made in due time.
The Pioneers of Alaska, Igloo No.
4, Fairbanks, has purchased 83,000
worth cf Liberty bonds. The mem
bers of No. 4 were contemplating the
building of a home for themselves but
decided to help the boys at the front
and live in their present quarters un
til the war is over. Three cheers for
the old boys “down where the Tan
ana flows.”
Captain Holbrook left on the last
steamer for the states where he will
spend the winter. The captain rode
the Pioneer goat at the igloo on Fri
day night. He has been an Alaskan
for many years and is widely known
among the old-timers.
Pioneer
Tamale House
CHAS. KLAFFERSTEIN, Prop.
Real Fresh Chicken Goods.
CHICKEN DINNER EVERY SUNDAY.
Something Special Every Day.
Fresh Oyster Cocktails to Order
C St. Bet. 4th and 5th.
LOOK FOR THE SIGN
(•1
ENJOY YOURSELF
At The
TEMPLE ROLLER RINK
AND GET YOUR SHARE
OF THIS HEALTH-BUILDING EXERCISE.
Open Every Afternoon and Evening.
2:30 to 5 P. M. - - - 7:30 to 10 P. M.
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