WRANGELL-ST. ELIAS A History of the Chisana Mining District, Alaska, 1890-1990

Abrahamson, --. Abrahamson worked Bonanza No. 12 in 1914.

Altman, Max. Altman mined above Hamshaw's camp on Bonanza No. 6 during 1915.

Anderson, --. Partnered with Al Wright, Anderson worked the upper end of Bonanza No. 11 Fraction in 1915.

Anderton, Louis E. "Lou". Anderton mined an unidentified claim on Bonanza Creek in 1946 and beginning in the late 1940s operated a store and guiding business out of Chisana City. Anderton died in Seattle in March 1961.

Atkinson, Miles. Partnered with Pete Eikland, Atkinson worked an unidentified claim on Bonanza Creek in 1923. Although he did not mine during the 1926 season, he returned to Bonanza Creek in 1929.

Bastell, --. Partnered with miners named Lewis and Munsell, Bastell sluiced Gold Run No. 3 Below in 1915.

Baxter, H. Baxter operated a general merchandise store in Chisana City in 1915.

Beebe, Mark. Beebe, an acquaintance of Fred Best, prospected in the Chisana district in 1915.

Behling, E. R. Partnered with J. E. McCabe and Joe Davis, Behling worked Big Eldorado No. 3 Below in 1917.

Bell, Richard. Bell sluiced Big Eldorado Creek No. 3 Below Upper Discovery in 1915.

Belney, Louie. In September 1913, Belney and his partner W. H. Simpson built Chisana City's most elaborate log building.

Berglund, --. Arriving in the district in August 1913, Berglund staked a fraction on One Below Discovery on Bonanza Creek for himself and Tommy Doyle.

Berry, Bill. Freighting into the Chisana district during the 1920s, Berry partnered with Billy James in 1926. Berry lived in McCarthy until the 1950s.

Best, Fred W. Born in Massachusetts in 1872, Best rushed to the Klondike in 1897 and later operated the Cassinar Roadhouse on the Yukon River. A former partner of Nels Nelson and Billy James, Best joined the first wave of stampeders from Dawson City, arriving in the district in early July 1913. More successful than most, he staked Bonanza Nos. 3 and 7 in 1913. In 1914 he worked Bonanza No. 3A Fraction and No. 7. Partnered with Don Greene, Best mined Bonanza No. 7 in 1915 and 1916, and still with Greene, worked Bonanza Nos. 3 and 7 in 1917. Leaving the Chisana district to participate in World War I, Best never returned to Alaska. After serving in the U.S. Navy, he pursued a second career in the merchant marine, finally dying at his home in Massachusetts in 1939.

Biglow, W. A. Biglow was reported to have made a new strike in May 1916 on Foley Creek, a tributary of Notch Creek, about twenty miles west of Chisana City.

Bittner, George. Bittner worked Bonanza No. 12 in 1915. He also operated a roadhouse in Chisana City.

Boggs, C. F. In 1913 Boggs and co-owner Young operated a roadhouse on the Hazelet trail near the foot of the Chisana Glacier.

Bollinger, Bert. Partnered with Jack Costello, Bollinger secured several claims in the district in 1913, including a fraction adjacent to Bonanza No. 8, two bench claims on Gold Run, two bench claims on Canyon Creek, a claim on Skookum Creek, two claims on Lucky Pup, and a bench claim on Bonanza No. 2.

Bostwick, Grace G. A reporter for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Bostwick spent the winter of 1913-1914 in Chisana City.

Boulin, Archie. Boulin, an acquaintance of Fred Best, prospected in the Chisana district in 1914, 1915, and 1916.

Boutin, P. Boutin operated a boarding house on Little Eldorado No. 1 in 1915, catering to crews fielded by Altman, Whitham, and Briggen.

Boyden, Harry. Boyden began freighting in the Chisana district about 1915. Leaving to participate in the First World War, he returned to the area following its conclusion and was again freighting when interviewed for the 1920 census. In late 1923, he obtained the contract to haul mail into the Chisana district. In 1925 the Alaska Road Commission hired Boyden and Pete Eikland to rehabilitate the shelter cabins along its McCarthy-Chisana trail. Boyden eventually moved to Nabesna, where he served as the caretaker at Carl Whitham's gold mine during the Second World War. In 1947 he still lived in the vicinity, guiding hunters out of the Devil's Mountain Lodge. The Boyden Hills, lying just north of Nabesna, were named in his honor.

Boynton, Joe. Boynton, an acquaintance of Fred Best, prospected the Chisana district in 1915.

Brady, Hugh. Partnered with Henry Dubois, Brady worked Bonanza No. 9 in 1914.

Bratnober, Henry. A well known capitalist, Bratnober spearheaded the mineral exploration of the White River district.

Breedman, S. Oscar. A Chitina hotelier, Breedman became the leading merchant in the Chisana district. By the spring of 1914, he owned stores in both Chisana and Bonanza cities, as well as operating a roadhouse near the Peavine Bar on the lower Chitistone River.

Briggen, Edward "Shorty". Partnered with a miner named Hocker, Briggen mined the lower end of Bonanza No. 7 in 1915. He worked Big Eldorado No. 2 Below in 1917 and mined on Big Eldorado in 1923.

Brooks, Alfred H. USGS geologists Alfred Brooks and William J. Peters traversed the upper White River country in 1898 and 1899. Brooks had a brilliant career, eventually becoming the head of the Geological Survey's Alaska division and gaining enduring fame as the "dean" of Alaska geologists. Many of the state's more prominent natural features are named in his honor, including Mt. Brooks, Lake Brooks, Brooks Falls, and, of course, northern Alaska's Brooks Range.

Brown, C. J. Brown operated a roadhouse in Chisana City in 1915.

Bryson, --. Bryson worked part of Bonanza No. 7 in 1914.

Bush, Charles. Bush stampeded to the Chisana district in early August 1913 and worked the claim at the confluence of Gold Run Creek and Discovery Pup that fall.

Cairnes, DeLorme D. Cairnes was a Canadian geologist who examined the Chisana district in 1913.

Capps, Stephen R. A USGS geologist, Capps examined the Chisana district in 1908 and 1914.

Carden. E. W. Partnered with Ketching, Carden worked Bonanza Creek in 1918. Carden was listed as a prospector on the 1920 census.

Carroll, John "Jack". Carroll prospected in the Chisana district in as early as 1918. Listed as a placer miner on the 1920 census, Carroll partnered with Pete Eikland to work Bonanza No. 4 in 1921. In 1923 and 1926 he mined Gold Run Creek and worked Little Eldorado No. 1 in 1931. Carroll remained in the area until at least the winter of 1934-1935, which he spent in Chisana City.

Catching, Virgil. Catching worked Gold Run No. 3 Discovery in 1917. Catching may also be the Ketching, referred to below.

Catching, Virgil Lee. Lee Catching, the son of Virgil Catching, worked Gold Run No. 2 Discovery in 1917 and remained in the district until at least January 1918.

Chisholm, Jim. Chisholm worked Little Eldorado No. 3 in 1914.

Claire, Dan. A Whitehorse resident, Claire was prospecting near the head of the White River with H. E. Morgan and Dan Ryan when the Chisana discovery was made. He was, therefore, one of the first stampeders to reach the district, and was at one time reported to have secured Bonanza No. 5.

Clark, James. In 1913 Clark operated the Pleasant Valley Roadhouse on the Hazelet trail.

Clark, Robert M. "Bob". One of the first stampeders into the Chisana district, Clark sluiced the lower end of Bonanza No. 10 in 1915.

Cochrane, Berta. Cochrane, the head of the local Red Cross Hospital, lived in Chisana City from the fall of 1913 until August 1914. In December 1913, she married prospector O. J. Wheatly in a ceremony preformed by U.S. Commissioner Tony Dimond.

Coryell, Bud. Coryell rushed from Whitehorse to the Chisana in 1913, securing a claim on Seleigh Creek, a tributary of Chathenda Creek.

Costello, E. J. "Jack". A Cordova resident, Costello arrived in the district on July 28, 1913. More successful than most, he secured a fraction of Bonanza No. 8, two bench claims on Gold Run Creek, two bench claims on Canyon Creek, one claim on Skookum Creek, two claims on Lucky Pup, and one bench claim on Bonanza No. 2. He prospected Lucky Pup in 1915.

Dahl, Louis. Dahl prospected claims on middle Chathenda Creek in 1914 and 1915. According to Fred Best, he was still in the district in 1916.

Dalton, Jack. One of Alaska's foremost pathfinders, Dalton established a trading post in the Yukon Territory in 1894, eventually building his famous "Dalton Trail" over Chilkat Pass to connect it with the coast. First prospecting the White River country in 1898, he and Henry Bratnober scoured the area in 1903 searching for copper prospects. In 1905 Dalton guided the surveyors locating the route for the Copper River and Northwestern Railway.

David, Charles. David operated the Spruce Point Roadhouse near the mouth of the Chitistone River in 1913.

Davis, Blas Joseph "Joe". Davis prospected in the Chisana district in 1916. Partnered with J. E. McCabe and E. R. Behling, Davis worked Big Eldorado No. 3 Below in 1917. Partnered with Don Greene, he mined an unidentified claim on Bonanza Creek in 1923. From 1929-1938, Davis operated Little Eldorado No. 2, which he leased from Carl Whitham. He also mined the adjoining claim on Skookum Creek in 1938. In 1947 Davis still controlled Little Eldorado Creek No. 2, No. 2 Fraction, Snow Gulch No. 1, Skookum Creek No. 1, the Blue Fox Claim on Skookum Creek, and two claims in Caribou Pass.

Deffinbaugh, --. Partnered with Woodman, Deffinbaugh prospected No. 2 Skookum Creek in 1915.

Dimond, Anthony J. Dimond served as the U.S. commissioner for the Chisana district from November 1913 until July 1914. He later served as mayor of Valdez, a member of the territorial Senate, and from 1932 to 1945, as Alaska's sole delegate to the U.S. Congress.

Doln, Jacob. Doln was listed as a placer miner on the 1920 census.

Doyle, Tom. A bartender at Dawson City's Bonanza Saloon, Doyle joined the first wave of stampeders into the Chisana district. Partnered with Andy Taylor, Doyle staked Bonanza No. 14 in 1913. He also held property on Glacier Creek.

Dubois, Henry K. Included in the second wave into the Chisana district, Dubois arrived in early August 1913. Partnered with Hugh Brady, he worked Bonanza No. 9 during 1914.

Eagan, --. Partnered with Dan Ryan, Eagan prospected Bonanza No. 13 in 1915. He also worked Coarse Money Creek No. 1 that same summer.

Eikland, Pete (sometimes spelled Ekland or Eiklund). Listed as a placer miner on 1920 census, Eikland partnered with Jack Carroll, working Bonanza No. 4 in 1921. Partnered with Miles Atkinson, he mined an unidentified claim on Bonanza Creek in 1922. In 1925 the Alaska Road Commission hired Eikland and Harry Boyden to rehabilitate the shelter cabins along its McCarthy-Chisana trail. The following year Eikland operated Bonanza No. 3.

Erickson, Carolyn. The wife of Leon Erickson, Carolyn Erickson was listed without occupation on the 1920 census.

Erickson, Leon. Leon Erickson was listed as the infant son of Leon B. and Carolyn Erickson on the 1920 census.

Erickson, Leon B. Partnered with Charley Fogelberg, Leon B. Erickson worked a lay held by Shorty Briggen in 1919. Erickson was listed as a prospector on the 1920 census.

Erickson, Oscar. Oscar Erickson prospected near Dry Gulch in 1916, where he was reportedly killed by poisonous gas which accumulated in his shaft. Like most of the other miners who died in the district, Erickson was buried in Chisana City.

Fales, Mark A. Fales, one of the last miners in the district, operated several claims on Big Eldorado Creek in the 1990s.

Farstvedt, Ole. Partnered with Billy James, Farstvedt worked Bonanza Nos. 5 and 6 in 1919.

Finnegan, J. J. Finnegan served as U.S. commissioner in the Chisana district from August-September 1914. He was later reappointed to the position, replacing Ned Hill.

Finnesand, Neil. A participant in the 1913 Chisana stampede, Finnesand spent the remainder of his century-long life in Chitina.

Fogelberg, Charles. Fogelberg worked a claim on Bug Gulch in 1916. Partnered with Leon B. Erickson, he obtained a lay from Shorty Briggen in 1919 and was listed as a prospector on the 1920 census.

Gamblin, Sam. Gamblin worked claims along Horsfeld Creek in the 1930s, spending at least some of his winters in Chisana City. Partnered with Earl Hirst, he attempted to develop a lode claim above Chathenda Creek in 1940.

Gates, Lem. One of the Dawson contingent into the Chisana district, Gates staked Bonanza No. 12 in 1913. The following year he partnered with Dud McKinney, working Bonanza No. 8 Fraction. Dying on August 30, 1914, Gates was buried in Chisana City.

Goshaw, George R. Goshaw was the second postmaster at Chisana City, serving from November 19, 1914 to May 13, 1917. In 1915 he managed Oscar Breedman's Chisana operations. Later, Goshaw became a fur trader and a prominent resident of Alaska's Seward Peninsula, where he was instrumental in organizing the Shishmaref Company of the Alaska Territorial Guard during the Second World War.

Graham, William. Graham, an acquaintance of Fred Best, worked in the Chisana district in 1917. The 1920 census listed Graham as a freighter.

Granville, Tom. Granville staked Bug Gulch Nos. 3 and 4 in August 1913.

Green, Bernard. The 1920 census listed Green as a prospector.

Greene, Don L. Originally from Sacramento, Greene partnered with Fred Best, working Bonanza No. 3 in 1914 and 1915. Again with Best, he worked Bonanza No. 7 in 1916 and also completed some prospecting on Gold Run. In 1917 the pair operated Bonanza Nos. 3 and 7. In 1919 Greene and one employee worked Bonanza No. 3. Greene was listed as a placer miners on the 1920 census. Partnered with Joe Davis, Greene worked an unidentified claim on Bonanza Creek in 1923. With Tony McGettigan, he mined Bonanza No. 5 in 1926. Again with McGettigan, he worked a claim on Bonanza Creek in 1929. In 1936 he mined the left bench on Bonanza No. 4 and worked the left bench of Bonanza No. 3 in 1938 and 1940.

Griffen, --. An acquaintance of Fred Best, Griffen prospected in the Chisana district in 1914.

Griffith, J. G. Griffith leased Big Eldorado No. 2 from Matilda Wales in August 1913. He also worked a portion of the Glacier Creek bench.

Grisko, Tony. Grisko and partner Gus Lepart rushed to the Chisana in July 1913. He remained in the district until at least 1920, when the census listed him as a trader.

Gwin, G. C. "Shorty". In 1913 Gwin operated a roadhouse on the Hazelet trail just south of Chisana Pass. In 1916, he freighted supplies into the Chisana district. By 1918 he was also guiding big game hunters out of McCarthy.

Hagen, James E. In 1913 Hagen and partners T. W. Jackson and E. J. Ives leased Glacier No. 2 and five claims on Big Eldorado and Chavolda Creeks. Partnered with Tom Johnson, he worked Bonanza No. 8 in 1914. He returned to Bonanza No. 8 in 1915, this time partnered with a miner named Smedley.

Haggren, A. F. "Fred". Haggren worked the Discovery bench on Coarse Money Creek during 1913.

Haggren, --. Haggren was the wife of Fred Haggren.

Hall, Franklin. Hall, an acquaintance of Fred Best, prospected in the Chisana district in 1914, 1915, and 1916.

Hamshaw, Fletcher T. A well known mineral developer, Hamshaw leased the Jameses' holdings from Price, Manley, and Ives in early 1914. He worked Bonanza Nos. 4, 5, and 8, and No. 1 Little Eldorado in 1914.

Hamshaw, Greta. Fletcher Hamshaw's daughter, nine-year-old Greta rushed to the Chisana district with her father in 1913.

Handy, George. Handy, an acquaintance of Fred Best, prospected in the Chisana district in 1915 and 1916. Already a noted figure in the region, in 1913 Handy and mountaineer Dora Keen had completed the first ascent of nearby Mt. Blackburn.

Harris, Frank. Harris prospected Little Eldorado No. 1 Bench in 1914. He also examined Gold Run Creek.

Hawkins, Charlie. Hawkins prospected middle Chathenda Creek in 1915, and later worked at Kennicott. After the mine there closed, Hawkins returned to the Chisana district, where, partnered with Almer Peterson, he prospected Coarse Money Creek in 1940.

Hayes, Jack. An acquaintance of Fred Best, Hayes prospected the Chisana district in 1917.

Hazelet, George C. The former mayor of Cordova, Hazelet reached the Chisana district in late July 1913. Hazelet was unable to obtain any valuable ground, but eventually staked Chicken Nos. 3 and 4. He also established a townsite which he named "Woodrow," due its location on Wilson Creek. That fall, Hazelet established a new route from McCarthy to Chisana City via the Nizina, Rohn, and Chisana Glaciers.

Healy, M. J. Healy rushed from Valdez to the Chisana in 1913, securing a claim on Bonanza Pup.

Hill, George E. "Ned". The Chisana miners selected Hill as their temporary U.S. commissioner in September 1913, supplanting J. J. Finnegan. Succeeded by Anthony J. Dimond in November 1913, he was restored to the federal position in July 1914. Partnered with Wagner, Hill prospected Sargent Creek in 1916.

Hirst, Earl. A Copper basin prospector and trader since at least 1917, Hirst worked the left bench of Bonanza No. 2 in 1935, 1936, 1938, and 1940. Partnered with Sam Gamblin, he attempted to develop a lode claim above Chathenda Creek in 1940. Partnered with Harry Sutherland, Hirst again mined on Bonanza Creek in 1946 and 1947.

Hocken, Tom. Hocken, an acquaintance of Fred Best, prospected in the Chisana district in 1916.

Hocker, --. Partnered with Shorty Briggen, Hocker mined the lower end of Bonanza No. 7 in 1915.

Hodel, John. Hodel mined Gold Run Creek in the late 1940s.

Hoffman, Frank. Hoffman was appointed Chisana's first deputy marshal in October 1913.

Horsfeld, Jack. A Canadian prospector, Horsfeld discovered gold on a tributary of Beaver Creek in 1902. Local prospectors subsequently named the stream in his honor.

Hover, Robert K. Hover apparently operated a store in Bonanza City in 1915 and 1916. Partnered with McGettigan, Hover worked Bonanza No. 2 bench in 1917. He was listed as a placer miner on the 1920 census.

Huntley, --. Partnered with a miner named Moore, Huntley worked the lower end of Bonanza No. 11 in 1915.

Hurdning, Charles E. Operated a $14,000 "sawmill plant" in Chisana during the summer of 1918.

Hussey, Jim. Hussey and Dick Woodman built Alaska Road Commission relief cabins along the McCarthy-Chisana trail during the fall of 1918.

Ives, E. J. Ives was one of the trio of Alaskan capitalists who optioned the James/Nelson properties in late 1913. He also joined with Jim Hagen and Tom Jackson in leasing Glacier No. 2 and five claims on Big Eldorado.

Jackson, T. W. Partnered with Jim Hagen and E. J. Ives, Jackson leased Glacier Creek No. 2 and five claims on Big Eldorado and Chavolda Creeks in 1913.

James, Agnes T. Agnes James was the wife of Chisana co-discoverer William E. James. In 1947 she, her husband, and Almer J. Peterson formed the Nutzotin Placer Company to exploit the couple's claims.

James, Claude H. Claude James, the brother of William James, was living in Chisana in 1918.

James, William E. "Billy". The co-discoverer of gold in the Chisana district, James staked numerous claims, including Little Eldorado No. 1. James hydraulically mined Bonanza No. 9 in 1915, building a thousand-foot flume to transport water from the mouth of Coarse Money Creek. Later that summer, James and Nelson extended the ditch downstream as far as Bonanza No. 4, crossing from the west to the east side of the creek at the upper end of Bonanza No. 6. In 1917, James, Wales, Nelson, and Johnson mined Bonanza Nos. 4, 5, 6, and 9, and Little Eldorado No. 1. In 1919 James, partner Ole Farstvedt, and six employees worked Bonanza Nos. 5 and 6, building an elaborate "boomer" dam. Listed as a placer miner on the 1920 census, James partnered with Percy Thornton to work Bonanza No. 6 and Little Eldorado No. 1 in 1923. Left single by the death of his long-time companion Matilda Wales in 1925, James married his wife, Agnes, the following year. James mined Bonanza Discovery in 1930, 1931, and 1936. In 1947 he, his wife, and Almer J. Peterson formed the Nutzotin Placer Company to exploit the couple's claims. Little came of the venture, however, and James died in Anchorage in April 1960. James Creek, a tributary of Carl Creek lying northeast of Beaver Lake, appears to have been named in honor of this pioneer miner.

Jensey, --. Partnered with a miner named Hill, Jensey worked a claim on Sargent Creek in 1916.

Joe, Shushanna (also known as Chisana Joe or Indian Joe). Joe led Billy James to the mouth of Bonanza Creek, the site of the 1913 Chisana gold discovery. Although he failed to profit in the initial rush, Joe remained in the area, working Bonanza Nos. 3B Fraction in 1938, and probably mining No. 3B Fraction and No. 4 in 1940. Dying in the late-1950s, Joe was buried on a bluff overlooking Chisana City.

Johnson, --. Partnered with a miner named Waggoner, Johnson worked Little Eldorado No. 3 in 1914.

Johnson, A. S. Operating in the Chisana district from at least 1925, Johnson mined Bonanza No. 8 in 1931 and worked the left bench of Bonanza No. 9 in 1936.

Johnson, Aaron. Arriving in 1906, Johnson and his four partners were the first to work Chathenda Creek. Early Chisana prospectors consequently designated the stream Johnson Creek in his honor. Despite the continuing objections of the USGS, the name remains in local use today.

Johnson, Andy. Partnered with McGovern, Johnson worked the upper end of the left bench on Little Eldorado No. 1 during 1915.

Johnson, Gus. Johnson built the territorial airstrip in Chisana City for the Alaska Road Commission in 1929.

Johnson, Iver. A partner of Ivan Thorall and a seasonal resident of the district, Johnson lengthened Chisana City's airstrip in 1956.

Johnson, Luella. Johnson ran Chisana's post office from October 30, 1929 until replaced by Anthony McGettigan on February 24, 1938.

Johnson, Sidney "Too Much". Johnson freighted into the Chisana district during the teens and 1920s. In 1922 Johnson and his wife worked a claim on Pan Creek, just across the international border.

Johnson, William A. "Billy". While employed as a driver for the Cascade Laundry in Dawson, Johnson grubstaked James and Nelson and became, in return, a full partner in their claims. In 1917, James, Wales, Nelson, and Johnson mined Bonanza Nos. 4, 5, 6, and 9, and Little Eldorado No. 1. He was listed as a placer miner on the 1920 census.

Justin, Jack John. Born in Cross Creek Village in 1906, Justin placer mined near Chisana in the 1930s.

Kawakami, Y. Having rushed to the district in 1913, Kawakami ran a boarding house at mouth of Coarse Money Creek in 1915, and remained in the vicinity until at least November 1916. This is probably the same Kawakami who had earlier operated a roadhouse at the foot of Twelve Mile Hill near Dawson City.

Kelly, Fred. Kelly guided big game hunters out of Chisana City in 1915.

Kerns, Doctor --. Kerns practiced medicine in the Chisana district in 1914.

Ketching, --. Partnered with Dr. Charles Montgomery, Ketching sluiced Big Eldorado Creek No. 4 Below Upper Discovery in 1915. Partnered with E. W. Carden, he worked Bonanza Creek in 1918.

Kettleson, Theodore. Kettleson, a former steamboat captain from Fairbanks, served as Chisana City's first postmaster from September 30, 1913 to November 18, 1914. After leaving Chisana, he served briefly as a member of the territorial House and ended his career as a prominent banker in Sitka.

Killian, Karl. Killian prospected in the Chisana district in 1938.

King, Albert. King was a failed stampeder who established the townsite of King City, on the Chisana River about 15 miles northeast of Chisana City.

Kingston, William "Billy". The brother of Jimmy Kingston, Billy Kingston prospected in the Chisana district from 1913 to 1915.

Kingston, James "Jimmy". Arriving in Chisana district in mid-July 1913, Kingston staked ground on Coarse Money Creek. In early 1915 authorities arrested Kingston for the murder of Louis Schonborn. They failed to convince a Valdez jury, however, and Kingston was eventually released.

Knowles, Mike. Knowles prospected the Chisana district in 1916 and reported finding pay on Notch Creek in 1919. In 1922 and early 1923 he carried the mail from Chisana to McCarthy.

Larson, Gus. A McCarthy resident, Larson was one of the original stampeders of July 1913.

Lawrence, John "Jack". Lawrence, an acquaintance of Fred Best, freighted in the Chisana district in 1916, 1917, and 1918. The 1920 census listed Lawrence as a trapper.

Leby, Fred. Leby worked a bench claim in the Chisana district in 1914.

Leedy, Jack. Rushing from Whitehorse to the Chisana in 1913, Leedy secured two claims on Johnson Creek.

Lepart, Gus. Lepart and partner Tony Grisko rushed to the Chisana in July 1913. Unable to find good prospects around Gold Hill, Lepart staked claims well down the Chisana River.

Lewis, --. Partnered with miners named Bastell and Munsell, Lewis sluiced Gold Run Creek No. 3 Below in 1915.

Lewis, Henry. Lewis served as Fletcher Hamshaw's foreman in 1914.

Lindblom, Hugo. The brother of Ruben Lindblom, Hugo rushed from Cordova to Chisana via the "goat trail" in July 1913. Although the pair completed some preliminary prospecting on Chathenda Creek, they never filed a claim.

Lindblom, Ruben. The brother of Hugo Lindblom, Ruben rushed from Cordova to Chisana via the "goat trail" in July 1913. Although the pair did some preliminary prospecting on Chathenda Creek, they never filed a claim.

Linden, Gus. Linden, a prospector who died destitute in Chisana City, was buried there by public subscription in 1915.

Ludwig, John. Ludwig mined Bonanza No. 7 Fraction in 1915.

Manley, Frank. Manley, for whom the village of Manley, Alaska, was named, was one of the trio of Alaskan capitalists who optioned the James/Nelson holdings in late 1913.

McAllister, L. McAllister was reported to have made a new discovery on Foley Creek, a tributary of Notch Creek, in May 1916.

McCabe, J. E. McCabe worked the lower end of Bonanza No. 7 in 1914. Partnered with E. R. Behling and Joe Davis, he worked Big Eldorado No. 3 Below in 1917.

McCallum, Louis. McCallum was probably an early arrival in the Chisana district. He is known to have sluiced on Shamrock Creek in 1915 and to have made a new discovery on Foley Creek, a tributary of Notch Creek about twenty miles west of Chisana City, in May 1916. In 1931 McCallum worked the right limit of Alder Gulch.

McClellan, Joe P. McClellan worked Bonanza No. 3B in 1913 and Little Eldorado No. 3 in 1915. In 1916 he joined with Andy Taylor mining Bonanza No. 3. Partnered again with Taylor in 1917, McClellan worked Bonanza No. 2. He remained in the Chisana area until at least 1920.

McDonald, Jack. Reaching the district in early August 1913, McDonald leased Bonanza No. 12 from Dud McKinney and Lem Gates.

McDonald, James "Windy Jim". McDonald prospected in the Chisana district in 1916 and worked Gold Run No. 2 Above Discovery in 1917.

McGettigan, Anthony "Tony". McGettigan served as Anthony Dimond's assistant during the winter of 1913-1914. In 1915 he was appointed U.S. commissioner for the Chisana district, serving until 1921. McGettigan prospected Foley Creek, a tributary of Notch Creek, in 1916, and was rumored to have made a strike. Partnered with Bob Hover, he worked Bonanza No. 2 bench in 1917. Listed as U.S. commissioner on the 1920 census, McGettigan worked an unidentified claim on Bonanza Creek in 1923. Partnered with Don Greene, he mined Bonanza No. 5 in 1926. Again with Greene, he worked an unidentified claim on Bonanza Creek in 1929. McGettigan operated Bonanza No. 11 in 1931, an unidentified claim on upper Bonanza Creek in 1933, Bonanza Nos. 11 and 12 in 1936, and Bonanza No. 12 in 1938 and 1940. He was Chisana City's last postmaster, serving from February 24 to July 30, 1938. McGettigan died under mysterious circumstances in about 1943.

McGuire, Anthony. McGuire worked Dry Gulch in June 1914.

McGuire, J. E. McGuire located claims on Snow Gulch in 1913.

McGuire, Ned. McGuire, a resident of Fairbanks, claimed to have discovered gold in the middle of Chisana City in October 1913.

McKay, Bill. McKay, an acquaintance of Don Greene, prospected in the Chisana district in 1914 and 1915. Like Mike Knowles, he worked Notch Creek in 1919.

McKinney, Barney. A Tlingit Indian from Klawock, Barney was listed on the 1920 census as the adopted son of Dud McKinney. He sluiced Gold Run No. 1 Above Discovery in 1929 and 1930.

McKinney, Emma. Emma McKinney was Dud McKinney's wife.

McKinney, W. D. "Dud". A former mayor of Forty Mile in the Yukon Territory, McKinney joined the first wave of stampeders into the Chisana district. He staked Bonanza No. 11 in 1913, sluiced the upper end of Bonanza No. 11 in 1915, and worked Bonanza No. 8 in 1917. Listed as a placer miner on the 1920 census, McKinney partnered with Jack Carroll, working Gold Run Creek in 1923.

McLean, Archie. Both Archie and brother Tom participated in the Chisana rush.

McLean, Tom. Both Tom and brother Archie participated in the Chisana rush.

McLennan, William "Billy". McLennan prospected in the Chisana area before James's discovery, but failed to find any gold. He returned with the other stampeders in 1913, eventually working Little Eldorado No. 3 in 1915. The 1920 Chisana census listed McLennan as a prospector.

McMullen, Edward. McMullen reported making a new strike on Foley Creek, a tributary of Notch Creek, in May 1916. Partnered with Tony McGettigan, he worked Bonanza No. 10 in 1919. He was listed as a prospector on the 1920 census.

McNutt, --. McNutt sluiced on Shamrock Creek in 1915 and partnered with Al Wright, mined Bonanza No. 11 in 1916.

McNutt, Raymond A. A master guide, McNutt purchased the eastern half of the Chisana City townsite in about 1980.

Meloy, Jack F. Meloy, who was living in Chisana in 1918, later became an important resident of McCarthy.

Merritt, W. H. A Tanana River trader, Merritt charted the Dusty Diamond to transport thirty tons of freight to the Chisana district in July 1913.

Meyers, Henry. The 1920 census listed Meyers as a trapper.

Miller, Frank. Frank Miller established Chisana City's first saloon in the winter of 1913-1914.

Miller, J. A. J. A. Miller operated a roadhouse in Chisana City in 1915. Millett, Ezkil. Millett was listed as a placer miner on the 1920 census.

Moffit, Fred H. A USGS geologist, Moffit examined the Chisana district in 1908. Several important Alaska features were named in his honor, including Mount Moffit, a prominent peak located in the central Alaska Range.

Montgomery, Dr. Charles. Partnered with Ketching, Montgomery sluiced Big Eldorado Creek No. 4 Below Upper Discovery in 1915. A doctor, he also practiced medicine in Chisana City.

Moody, James A. Moody, one of the last miners in the district, operated several Bonanza Creek claims during the 1990s.

Moon, John. A McCarthy resident, Moon was an early stampeder to the Chisana district.

Moore, --. Partnered with Huntley, Moore worked the lower end of Bonanza No. 11 in 1915.

Morgan, Horatio E. The first U.S. Recorder in the Chisana district, Morgan served during July and August 1913. Partnered with Bob Wiley, Morgan mined Gold Run Creek in 1913. In 1914 he operated a claim on Discovery Pup and worked several other claims the following summer, including Bonanza No. 8 Fraction and No. 10, which he leased from Carl Whitham.

Mosier, George. Mosier prospected benches along Shamrock Creek in 1915.

Mullet, Zeke. Partnered with Percy Thornton, Mullet worked a claim on Skookum Creek in 1919.

Muncaster, Frances. William Muncaster's wife, Frances Muncaster was listed without occupation on the 1920 census.

Muncaster, William. The 1920 census listed William Muncaster as a prospector.

Munsell, --. Partnered with miners named Bastell and Lewis, Munsell sluiced Gold Run Creek No. 3 Below in 1915.

Murie, James H. Partnered with Jack Costello, Murie worked Bonanza No. 10 in 1915. He remained in the Chisana district at least through 1918. By 1926 Murie had apparently changed occupations. That year he was reportedly operating a roadhouse on the Nizina River near McCarthy.

Myers, George. Myers, an old time prospector, died and was buried on Bonanza No. 10 bench in July 1915.

Nelson, Aaron E. Aaron Nelson prospected Canyon Creek in 1915, and apparently worked Bonanza No. 13 in 1919. Listed as a prospector on the 1920 census, he served as the district's U.S. commissioner from 1921-1930. Nelson mined Big Eldorado Creek in 1923, and worked an unidentified claim on Bonanza Creek in 1926 and again in 1929.

Nelson, Fred. Fred Nelson was reported to have made a strike on Foley Creek, a tributary of Notch Creek in May 1916. According to Linnie Nelson, Fred Nelson worked Jim Murie's ground in 1918.

Nelson, Linnie. N. P. Nelson's wife, Linnie Nelson was listed without occupation on the 1920 census.

Nelson, Nels Peter. N. P. Nelson co-discovered the gold in the Chisana district. In 1917, James, Wales, Nelson, and Johnson mined Bonanza Nos. 4, 5, 6, and 9, and Little Eldorado No. 1. Listed as a placer miner on the 1920 census, Nelson mined Bonanza No. 5 in 1934 and 1935, the left bench of Bonanza No. 6 in 1936, Bonanza Nos. 5 and 6 in 1938, 1939, and 1940, and an unidentified claim on Bonanza Creek in 1946. In 1947 Nelson still controlled Bonanza No. 8, No. 8 Fraction, No. 9, and the Discovery claim at the mouth of Coarse Money Creek. Nelson Creek, lying just north of Gold Hill, appears to have been named in his honor.

Nelson, Thomas W. Nelson prospected in the Chisana district in 1914.

Nelson, W. E. Nelson worked Snow Gulch Nos. 3 and 4 in 1915.

Nichols, John. In 1915 Nichols prospected Bonanza No. 17 for Sam Shucklin.

Noyes, Bonnie. Noyes was listed as William and Frances Muncaster's adopted daughter on the 1920 census.

O'Hara, Jack. In 1919 O'Hara, partnered with Shorty Briggen, worked the unidentified "Ford" property. Listed as a placer miner on the 1920 census, O'Hara mined on Big Eldorado in 1923.

O'Malley, Mike. O'Malley operated a claim on Big Eldorado Creek during 1914.

Packard, Slim. Packard resided in the Chisana district in 1914.

Peck, Fred. Mined an unidentified claim in the Chisana district in 1916.

Peters, William J. A USGS geologist, Peters and Alfred H. Brooks traversed the upper White River country in 1898 and 1899. Several prominent Alaska features were named in his honor, including the Peters Glacier, which drains the northwestern flank of Mt. McKinley.

Peterson, Almer J. Partnered with Charlie Hawkins, Almer J. Peterson prospected Coarse Money Creek in 1940. In 1946 he, Billy James, and Agnes James formed the Nutzotin Placer Company to exploit the Jameses' claims.

Peterson, C. F. Peterson operated a tobacco shop in Chisana City in 1915.

Peterson, Knut. Peterson spent the winter of 1934-1935 in Chisana City. Partnered with his brother Ulrich, he worked Big Eldorado No. 1 Below Discovery in 1936.

Peterson, Ulrich. Partnered with his brother Knut, Peterson worked Big Eldorado No. 1 Below Discovery in 1936.

Poulin, --. The Poulin brothers operated a roadhouse in Chisana City in 1915.

Price, John J. Price was one of the group of Alaskan investors who optioned the James/Nelson properties in late 1913.

Purdy, Frank. Purdy, Fred Best's former partner in the Cassiar Roadhouse, jumped Dan Sutherland's fraction on Big Eldorado Creek during the summer of 1913.

Range, Charles I. An unsuccessful Klondike stampeder, Range located one of the first claims in the Rampart district in 1898. Reaching the Chisana district in 1914, he leased and operated Skookum Creek No. 1.

Ray, Frank. Ray, an acquaintance of Fred Best, prospected the Chisana district in 1914.

Reed, Grant. A Cordova resident who was formally cashier for the Copper River and Northwestern Railway, Reed stampeded to the Chisana in early August 1913. Although he located claim No. 1 Above on the left fork of Chathenda Creek, he was better known for operating a store at Bonanza City. A friend of Fred Best, he remained in the district through at least 1916.

Reeve, Bob. Bob Reeve began flying into Chisana in 1932, carrying food and equipment for the local miners. This pioneer aviator later founded Reeve Aleutian Airways.

Roberts, Lorain. Roberts, a barber, rushed to the district in August 1914, eventually settling in Bonanza City. Before leaving the district in 1915, she married fellow barber William Zacharias.

Running, Hans. Listed as a placer miner on 1920 census, Running partnered with John Swanson, working Bonanza No. 6 in 1921.

Ryan, Dan. One of the first stampeders to reach the district, Ryan was prospecting near the head of the White River with H. E. Morgan when the initially discovery was made. Partnered with a miner named Eagan, Ryan prospected Bonanza No. 13 in 1915. He also sluiced Poorman Creek that same year.

Sargent, Draper C. "Bud". One of the first prospectors in the Chisana district, Sargent entered the area with Henry Bratnober's crew in 1905. In 1913 Sargent staked Skookum Creek No. 1, and partnered with Percy Thornton, worked the claim in 1917. Sargent Creek, a tributary of Glacier Creek, was named in his honor.

Schonborn, Louis K. The former owner of the Yukon Hotel in Dawson City, Schonborn rushed to the Chisana district in August 1914 and opened a store in Bonanza City. He later moved his business to Chisana City, where he was murdered by a presumed robber in late December 1914.

Schrader, Frank C. A USGS geologist, Schrader explored the Chisana district in 1902.

Shucklin, Sam. Shucklin operated a clothing store in Chisana City from 1913 to at least 1915.

Simons, Charles A. Listed as a merchant on the 1920 census, Simons served as the third postmaster of Chisana City from May 14, 1917 until his death in 1929. Simons was buried in Chisana City.

Simpson, W. H. "Simmie". In September 1913, Simpson and his partner Louie Belney built one Chisana City's most elaborate log structures.

Slaven, Frank. Slaven, who rushed to the Chisana in 1913, helped establish the northern end of the Hazelet trail.

Smith, Lynn H. Smith worked as a carpenter in Chisana City during 1915. A gifted amateur photographer, he took most of the photos in the Zacharias Collection.

Smith, Merle "Mudhole". A Cordova Air Service pilot, Smith ferried supplies to the Chisana district in the late 1930s and early 1940s.

Smith, Pete. Smith prospected the Chisana district in 1917.

Spaulding, Donald O. Spaulding was a hunting guide who operated out of Chisana City in 1947.

Stacey, Dan. A McCarthy resident who was among the first wave into the Chisana district, Stacey staked claims on Bonanza and Shamrock Creeks in 1913.

Stanley, Lewis V. A professional photographer, Stanley prospected the upper end of Bonanza Creek in 1915 and 1916.

Starbuck, Stuart. Starbuck, a pilot for Cordova Air, flew the mail to Chisana in the late 1940s.

Steinberger, William. Steinberger prospected the mouth of Canyon Creek in 1914.

Stevens, Red. Stevens worked Big Eldorado Nos. 3 and 4 Below Upper Discovery in the mid-1920s.

Stonebraker, Edward G. The 1920 census listed Stonebraker as a blacksmith. Sullivan, F. Sullivan operated a roadhouse at Horsfeld in 1915.

Sutherland, Dan. Sutherland mined a fraction on Big Eldorado Creek during the summer of 1913. He later served as a member of the territorial Senate from 1913-1921 and as Alaska's sole delegate to the United States Congress from 1921-1931.

Sutherland, Harry. Partnered with Earl Hirst, Sutherland mined on Bonanza Creek in 1946 and 1947.

Swanson, John. Listed as a placer miner on 1920 census, Swanson partnered with Hans Running, working Bonanza No. 6 in 1921.

Taylor, Andrew M. A well known White River guide, Taylor was one of the first prospectors in the Chisana district. Arriving at the beginning of the rush, Taylor staked Bonanza No. 2 in 1913. In 1915, he mined No. 7 Fraction. Partnered with Joe McClellan in 1916, he worked Bonanza No. 3, and with McClellan again in 1917, mined Bonanza No. 2. Taylor continued working Bonanza Creek in 1918 and was listed as a prospector on the 1920 census. In 1925 he guided the first expedition to climb Mt. Logan, Canada's highest peak.

Thorall, Ivan. A partner of Iver Johnson, Thorall began living and mining in the Chisana district in the mid-1950s. At this writing, he still resides at his homestead south of Chathenda Creek.

Thornton, Duval Percy. Partnered with Bud Sargent, Thornton mined Skookum Creek in 1917. Although drafted into the U.S. Army in July 1918, Thornton had returned by 1920: he was listed as a placer miner on that year's census. Partnered with Billy James, Thornton worked Bonanza No. 6 and Little Eldorado No. 1 in 1923.

Tweedale, George. Juneau miner Tweedale arrived in the Chisana district in 1914, sluiced on Shamrock Creek in 1915, and was reported to have made a new strike on Foley Creek, a tributary of Notch Creek, in May 1916.

Waggoner, --. Partnered with a miner named Johnson, Waggoner worked Little Eldorado No. 3 in 1914.

Wagner, --. Partnered with Ned Hill, Wagner prospected Sargent Creek in 1915.

Wales, Matilda. Wales, the long-time companion of Billy James, was a co-discoverer of gold in the Chisana district. In late 1913 the James syndicate, of which she was part, optioned their block of claims to Frank Manley, John J. Price, and E. J. Ives, who in turn leased them to Fletcher Hamshaw. Having regained its claims, in 1917 the syndicate mined Bonanza Nos. 4, 5, 6, and 9, and Little Eldorado No. 1. Still a resident of Chisana in 1920, Wales was listed without occupation on that year's census. Wales died in 1925.

Waller, Harold H. Besides working as Horatio E. Morgan's assistant recorder at Bonanza City, Waller surveyed parts of Bonanza Creek in 1913.

Walstrom, Alex. Walstrom worked Bonanza No. 6 in 1913.

Wan, Fred. Wan served as emergency recorder at the start of the Chisana rush and prospected Glacier Creek in 1914.

Wheatly, O. J. Wheatly, who prospected the Chisana district in 1913 and 1914, claimed to have built the first cabin in Chisana City. On December 19, 1913, Wheatly married the head of the local Red Cross Hospital, Berta Cochrane, the ceremony being preformed by the newly appointed U.S. commissioner, Tony Dimond.

White, Lottie. White was listed as a cook on the 1920 census.

Whitham, Carl F. One of the first to prospect in the Chisana district, Whitham arrived on Little Eldorado Creek just after James had made his discovery. Staking Little Eldorado No. 2 in 1913, Whitham worked the claim in 1914, 1915, and 1916. In 1916 Whitham also mined No. 2 Fraction, as well as adjoining property on Snow Gulch. Whitham was listed as a placer miner on the 1920 census. He continued to operate Little Eldorado No. 2 until 1923, when he began working a lode claim in the Nabesna country.

Whitham, Marie. The sister of miner Percy Thornton, Marie married Carl Whitham in 1919 and was listed without occupation on 1920 census.

Wiley, Nat. An acquaintance of Fred Best, Wiley prospected in the Chisana district in 1915.

Wiley, Robert W. The owner of mining property on Beaver Creek, Wiley was an early stampeder to the Chisana district. Arriving in August 1913, he obtained an option on Carl Whitham's Snow Gulch claim. Partnered with Horatio Morgan, he worked Gold Run in 1913, building an elaborate ditch. Partnered with Joe McClellan, he mined the upper end of Bonanza No. 3 Fraction in 1915. Wiley Creek, an upper tributary of the Middle Fork of the White River, was named in his honor.

Williams, George. Williams worked No. 3 Bonanza in 1914.

Wilson, George C. district, entering miners renamed USGS, the name Wilson was one of the first prospectors to examine the Chisana the area with Henry Bratnober's crew in 1905. Early Chisana Chavolda Creek in his honor, and despite the objections of the remains in local use today.

Woodman, Dick. Woodman and Jim Hussey built three Alaska Road Commission relief cabins along the McCarthy-Chisana trail during the fall of 1918.

Woodman, George. Partnered with a miner named Deffinbaugh, Woodman prospected Skookum No. 2 Above in 1915. Woodman was also reported to have brought one of the first Keystone drills into the district.

Wright, Alfred T. "Al". Partnered with Anderson, Wright worked the upper end of Bonanza No. 11 Fraction in 1915. In 1917 he mined Bonanza Nos. 11 and 11 Fraction. Listed as a placer miner on the 1920 census, he remained in the area until at least 1947 when he still controlled Gold Run Creek Nos. 1 and 2 Above Discovery.

Wyeres, William. Wyeres was listed as a freighter on the 1920 census.

Young, ---. In 1913 Young and co-owner C. F. Boggs operated a roadhouse on the Hazelet trail near the foot of the Chisana Glacier.

Zacharias, William. Operated a barber shop in Bonanza City until September 1915. Before leaving the district, Zacharias married fellow barber Lorain Roberts.

Zavoritis, George. One of Fletcher Hamshaw's employees on North Fork Island at the time of the Chisana discovery, Zavoritis reached the Chisana district on July 11, 1913.