Alaska extracts from early newspapers  

SOUTH CENTRAL ALASKA
MARRIAGE, BIRTH, DEATH,
MURDER, SUICIDE, RESCUE, COURT CASES

Misc. 1886 - 1972

2023
 

The following information comes from a wide variety of places: the Alaska State Recorders archives, newspaper archives, historical diaries, etc., (all arranged by date). Some records have obvious errors, some use politically incorrect words; PLEASE know that these are not MY words. For the sake of accurate reporting, I am publishing the records, exactly as I found them, mistakes and all.

Email me: [email protected]


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MURDER   11/16/1886   DAILY   ALTA CALIFORNIA
B.G. McIntyre, general agent for the Alaska Commercial Co., was shot dead at Kodiak on the night of November 1st. He was at supper with Ivan Petroff, Mr. Carr, Mr. Cope and Mr. Woche when someone outside fired a charge of buckshot causing instant death to McIntyre and serious injuries to Mr. Woche. The murderer succeeded in making his escape and had not been arrested when the schooner Kodiak left.  The body of the murdered man was brought down, and Mr. Woche also came down for medical treatment. It is supposed that the murder was committed by Peter Anderson, a Cossack, who disappeared from the island about the time of the shooting.
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MURDER  11/20/1886
   DAILY   ALTA  CALIFORNIA
The remains of the late Benjamin G. McIntyre, formerly general agent of the Alaska Commercial Company who was murdered at Kodiak, Alaska on November 1st were sent east yesterday, by railroad, to his home at Randolph, Vermont. The new agent, Mr. Washburn, was for several years, 2nd in command at Kodiak, will return from his wedding trip to the East on 11/25, in time to leave for the north on the SS Dora on the 27th of this month.
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COMMON LAW WIFE 12/19/1894
According to Russian priest Aleksandr Iaroshevich's journals, George W. Palmer, a miner at Knik, took Pelageia Chanilkhiga as "his concubine" on 12/19/1894. (Source: Through Orthodox Eyes by Andrei Znamenski)

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SPOKANE DAILY CHRONICLE  12/4/1897
"Harry Mellish, who went to Copper River 20 years ago, married a squaw and has been there ever since, has been secured by Copper River Transportation and Mining Co. of Port Townsend, will run a boat from Port Townsend to Cook Inlet every 15 days to furnish information for prospectors. Mellish will be located at Valdez Landing, at the entrance to the Copper River Country."

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DOUBLE MURDER AND LYNCHING    2/3/1898   THE SPOKESMAN REVIEW
N.A. Call of Worthington, Minnesota and W.A.Lee of Salem Mass., were murdered by M.F.Tanner, known as "Montana Cowboy". Tanner fell in with a group of prospectors from Massachusetts that were headed to Copper River. He had no provisions or supplies but offered his years of experience to the group of rookie prospectors from Mass. In turn, they offered to outfit him if he shared his knowledge and experience with them. Once at Copper River, Turner became overbearing and arrogant, which didn't sit well with the Mass. men, so they decided to divide the group and go their separate ways. Turner overheard the men talking in their tent and shot N.A.Call and W.A.Lee to death. The next morning (1/2/1898), all 38 nearby prospectors hung M.F.Tanner (at Valdez Pass).
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DIED IN AVALANCHE 5/25/1898  Deseret News   Utah
Two large snow slides on Valdez Glacier catching 100 people - 3 died: Joseph Furner of Chicago, B. Antwerp of Minneapolis and A. Johnson of Eureka, California.
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EIGHTEEN PROSPECTORS MURDERED AT MOUTH OF KUSKOKWIM RIVER  
In June of 1898, a group of 18, aboard the SS Jesse (which was pulling a barge called the Minerva), were said to be lost after the vessels wrecked just before entering the mouth of the Kuskokwim River. Among the passengers were Captain Murphy, gold prospectors and a Moravian family (husband, wife and child) named Webber who had come to the area to build a Moravian mission.


See my story at:
http://freepages.genealogy.rootsweb.com/~coleen/tragedy%20on%20kuskokwim.html

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COPPER RIVER TALKING CHIEF 10/28/1898    ITHACA NEW YORK DAILY NEWS
Two tugs called Golden Gate (of San Francisco) and CC Cherry (of Seattle) just returned from the mouth of the Copper River with 7 passengers. Among them is M.J.Garretty of San Franacisco who spent over a year searching for gold on the Copper River. He said Native float copper has been found on Chitna River, 175 miles from the mouth of the Copper River. Nicholi Knast, Talking Chief of the Copper River Indians, claims to know the exact location of a copper deposit but refuses offers of several hundred dollars to guide people to its location. Indians use copper for making bracelets and other ornaments as well as cooking utencils and the Chief claims that the whites will limit the supply and thereby deprive many Indians from a means of making a livelihood.
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DEATH    10/31/1898   SAN FRANCISCO CALL    SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA
ACC agent, Rudolph Newmann fell to his death while inspecting the Sitka Mine at Unga. He fell 209' and was killed instantly. Remains taken to San Francisco aboard the SS Portland.
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DROWNING   7/17/1899
  LOS ANGELES HAROLD
The schooner Siglin from Cooks Inlet, Alaska brings news of the drowning of 7 men at Turnagain Arm in early June. The names of only 5 of them are known as follows: A.B.Johnson of Matron, Illinois, Louis Peterson of Chicago,  _____ Porter of California, ________ Hutchinson of Rockford, Illinois. They were crossing the Arm in a small boat which overturned by a big tidal wave.
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MARRIAGE  July 6, 1900
Arthur McConahay (born in Iowa) (also known as "Long Shorty") the ACC Co. Agent at Susitna Station, married a Dena'ina woman named Mapoy (later called Martha) in 1900. Father Ioann Bortnovskii performed the marriage. The couple had 4 children: Mary, James, Martha and Catherine. 
(Source: Through Orthodox Eyes by Andrei Znamenski)

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DROWNED    9/7/1900   STANDARD
The bark MEROM of San Francisco, owned by Alaska Packers Association was driven ashore during a gale and totally wrecked on Kodiak Island. One of the crew members called "Dutch Bill" remained on the vessel and went down with her.
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DEATH   9/15/1904   THE ALASKA PROSPECTOR    VALDEZ, ALASKA
Captain M. A. Healey, who recently retired from the revenue cutter service, having reached the age limit, died at San Francisco on 8/31 of heart disease after a few days illness.  The Captain has been, for many years, in the revenue cutter service along the coast of Alaska and up to the Arctic Ocean. He was well known all along the coast.
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CHARGED WITH MURDER 9/15/1904   THE ALASKA PROSPECTOR     VALDEZ, ALASKA
Deputy Marshal Bates of the Bristol Bay District, arrived on the Dora this morning with two prisoners charged with murder committed at Nushagak on August 15th. A fight occurred between three Japs, two of whom attacked one and cut him to pieces. Two witnesses were brought along and all are now in the jail.
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MURDER  11/26/1904  THE VALDEZ NEWS
Among prisoners brought down on the Dora, was Fred Peterson, charged with the murder of Peter Peterson at Uyak Bay, Kodiak Island, early this month. There were 4 men in a cabin and the two Peterson's were having a game of poker; a quarrel arose between Fred Peterson and one of the other men and they left the cabin to settle the dispute on the beach. When they returned, Peterson claimed to be short a $20 gold piece which was in his pile of poker money; he accused the other Peterson of taking it. The entire party was searched without success. A quarrel resulted and Pete Peterson was shot and killed almost instantly. The victim of the tragedy was a well known character and known as "Skysail Pete".
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CHARGED WITH MURDER   11/26/1904   THE VALDEZ NEWS
Twenty Japanese were brought down on the Dora from Kodiak, all of them charged with murder. A Jap was murdered at the Karluk Cannery last summer, but it has been impossible to fix the guilt on any one person, owing to the refusal of the witnesses to divulge the facts. All those known to be implicated were arrested and charge.
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DEATH   12/6/1904             ALASKA PROSPECTOR  VALDEZ
Daisy DuVal, wife of Mike DuVal died in Valdez after long illness of consumption.
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DIVORCE   12/8/1904           ALASKA PROSPECTOR  VALDEZ
Divorce granted for Martha Smith of Sunrise from husband Fred Smith.
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DEATH 1/11/1906  Matt Miller age 50 died crossing the tide flats at the Head of Resurrection Bay while going to a logging camp. His body was found 1/29/1906 and he was buried north of Seward township on 2/1/1906. He was survived by a wife.
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MARRIAGE  5/5/1906   VALDEZ NEWS
Otto Kanitz and Miss Katie Cantwell were married this afternoon in the apartment of Mr. and Mrs. John Walters of the Hotel Brooklyn; Rev. Burnett officiated. Both parties were well and favorably known in Valdez. Mr. Kanitz being one of the old timers who helped build the glacier camp. Miss Cantwell is the sister of William Cantwell, chief baker at For Liscum.
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DEATH 8/9/1906  THE ALASKA PROSPECTOR  VALDEZ, ALASKA
Miss Georgie Ross died Monday afternoon at 4:00 from a stroke of apoplexy. The deceased was apparently in best health Sunday and news of her death was a great surprise to all. Miss Ross was the sister of Mrs. Ray Larson and Miss P.M. Ross of Valdez, she has been a resident for nearly a year. Miss Ross came here from Minneapolis, her body will be shipped out on one of the next boats.
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BIRTH  8/9/1906
ALASKA PROSPECTOR    VALDEZ, ALASKA
John McCrary, proprietor of a road house at Copper Center, has the distinction of being the father of the first white child born in the Copper River Country. The child, a boy, was born July 27th. The house in which the birth occurred, was the first frame building constructed in that section.

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DEATH  Valdez News 10/13/1906 Five men traveling, by boat, on the Kahiltna River, smashed their boat against a large rock. One end of the boat was sucked down into the river, emptying all of its contents. The men, Foster, Dennison, Frye, Snyder and Barris, scrambled onto the large rock which was 2’ under the waters surface. They were able to save one  blanket, a rabbit skin robe, a saw, a hammer and a rope from the boat.The river currant held their boat hard against the rock and the other end of the boat was too deep for the men to pull it up. The men sawed off the upper end of the boat and re-nailed the box end to make a shorter boat. Foster and Snyder made it to shore in the small boat and intended to throw a line back to the men stranded on the rock. They had a 50’ rope which they unraveled to make a 150’ line which proved to be too short. The two men decided to take the little boat back to the rock to try and rescue the other men, one at a time. In approaching the rock, the little boat smashed into the rock,  just as the larger boat had. Three days later, Synder, the youngest man, swam to shore safely. He said he was going for help, but has never been seen again. The men were stranded for a total of 6 days on the rock.They were eventually rescued by another boat owned by a man named Jeter. The men were taken to Susitna Station where Dr. Cook attended the men. He found that the skin on the men’s legs had putrefied and large strips of skin were peeling off, surgery was required to save the men’s legs.
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SUICIDE  Valdez News 10/13/1906 Mike Haley committed suicide by hanging himself in the old railroad commissary at Seward while in a fit of depression and perhaps delirium incident to recovery from a long spree.
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MARRIAGE 3/17/1907  Herning Diaries
John Headburg married the Talkeetna slave woman.
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MARRIAGE Seward Weekly Gateway  3/27/1907
Mr.John Hedburg was married to Miss Dot-Na-Naw a Talkeetna belle a few days ago. Judge Goodell officiated and Mayor Sam acted as best man. Mr. and Mrs. Hedburg will reside on Graveyard Hill (Knik).

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GRAND JURY CHARGES  8/8/1907   ALASKA PROSPECTOR    VALDEZ, ALASKA
The Grand Jury, this morning, returned indictments against Geo. W. Spicer, on the charge of assault with intent to commit rape, and three counts against Joe Carboni; 1 for stabbing and cutting with intent to kill Capt. J. C. O'Brien; 1 for the same offense committed against Geo. Telefsen; 1 indictment for assaulting J. R. Austin, an officer. Geo W. Spicer was convicted of the above charges on  8/15/1907
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SUICIDE  Seward Weekly Gateway 8/17/1907 Wasillie, the old Indian Chief of Knik ....committed suicide a few hours after his youngest son died. He shot himself with a 22 revolver. His grown son, Ivan, heard the shot and ran in and found the old man dead. Frank Watson brings the later and more accurate account of the tragedy, he knew the Chief and all his family. The suicide was executed with the deliberation of an operation in surgery. Wasillie placed the muzzle of the revolver against his right side, pressing between 2 ribs, thereby directing the bullet so that it passed straight through his body, penetrating the heart on the left side.  Death must have been instantaneous. Suicide is rare among Indians and this instance is regarded as the more remarkable because of the unusual strength of mind and character of Chief Wasillie.  An inquest was held by Judge Goodell of Knik and a finding made by the jury in accordance with the apparent facts.  
(Note: another Seward Weekly Gateway story mentioned that the Chief had been married 3 times and that he had killed himself, in grief, after his youngest son (who had been ill for a while) died of tuberculosis.
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Marriages 1908-1909   information taken from "Through Orthodox Eyes" by Andrei Znamesnki
The following marriages were performed by Russian priests:

*William Mackeon, a Presbyterian American in Seldovia married a widowed Dena'ina woman named Anna Nanitak.

*Malcolm McNeil, of Knik, married Anna Chshidalusion a Dena'ina woman of Knik.

*William Hughes, a Roman Catholic of Knik married Maria Stepanova, a Dena'ina from Susitna Village.

*Andrei Tolchok, a Dena'ina from Seldovia married Marfa Tapani, a resident of Aleksandrovsk (a Sugpiaq Village).

*Posto Lavrenze, a Roman Catholic Filipino from Manila, married Olga Nikanoroff, a Dena'ina woman from Kenai.

*Hans Silversen, of Minnesota, lived in Iliamna and the Lake Clark area, he married Yenlu Nudlash Brooks from Old Nondalton.

*Jack Kinney, gold prospector in Mulchatna District married Elena Baluata from Qeghnilen.

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MARRIAGE 2/26/1908  (this record was found in the State Recorders archives):
This is to certify that on this 26th day of February 1908, at my office at Knik, Alaska, I united in marriage Olga Ivan and Cheluits, with their mutual consent, in the presence of T. L. Wilson and Otto Langel, father of Olga and Nakita.
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MARRIAGE 11/15/1908  (this record was found in the State Recorders Archive):
I the undersigned, a United States Commissioner, for Cooks Inlet of Alaska, hereby certify that on the 15th day of November 1908, I united in marriage James String (or Strong?) of Susitna, Alaska and Maud Rose Mason, also of said Susitna in the presence of Frank Ervin and Bert Hinckly.

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LAND CLAIM  6/9/1909 (State Recorders Archive)
The Alaska Commercial Co. hereby claims land lying on the west bank of the Susitna River, opposite the mouth of Gold Creek. Signed ACC Agent C.P.Morgan
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MARRIAGE  6/28/1909
  (State Recorders Archive)
Stephan age 30 of Knik, Alaska and Anna age 26 of Knik Alaska were married. Witnesses: Al Stinson and K.A. Kyvig. Performed by U.S.Commissioner Cook Inlet Precinct H.S.Farris
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MARRIAGE  9/2/1909     (State Recorders Archive)
Jacko  age 26 of Susitna and Anna age ?? of Susitna were married. Witnesses: C.P.Morgan and K.A.Kyvig. Performed by U.S.Commission Cook Inlet Precinct H.S.Farris

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COURT CASE  11/13/1909  LOS ANGELES HERALD
Ralph Williams, a prominent mining man of Alaska was acquitted today of the murder of Frank Dunn, formerly a roadhouse keeper at Susitna Station. Williams pleaded self defense. The tragedy took place last winter. Williams had just arrived at Susitna from his mining property, up river, and became involved in trouble with Dunn and after a struggle, Williams shot and killed  Dunn.  At the time of his death, Dunn was under indictment for participating in what is known as the Lake Creek Hanging.
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DROWNED    6/26/1910
   SAN FRANCISCO CALL
No trace found of men who tired to cross Cook Inlet in a dory. Seven men are believed to have been lost in a storm which swept Cook Inlet wednesday night, according to a report received here today from U.S.Commissioner Hildreth of Knik Precinct, Cook Inlet. The men, among them, Joseph Laubner, a prominent citizen of Seward City; F.R.Stewart, founder of Stewart City, B.C., William Perkins and John Winter, set out in a dory from Kern Creek to cross the Inlet. They had not been out long before a terrific storm came up. It was thought that they might have taken refuge on Fire Island, half way across the Inlet, but searchers have been unable to find any trace of them. The names of the 3 other men are not known.
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DEATH: Oakland Tribune   Oakland, California 9/11/1910
Three men were shot in Frank's Roadhouse at Knik on the Arm of Cook Inlet yesterday. Sam Reinhart was killed, Ira Isaacs seriously wounded and Bert Stewart shot in both legs. U.S. Commissioner Hildreth recommends holding Thomas Babcock and R. L. Miller, eye witnesses and Edward Reinhart, brother of the man who was killed.
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DEATH  10/15/1910    San Francisco Call
B. Smith, a wealthy druggist of Norwich Connecticut, who came to Alaska to hung big game and Alfred Lowell, eldest son of one of the founders of Seward were drowned in Lake Kenai, Kenai Peninsula October 11 while returning from a moose hunt.  With William Walker, a guide, they were crossing the lake in a dory and encountered a storm.  Waves swamped the boat. The men were only 150' from shore but Smith and Lowell could not swim and were helpless. The guide managed to reach the shore. The bodies of the drowned men were recovered.
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DEATH   5/4/1911
Frederick Sargent died in Kodiak. He was among the first party of Americans in the employ of Alaska Commercial Company.  He raised the first American flag over Sitka in 1867.
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MARRIAGE
 2/11/1912 (this record was found in the State Recorders archives)
Little Evan married Katalena, both Susitna Natives, married at 10 AM 2/11/1912. Marriage performed by Lee Van Slyke the U. S. Commissioner.
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MARRIAGE  7/6/1912
Horace Willard Nagley married Jessamine Elizabeth Mellikan at Susitna. Witnesses: Mrs. O.G. Gill and Henry Dohrman.
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MARRIAGE 7/13/1912  (this record was found in the State Recorders archives):
This is to certify that on this 13th day of July in t he year of our Lord 1912, Jack, called Hanson, a Native and Inga, a Native girl, were united in marriage at Susitna, Cook Inlet, Alaska.  Witnesses, Mrs. H. W. Nagley, and Jacko, a Native, signed Lee Van Flyke U. S. commissioner.

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VALDEZ DAILY PROSPECTOR 5/29/1914
Maurita Campbell of Seattle married Harry R. Brown of Knik 5/26/1914. The marriage took place on the SS Sampson, officiated by Dr. Leopold David. Harry Brown is the U.S. deputy marshal for this district with his headquarters at Knik.
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Herning Diaries June 25, 1914 SUICIDE: Report came that John Young committed suicide by  tying an Evinrude engine to his neck and jumping overboard at point above Goose Bay.  Evening tide Traveler brought body to Knik found same 10 ft. above deep channel.
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Herning Diaries 6/28/1914  MURDER
Dwyer, James E. (born 1878) once US Marshal at Susitna Station murdered Jack Wilson for "monkeying around" with his wife. Taken to Valdez for trial, sentenced 3 years at McNeil Island, discharged 1917.
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DEATH
"Indian Jim came to town and reported he shot and killed Old Tom Stephan some 20 days ago near Nelchina District.Jim hauled the body to Chickaloon Coal Camp and buried him no details.  Reported to have had a quarrel." (Herning Diaries 12/7/1914)
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Herning Diary 12/13/1914   DEATH

"Indians arrived with Old Tom Stephans body who Indian Jim shot. They rang the bell 15 minutes in his honor."
Indian Jim was taken to jail in Valdez, where he was sentenced to three years for manslaughter; sentence to be served at McNeil Island Penitentiary, Washington.
Indian Jim 1915 McNeil Island

I found this 1915 photo of "Indian Jim" in the McNeil Island Record of Prisoners. The photo says he was 44 years old and 5' 7/8" tall, weighing 137¼ pounds; he is listed as a widower (they do not mention a last name for him)but they give his date of birth as 10/1/1870. He  was in the penitentiary from 8/5/1915 to 11/25/1917 (got out early for good behavior).The Shem Pete book says that this man's name was Indian Jim Nikita.
(see additional article dated 9/13/1915)
https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~coleen/genealogy/jim_creek_alaska.html
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Seward Gateway  Seward, Alaska 5/17/1915
SUICIDE: Commissioner Thomas W. Hanmore of Iliamna committed suicide on January 30th. He left a letter telling that he was losing his sight and not wishing to become a burden on others, he decided to take his own life
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DEATH Alaska Citizen Newspaper Fairbanks 7/12/1915
In a lonely cabin 2 miles from Chatanika, the body of James Robinson, a wood chopper, was found, it had been about a month since he died, probably of ptomaine poisoning. He was buried next to his cabin.
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DEATH New York Times 9/13/1915
In November, with the first snow-fall, Chief Stephan of the Nickolie tribe started with his wife and daughter on a trapping expedition to the remote and lonely widerness 140 miles north of Knik.  They found Indian Jim and his son on the ground, their traps out. Inevitably a quarrel flamed up as to the right of territory. In his own camp, Chief Stephan was shot dead, in a squabble,by Indian Jim.  The latters son was in his fathers camp. The only witness of the melee were the women folk of the slain man.  Indian Jim might have made out a plausible case of self defense and he would hardly have been troubled by the law. All he had to do was to bury the corpus delecti. Revenge from the relatives, or clan, of the dead man might or might not be expected. If it is to come, he has not avoided it by his strange, macabre journey to give himself up to white justice.

Directly after the killing, the traps and scanty furnishings of the party were packed. The body was lashed to a sled. For ten days, through the snow on the road to Knik, the slayer drove the slain, the widow and the daughter, his helpers on the way. That little group, faring through that desolate country, the mourners, the dead, the killer.

Indian Jim is at McNeil Island, in Eastern Washington, serving a three year sentence. His punishment was light on account of his previous good character and his voluntary surrender to justice. Moral reflections on his case are obvious enough, but shall here be spared. His humble romantic drama, his running toward and not away from justice, that somber journey from the wilderness...these entitle Indian Jim to at least a moments sympathetic attention.  
https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~coleen/genealogy/jim_creek_alaska.html
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DEATH OF CHIEF NICHOLAI Anchorage Times 7/27/1916
The Daily Times has received authentic information that Chief Nicholai died several days ago at Point Possession from consumption and that this dreaded disease was working havoc with the natives of that section.  It is reported that Chief Nicholi's wife and several others of the village were in the last stages of the disease and that the ailing family of Chief Nicholai was destitute and without medical aid.  Proper authorities should be notified and immediate assistance given to his people. Chief Nicholai has been the head of his tribe for many years and was looked up to by his tribesman as a man of good judgment; he was authority in all matters pertaining to their fishing and hunting rights and he was a picturesque character, well known to the old-timers in the inlet.
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DEATH "Skookum Jim" Dies in Poverty     Anchorage Times 9/1/1916
"Skookum Jim", a native, the real discoverer of gold in the Klondike district, died here last night following a prolonged illness. He was practically penniless when death called him.  At one time he was worth a hundred thousand dollars, gained from his mine in the Klondike and was the richest native in the northland.  Dissipation was the cause of the loss of his fortune.
Dawson, Yukon Territory
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DEATH:
Affidavit as to the death of John F. Soderstrom dated 9/8/1916.  John F. Soderstrom, assistant engineer of the B & B Boat #3, owned and operated the Alaska Engineering Commission, met his death by drowning after having accidentally fallen overboard, on 9/6/1918 at 8:55 AM on the Little Susitna River, at a point 5 miles below Indian Creek. As nearly as can be ascertained, the deceased fell overboard while attempting to draw a bucket of water while the boat was underway. The accident was not observed until the deceased was seen in the water a short distance astern of the boat.  A boat was immediately lowered and pulled to his rescue, but after proceeding for a very short distance, he was seen to sink and he never reappeared.  A life boat, with its 3 occupants, drifted downstream for about 20 minutes, in an effort to locate him, without satisfactory results.  The search was continued later, in an effort to locate the body, which has, however, not yet been done. 
Signed By:
Captain R.B. Holbrook  Master
H.G. Barrington Pilot
Chas M. Binkley  Chief Engineer
Al Stinson  Deck Hand
Webster Paul Viles
Frank E. Lee
George R. Vanse  Superintendent Transportation
James H. Delany  Freight Clerk
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DEATH  Herning Diaries 1/17/1917
Sam Blum and another businsman at Valdez committed suicide on account of recent fire.
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MURDER  7/31/1917          Anchorage Times
Story of Indian Tragedy Told In Court by Victims Children
Knik Nikolai, alleged murder of Talkeetna Stepan, a native at Talkeetna Lake in the latter part of June, was bound over to the grand jury without bail.  He will be taken to Valdez by Deputy Marshal Kassier.  Inga Stepan, 16 year old daughter of Stepan’s wife and Bob Stepan, 11 year old son of Stepan, will be witnesses.  The murder of Talkeetna Stepan resulted from a fight that happened when he and Nikolai had been drinking home brew.  In court, Inga Stepan, a 16 year old native girl unhesitatingly told the story the murder.  She said the two men started fighting.  Their party of five was camped in a tent at Talkeetna Lake.  Inga said Stepan had pulled the ridge pole of the tent down and the pole struck Nikolai in the face.  As the canvas fell, covering Stepan and Negolia, his wife, the children ran out of the tent.  Nikolai got out of the tent and picked up a club and began beating Stepan and Negolia (for hitting him with the pole).  The blows crushed Stepan’s skull and broke Negolia’s arm, according to the young girl.  When Nikolai pulled the canvas off of the couple he had been beating, Talkeetna Stepan was dead and Negolia was bent over his body, crying.  The murderer went and laid down.  In the morning, Nikolai took a shovel and dug a grave for his victim and while doing that, the widow shot and killed herself with a .22 rifle by tying a string to the trigger.  Talkeetna and Negolia Stepan were buried side by side in a grave lined with canvas and their faces were covered with canvas.  After the burial, Nikolai burned the tent, the bloody clothes and a few other articles.  He then took the children and headed towards the town of Talkeetna. After reaching Foster’s, Nikolai departed and was later captured at Susitna.  Deputy Marshal M. H. Healey of Talkeetna went to Talkeetna Lake with Little Bob, G. L. Kennedy and  Indian guide named Pedro.  They examined the surroundings at the camp and also dug up the graves so that they could look at the bodies. Neither Little Bob nor the guide would go near the graves.  Little Bob went on the witness stand to corroborate the evidence of his step-sister, but unlike her, he was unable to speak English and  the services of an interpreter, Augus Topan, were required.  Several times the boy was almost too frightened to talk and became confused after being questioned.  Inga, the young native girl, quiet pretty, said she did not know what an oath meant when she was sworn as a witness but she said she knew what the truth was .  She has never been to school but she answered the questions of the judge and attorneys straight forwardly.  Inga’s own father, Tom Stepan was murdered only a few years ago by Indian Jim.
https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~coleen/genealogy/knik_nicoli.html

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10/22/1917  Cordova Daily Times
Knik Nicoli, defended by Attorney John Lyons, appeared before Grand Jury for killing Talkeetna Stephan.


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OBITUARY CORDOVA DAILY TIMES 5/13/1918
Pioneer dies after living in Alaska for 52 years. Mr. Arthur McConahay came to Sitka from the Vancouver barracks, Washington as a private in the U.S.Army in the spring of 1886. He came to the Cook Inlet country in 1893 where he resided almost continually until last August when failing health compelled him to move to the Pioneers Home at Sitka. In 1894, he married a native woman of the Copper River tribe, the marriage performed by a Russian Priest at Tyonek. Two children were born; James and Katie McConahay who are now residents of Anchorage. McConahay was engaged in trading, fishing and his sterling qualities of honesty and integrity won confidence of all who he ca me in contact. Among his contempories were George Palmer, a merchant at Knik, Harry Mellich, Jack Renner, Bob Michelson, Ed white and Mrs. Martha (mother) White and C.E. Cone. Mr. McConahay was commonly known as "Long Shorty".
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DEATH 11/22/1918
Mrs. Stepan, elderly wife of Montana Creek Indian Chief died at the hospital on C Street Friday 11/22/1918
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DEATH
Twenty Seven Nome Residents Die of Spanish Influenza         Anchorage Times 12/30/1918
The following people died of Spanish Influenza recently in Nome, Alaska: Walter Shields (B.I.A.); Anderson (life saving station); Captain Erickson (Flyer); Mrs. Harry Clark, Neva Brown (Billie Brown's daughter); Fred Larson, John Milne (Humane Officer); Fred Segar (Lives near Hastings Creek); Gus Nordstrom; Fin Rosvold and wife (Jeweler, worked for S & H); Sam Boich (a Serbian called "Sport"); Ida Mascha (Worked for Jim Swartzei); John Lutschinger; Chris Anderson; George Prosser; Mrs. Clarence Riggs; Mat Lawson, George Watson; Mrs. Seedler; Frank Mielke (Barber); Pascoff (Soldier); Maheras (Soldier); Oscar Hendrickson (Soldier); Headley (Soldier); Andy Thompson (Soldier); Ed Bridesen; and Nick Scovich.
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MURDER   San Francisco Chronicle 7/10/1920  Extracted by Sandra Davis
The body of Ben Agnew, pioneer rancher of the Matanuska river valley, was found by a searching party Wednesday in a creek on his farm. Officers believe Agnew was murdered.
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DEATH Anchorage Times: 3/1/1921  CHICKALOON MARY
Dr. J.B. Beeson reports the death this morning of a native woman known as "Chickaloon Mary".  The deceased has been an inmate of the government hospital for two months. Death was due to consumption.
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RESCUE
United States Commissioner, Talkeetna, Alaska  October 13, 1921
We, the undersigned, appointed by the U. S. Commissioner, at Talkeetna, October 11, 1921 to make a search for Matanuska Stephan and his wife and children.  We proceeded to the Talkeetna River by following an old Indian trail and we found the Stephan family marooned under a tree on an island, much in distress and in need of food, which we supplied.  Old Matanuska Stephan was flat on his back with a carbuncle on his neck and one of the little girls was sick with the flu.  We cut some wood and assisted them in getting a fire.  Everything was flooded and mostly under water.  The second day, we loaded them into a skin boat and brought them to their home on the Susitna River, having a very narrow escape on account of raging waters caused by flood which was at that time subsiding.  (Signed by M. J. Rose and C. Brannon)
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DEATH  Herning Diaries 4/9/1923
Bill Moffat suicided at his ranch, mile 7.
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Anchorage Daily Times  6/18/1923 LAST REMAINS OF PIONEER FRANK CANNON LAID TO REST
Followed by a large concourse of sorrowing friends, the last remains of the late Frank B. Cannon were laid to rest in the Odd Fellows plot in Anchorage Cemetery on Sunday afternoon.  The following acted as pall-bearers:  P.O. Sundberg, E.L. Bedell, Capt. N. J. Gaikema, Judge Lindley Green, P. McManaman and Thomas Merideth.

The funeral services were conducted at Pioneer Hall by D.H. Williams, where Mrs. Mabel Clayton sang a sacred solo, accompanied on the piano by Mrs. H.U.M.Higgins. Leopold David, on behalf of the Anchorage Igloo, Pioneers of Alaska, delivering a touching eulogy at the grave, interment being in the Anchorage Cemetery.

In the passing of “Uncle Frank” Cannon, Alaska loses one of its most beloved men, one who was actuated in his many noble acts by spirit of altruism that has built monuments in the hearts of all who knew him. Volumes might be written on his philanthropies, his aid to stranded prospectors and his hospitality while conducting a stopping place at Knik; where the wayfarer was never turned away and where the men who search the hills could always gather and sit around the big box stove and partake of frugal fare and depart to await the time when they were able to pay, and if not, never to be troubled to square the account.

In departing, Mr. Cannon left behind him something more precious than gold—true traditions of the land he loved and served in minor and exalted positions of trust.  Mr. Cannon was past noble grand of the I.O.O.F. at Sturgis, South Dakota and the members of the local fraternal order and Pioneers conducted the services jointly.


(Not in newspaper article, but misc. notes about Frank B. Cannon added by Coleen: Cannon bought Duffy's Roadhouse in Knik in 1910 and renamed it Pioneer Hotel. He homesteaded in 1922 and was appointed as U.S. Commissioner and  Postmaster of Wasilla in 1923, he died later that same year. His ranch was sold to George Zink. The first cemetery in Wasilla was on the Cannon Homestead.)

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DEATH Suspect Foul Play in Death at Kenai     Anchorage Times 11/3/1923
John Nikolai, an Aleut, was found dead on the beach at Kenai, Wednesday morning.  Nikolai and two other Indians, including Knik Pete, were reported to have partied the night before and it is said that Nikolai’s companions reported that Nikolai had drowned.  The body, however, is said to show evidence of foul play. An investigation is under way.
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MURDER
Knik Nicholai, Native, Shoots City Officer    Anchorage Times 1/2/1924
Harry Kavanaugh, city police officer, was shot and probably fatally wounded by Knik Nicholai, a native. Nicholai was later shot and instantly killed by police officer Charlie Watson.  The attempted murder and killing happened at a log cabin at 8th & B Street.  Knik Nicholai, who killed another native a year or so ago* had been on a rampage for several weeks, terrorizing his girlfriend, Polly Rufe and her brother Jack Rufe.  Harry Kavanaugh and Charlie Watson went to Nicholai’s cabin to arrest him.  They went to the rear of the cabin and up a ladder to the loft where Nicholai’s girlfriend, Polly, said he slept.  The officers called for him to come out of the cabin, which he said he would do.  The officers then heard a shot and Kavanaugh yelled “look out Charlie he’s got a gun” and Kavanaugh started to run, heading for the road on 8th Street.  Watson ran to the front of the cabin and as he did, the native, who had come down the ladder from the loft, fired two shots at Kavanaugh with a .30-.30 Winchester, one bullet penetrating his back and emerging from his stomach.  Watson stepped in the front door of the cabin and waited for the native to pass a window on the east side.  Upon his failure to appear, Watson said he opened the front door and Nicholai was standing directly in front of him, Watson then fired two shots with is revolver, killing the native instantly.
* Knik Nicholai is the same man that shot Talkeetna Stepan in 1917. Knik Nicholai was the step-son of George W. Palmer, a Knik merchant.  
https://freepages.rootsweb.com/~coleen/genealogy/knik_nicoli.html
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DEATH Local Indian Chief Died Here Yesterday             Anchorage Times 4/28/1924
Chief Naketa of the local tribe of natives, died at the government hospital yesterday.  Chief Naketa was about 78 years of age and had been a patient at the hospital for some time suffering from tuberculosis.  He is survived by his wife who is confined in the Morningside sanitarium and several children.  Two of he children are at the Tyonic orphanage and the others are in Anchorage.  The body is at the Williams Mortuary and services will be held there at 2:00 o'clock tomorrow afternoon.  Rev. C. G. Denton will officiate.
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DEATH
Anchorage Daily Times  August 18, 1924
"Native Wife Shoots in Self-Defense When White Husband Attacks Her"
An article in the 8/18/1924 issue of the Anchorage Times relates the death of Jess Wickersham who was killed by his common-law native wife on 8/16/1924 at a cabin about two miles above Chickaloon on the Chickaloon River.

The article says that the native woman reported that she had been originally attacked by Mr. Wickersham on July 4th. She told him at that time she would not allow him to beat her again. On August 16, Mr. Wickersham, who was drunk, started to attack the native woman with a sheaf knife.  After being cut on her hands, she shot her husband with a .32 Savage automatic three times.  One shot grazed the left side of his head, the second shot entered the neck and lodged in his spine and the third shot entered his hip.  Lee Harrison contacted the Deputy Marshal Frank Hoffman and told him of the shooting.

A coroners jury  produced a verdict saying that Jess Wickersham had been killed by gunshot wounds at the hands of his common-law wife.  The body was taken to Chickaloon and placed on the railroad speeder car and sent to Anchorage.  The Marshall found a still at the cabin, that was not in use, as well as four gallons of moonshine, both were destroyed immediately.

The newspaper article gives a brief description of Jess Wickersham.  He was reportedly well known in Anchorage and the surrounding territory and was about 48 years old. He was a veteran of the Spanish American war.  The newspaper reported that he had wealthy relatives in Arkansas. Mr. Wickersham was survived by his native wife and their three children, the oldest one being 2 and the youngest being 6 months.

The native woman was arrested and brought to Anchorage and lodged in the federal jail, along with her youngest child. She was to face a grand jury for the shooting.

Jesse C. Wickersham was buried at the Anchorage Cemetery.

NOTE:  The article does not say who the native woman is. I feel fairly certain that the woman was Anne (Nicolai) Wickersham (who later married Lee Harrison). I searched the Anchorage criminal files for 1924 and found no mention of a trial, so I'm assuming that she was not charged with anything.
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MURDER
5/1/1925 FRANK FLECKENSTEIN  beaten to death by a Dillingham Native man (in Dillingham)
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MURDER
Mysterious Attack Follows Departure of Victim from Party Anchorage Times 6/12/1925
Deputy U.S. Marshal Hurlburt and Commissioner Ralph V. Anderson of Seldovia arrived in Kenai to investigate the death of Mrs. Sergy Pete, an Indian woman, 50 years of age, who was killed last Saturday night during a party which was located between Kenai and the McNeil & Libby cannery. Two daughters and a son of the victim were present and their testimony indicated that the woman left the tent and was attacked.  The woman was strangled  and severely cut on the back of her neck with a knife.  The daughters of the murdered woman told authorities they knew who committed the murder.  The husband of the woman is Sergy Pete, who was in Anchorage (in jail for fishing violations) at the time.
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DEATH   Pittsburgh Post Gazette 11/25/1927
Alaskan airplane brought body of John Phillip Frisby, mining man found dead in his cabin near Susitna Station to Anchorage.
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DEATH    Alaska Weekly  1/25/1929
John Loken, pioneer rancher of the Matanuska Valley, killed when fast moving belt attached to a wood saw caught his clothes and hurled him violently to the ground. Mr. Loken had been operating the saw while his wife (Eliza Jane "Jenny" Morrell-Eaton-Loken) removed the wood as it was sawed. The engine was not working properly and Mr. Loken stepped around to the side to make an adjustment. The next thing Mrs. Loken knew, her husband was being whirled around; apparently having been caught by the belt, and he had made two revolutions before the tearing of his clothing released him. Neighbors were summoned, but there seemed to be little that could be done but await the return of the train from the coal mines. The injured man was carried to Palmer Station on an improvised stretcher and the journey to town was made in the caboose attached to the train. Owing to the swollen condition of his jaws, Mr. Loken could not talk and during most of the journey to Anchorage, he appeared to be in a semi-conscious condition. Mr. Loken was one of the most widely known farmers of Matanuska Valley and his farm is one of the best in the North, being situated just east of Palmer Station, between the branch line and Matanuska River. The homestead was take up in 1914. In recent years, the oldtimer has had the assistance of a very helpful wife, able and willing to work with him in the field as well as in their fine two-story home.
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DEATH Herning Diaries 8/23/1930
John Smith, owner of Gold Cord Mine committed suicide in Los Angeles
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DEATH    Daily News Miner 11/8/1930  (extracted by Sandra Davis)

Nicholas Brake, well known mining man of the Willow creek district,  tsuccumbedo a stroke of apoplexy at Wasilla. R. C. Loudermilch, of the Anchorage Funeral Parlors, was summoned to Wasilla Thursday afternoon and returned to Anchorage yesterday with the body. Funeral arrangements are being held in abeyance pending the receipt of instructions from a brother residing in Wisconsin.

Brake, who made his headquarters at Wasilla when not engaged in mining, was conversing with a group of friends shortly before the fatal stroke, and was apparently in normal health. They were standing in front of one of the Wasilla hotels on the main street of the town and Brake toppled over without warning. His lifeless body was carried into the hotel and U.S. Commissioner Howard Wilmuth summoned from his office. It was so apparent that death had resulted from natural causes that an inquest was not deemed necessary.
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MURDER

Autopsy Held Sunday Fails to Reveal Crime    Anchorage Times 2/9/1931
An autopsy was held yesterday afternoon in Anchorage to determine the cause of the death of Alfred Danieloff and Billie Stephan who were burned in a cabin in Kenai on 12/23/1931 which will result in clearing Steve Ephim of charges of manslaughter.  At the time of the finding of the bodies in the ruins of the cabin, the evidence showed that the door had been locked from the outside before the fire.  Steve Ephim, the owner of the cabin, told different stories upon being taken into custody and questioned.  X -ray pictures of the supposed wounds failed to show any depth to the holes.  There was no evidence of the passage of a bullet through the body and the heart and lungs were normal and intact.  A woman also died in the fire, but she hasn't been identified yet.  Ephim, now held in Kenai on charges of manslaughter will soon be released.
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DEATH Death Summons Valley Farmer        Anchorage Times 4/6/1931
Matanuska Valley lost one of it's pioneer farmers last night in the passing of W. J. (Jesse) Bogard who died at his farm a few miles from Matanuska.  His illness assumed a serious aspect yesterday and a call was sent to Anchorage for a speeder to take him to the hospital. He died before the speeder arrived.  George S. Moshier, who owns the homestead next to Bogard and Gerrit Snider of Wasilla were in charge of the body on it's way to Anchorage.  Bogard had a sister in Boise, Idaho.
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NOTE: The next three newspaper articles just baffled me. The unfairness of it all!! 

MURDER OF CHIEF GOODLATAW  Anchorage Times 1932
After being missing for five days, the bullet riddled body of CHIEF GOODLATAW, a native and resident of nearby Chitina, was found Saturday, buried in the turnip patch of R.L. Reed, about two miles from Chitina.  Reed has been taken into custody and is being questioned by the authorities.  It is known that Reed has had trouble lately with the natives and it is thought that there may be some connection.  Reed is reported to have had several encounters with the law in the past due to liquor violations and only recently it is stated that his home was the scene of a drunken brawl in which Reed was severely beaten by some of the other natives.
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MURDER OF CHIEF GOODLATAW CONTINUED
Chitna Paper Tells of Native's Murder: Clue Found in Ashes   Anchorage Times 6/6/1932
Details of the finding of the body of Joe Goodlataw, widely known native of the Chitina District, are related in the 5/29/1932 issue of the Chitina Herald as follows:  Joe Goodlataw who is the son of the late Chief of the native tribe, went out on Monday at 11:00 at Eight Mile.  He told his wife he would be back soon. He took no gun with him so it is certain he did not go hunting.  Captain Goodlataw, as he is known, has been missing for the last six days.  Natives hunted all over for him but couldn't find a trace.  Some people thought he was at Mr. Reed's, where he frequently goes, so they got a search warrant and some of the officials went out and made a careful inspection of the place.  While hunting they found the ashes of a recent fire and in the ashes found some shoe eyelets, buttons and buckles from Goodlataw's clothing.  While they were hunting, Frank Billum found a pair of stockings and a belt behind some moss and under a stump.  So they sent into town and got 15 shovels and set 15 men to work digging for his body in a turnip patch which is about 1/4 acre in size.  When they were about half done with it they found Goodlataw's body about 1 ½ feet in the ground on solid frost, so it was in good condition except for a bullet hole in the neck and the back.  They brought him into town and packed his body in ice so it would keep until a doctor could come to town to perform an autopsy. They are trying to get an attorney from Anchorage.  Mr. Reed has been charged with murder and is in the custody of the Marshal at present.
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SHOCKING CONCLUSION OF MURDER OF CHIEF GOODLATAW
Evidence Lacking in Slaying Trial       Anchorage Times 12/20/1932
Inability of the government sufficiently to connect the defendant R.L. Reed with the death of Captain Goodlataw, native of Chitina, resulted in a verdict of not guilty. The jury deliberated for 7 hours. The murder trial was held in Valdez court and took 4 days. The jury consisted of: Mrs. A. S. Day, E. C. Edgerton, Mrs. M. Gravelle, Mrs. Ted Johnson,  Owen E. Meals,  W. H. Palmer, Isabelle Streeter, Todd Winter of Valdez;  W. W. Jones, Robert Manthey, Roy Neville and Mrs. Hilma Urie of Seward. According to  testimony, Captain Goodlataw left his home in Chitina on 5/23/32 to visit relatives residing 8 miles out of Chitina on the  Richardson Highway. He left his home about 11:00 in the morning, promising to return about 9:00 in the evening the same day.  So far as known he was not seen on the road to 8 Mile that day nor did he return home that night nor the following day.  A messenger sent to 8 Mile reported that he had not arrived at that place.  A search instituted by the Natives between Chitina and 4 Mile revealed no trace of the missing man.  A later search by the Natives between 8 Mile and 4 Mile did not yield any results.  It was alleged that there was a deep enmity between Reed and Goodlataw and actions of the former during the search by the Natives excited their suspicion that he might have had a part in the mysterious disappearance of Goodlataw.  On 5/29/32, armed with a search warrant, Deputy Marshal Nels Sobby and U. S. Commissioner Q.A. Nelson visited the Reed homestead to search the place for intoxicating liquor.  They searched the property with the aid of several Natives from Chitina and found several kegs of moonshine.  In the ashes of a fire (near the turnip patch) the also found some buttons, shoe nails and other articles and under a stump they found a belt and a pair of heavy German socks that belonged to Goodlataw.  Commissioner Nelson gave the natives permission to dig in the turnip patch and after three or four hours of work the body of Goodlataw was found buried in the patch, minus shoes socks and trousers. An examination of the body revealed three bullets had entered the body from behind, any one of which would have been fatal according to Dr. W.H. Chase of Cordova.A loaded .30 government rifle, an auto loading shotgun, loaded and a revolver, also loaded were found in the cabin of Reed.  At the conclusion of the government's case, Attorney's Donohoe and Taylor, for the defense, made a motion for a directed verdict of not guilty on the grounds of insufficient evidence to connect the defendant with the commission of the crime charged.  The defendant did not take the stand or speak on his own behalf. Argument to the jury was opened by Attorney Taylor for the defense. He was followed by Assistant U.S. Attorney J. L. Reed, and he in turn was followed by Attorney Donohoe. Closing argument was made by U.S. Attorney W. N. Cuddy.
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DEATH  Anchoage Daily Times 9/27/1932
Frank Dougherty, a resident of Matanuska Valley for 15 years and a pioneer of the northland, died at his cabin near Wasilla Sunday night.  He was found yesterday by Sam Kelly, who visited the old-timer daily to assist him in getting in his wood and preparing his meals.  Death came quietly while the old-timer was dozing in his chair. The cabin known as the Dougherty cabin, is about half a mile out the Knik Road from Wasilla. The funeral was to have been held at Wasilla this afternoon. The deceased who was 72 years old, went to Fortymile District from Wasilla two years ago, intending to try his hand at mining again after a residence of more than a dozen years in the farming belt.  But he returned to Wasilla last spring, unsuccessful in his quest for paystreaks and with the years bearing down rather heavily upon him.
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SUICIDE  Seattle Daily Times 2/3/1933  (extracted by Sandra Davis)
Samuel King, an old-time trapper, took his life by shooting himself at Wasilla Wednesday, coroner's deputies reported yesterday. His body was brought here by airplane.
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DEATH  Anchorage Times 2/14/1934
A fire about 6:00 Friday morning completely destroyed the home of Mrs. Nick Sablatking, native, and burned to death George Nicolai and Alexie Gregorieff, both natives according to the Valdez Miner newspaper on January 20th. The bodies were taken to Tatitlek on the gas launch "Pansy" for burial.
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DEATH  Anchorage Times 1/30/1935
Mrs. Barcillia Stephan from Montana Station on the Alaska Railroad died in an Anchorage hospital 1/30/1935
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DEATH

Chief Ezi of the Once Powerful Eklutnas Is Given Colorful Adieu Anchorage Times 2/24/1935
Covered in a beautiful fringed and highly colored blanket, and with another warm blanket beside him, and wearing a strikingly designed, new, pair of mukluks, and attired in a new suit of clothes and other garnishments, Chief Ezi, for many years the respected idol of the once powerful tribe of Eklutna's, was laid to rest in the Anchorage Cemetery.  Mourned by scores of his people who were present, and also honored by a number of white friends, the old  Chieftain was lowered into the grave as men, women and children of his tribe chanted in Russian and as the burial ritual was recited in Russian by Mrs. Billy Austin.  The old Chief rests beneath a “TOP” house, largest of the kind seen in this region, made by his own sons and placed above the grave yesterday immediately after the service and burial.  The house stands 5 feet above the grave, is 6½ feet long and 3½ feet wide.  Over the house rises a large wooden cross, cut out of a log in one solid piece.  The services continued for 2 hours and were characterized with numerous songs, chants and readings, all in Russian, according to the ritual of the Orthodox Greek Catholic Church in who’s faith they had been reared and trained from childhood.
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DEATH
John Goodlataw Drops Dead While Working Jonesville  Anchorage Daily times 2/22/1935
John Goodlataw, employee for the Alaska Railroad dropped dead while shoveling coal at Jonesville.He is survived by a widow and little daughters, who are at Jonesville.  Before coming here, it is believed the family lived in Cordova
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DEATH  Anchorage Times 2/20/1935
Mrs. Lugila Nickolai, native, passed away at an Anchorage hospital after an illness of several days. Her son Tommy Nickolai is now in Anchorage.
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DEATH  Anchorage Times 3/28/1935
Funeral for the late Chief Nicholai is at 3:00 tomorrow.  All friends are welcome
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DEATH  Herning Diaries  5/2/1936
Anchorage Undertaker __________ Williams suicided.
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DEATH BATTLE CREEK INQUIRER 11/13/1936
Matanuska teacher Zelda King Pilkenton committed suicide 11/11/1936 in Palmer, Alaska by shooting herself through the heart with a .22 rifle after drinking. Zelda and her husband Alvah had been married 6 months. Further investigation was held to determine if it was a true suicide or a murder. It is the first violent death in the Matanuska Colony. (see next entry)
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MURDER  1/11/1937 & 1/12/1937  (Herning Diary)
Palmer School teacher Zelda King murdered by her former husband Alvah Pilkenton 11/11/1936. He tried to kill himself by jumping into a river, but was rescued.
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SEARCH PARTY-DEATH ASSUMED  7/4/1937
On 7/4/1937, Shem Pete went to the U.S. Commissioner in Talkeetna and requested a search party to find Kroto Chelatna (that is the spelling on the actual record, but it should be spelled Chijuk?). Shem told authorities that Chijuk had disappeared from his home during the latter part of May, after he went on a bear hunt and failed to return. Two men were sent to investigate and found nothing except some spots of blood on a mattress and pillow at Chijuk's cabin. Assumed dead.
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DEATH  
The Alaska Miner  Fairbanks  8/23/1938
Eklutna, a ghost town north of Anchorage, was brought back to life by death. The Native Village, which was abandoned 20 years ago, was the scene of activity Sunday when the remains of Indian Jim, a former resident of Eklutna were brought back to this place for burial

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The Alaska Miner Fairbanks 9/6/1938
The deserted Eklutna Indian Village was alive last week as Natives from the section held a potlatch and buried Indian Jim, old-timer of the Matanuska Valley. Until his death, this village had been deserted by Natives came from Knik, fish camps along Cook Inlet and other points to conduct the funeral. Every house was filled.

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FOUR  MURDERS  Department of Natural Resources Recorders Office Archives 9/13/1939
While investigating the murder (shot in the head) of Richard A. Francis in the Willow and Ruby Creek area (45 miles from Talkeetna), it was discovered that the cabin of Frank W. and Helena Z. Jenkins (who also had a cabin in that vicinity) was locked and no one was home. Knowing that the Jenkins were supposed to be at their cabin, and knowing that there were ill feelings between the Jenkins and the dead man, an investigation began.  A search party was authorized to find Mr. & Mrs. Jenkins and Joy Brittell who was working for the Jenkins. The search party found Mr. & Mrs. Jenkins murdered on the trail, covered with weeds, grass and snow, with only one boot visible. There was no sign of Joy Brittell.  Several days later, Frank Lee, a ferry boat operator at Talkeetna, found the body of Joy Brittell which was about 20' off the trail and 150 yards from the Jenkins cabin. All bodies were taken to Talkeetna and then Anchorage for autopsies.
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DEATH    Fairbanks Daily News Miner 5/31/1940

The body of Al "Frenchy" Rousseau, operator of Edlund's Roadhouse, was discovered in the shallow waters of Wasilla Lake by Pilot Rudy Wadle of Anchorage, following Rousseau's death by drowning there, reports the Anchorage Times.

Rousseau, who leased the resort from Swan Edlund last summer, was drowned when he went fishing in a small canvas boat. His fishing creel was still attached to him when the body was discovered.

Searchers combed the lake nearly all night, later telephoned Jack O'Connor, wild life agent, requesting him to dispatch an airplane to continue the search from the air. O'Connor relayed the request to the Larson Alaska Distributing Company and Pilot Wadle was sent to the scene.

Rousseau, who was known as "Frenchy," was a miner and prospector for many years in Alaska. He worked at the Independence and Lucky Shot Mines.When Edlund moved to the states, Rousseau leased the resort and continued its operation.
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DEATH  Anchorage Times 12/22/1942  Page 1
A report reaching Anchorage today reveals the death of Capt. "Slivers" McNeil, a native who lived in the Wasilla district for many years.  "Slivers", as he was known to all who knew him, is said to have frozen to death last Friday night on the trail between Wasilla and the point where he had killed a moose.  He had been in to Wasilla after downing the animal and it was on his return trip that he died.  He was about 40 years old.  It is reported here, that he was buried by his native friends in their own burial ground.
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DEATH Herning Diaries 2/9/1943
George Grennan, age 84 died in the Palmer Hospital, he had been a Matanuska Valley farmer for 28 years
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DEATH Herning Diaries 6/7/1943
Major Kermit Roosevelt, son of Theodore Roosevelt, committed suicide 6/4/1943 and was buried in the Fort Richardson cemetery.
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DEATH Herning Diaries 8/5/1943
Gus Geller died.
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DEATH Herning Diaries 1/3/1944
Jacob Metz, old time rancher, died today at Palmer Hospital.
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DEATH Herning Diaries 6/21/1944
Adam Werner, old time rancher, died today at Palmer
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SUICIDE  Anchorage Times 2/7/1944 Page 1
Thomas McNeil, 37, died of a self inflicted gunshot wound last Friday near Palmer. According to evidence brought before a coroner's jury, the man shot himself with a 30.30 hunting rifle.  McNeil, a trapper, is survived by a sister, Myrtle, a brother Victor and his father, Malcolm McNeil.  Haines funeral Parlors have the body in charge.
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DEATH  Milwaukee Journal 10/8/1945
Carol Lucille Stephan, age 5, died after a short illness at the Matanuska Valley Hospital. She leaves behind her parents, Harold and Carol Stephan of Moose Creek Road and 4 sisters.
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DEATH Herning Diaries 1/23/1945
George Nylen died in the Sitka Pioneer Home
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DEATH Herning Diaries 2/19/1945
E. B. "Buck" Sparling, old time prospector, died at Willow Creek
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DEATH Herning Diaries 3/13/1945
Mrs. Pearl Horning died at Seattle, she worked for years at quartz mining in the Willow Creek District.
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DEATH Herning Diaries 3/13/1945
Old Chris Gustafson of Nelchuk Mine died in Anchorage.
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DEATH Herning Diaries 3/23/1945
Reported that M. J.  McNeil, ex-squawman from Sunny Knik died with a stroke in Fairview farming District.
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DEATH Herning Diaries 3/24/1945
A. J. Swanson, old time stock man, died at Palmer after 30 years of ranching and horse raising at Matanuska.
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DEATH  Anchorage Times 3/28/1945
The lives of four women and two sailors were claimed by the icy waters of Kupreanoff Straits on Sunday night when their boat capsized in rough waters on their way home from a movie.  The party of six was returning home to Afognak, north of Kodiak. On their return trip the motor of the small boat failed and the two sailors left in a small dory to return to Latnik to get help. While they were gone, the craft capsized in rough water. The women were Mrs.  Sophie Nelson, mother of 5 and her sister-in-law Jessie Nelson, mother of 2, Jean Mitchell, mother of 1 and her cousin, Augusta Gregorieff all of Afognak. The names of the Navy serviceman were being withheld. The only body recovered as of press time was Jessie Nelson.
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DEATH  Anchorage Times 4/28/1945
Margaret  Longcarp, 17, student at Eklutna school, died 4/27/1945 in a Palmer hospital. She had been sick for a long time with Hodgkins disease.
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DEATH   Herning Diaries  6/22/1945
Palmer woman suicided in Matanuska River near Sutton
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DEATH Herning Diaries 10/19/1946
Mrs. J. B. Fleckenstein died.
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DEATH Herning Diaries 1/4/1947
Mrs. Neil Browne Sr. died.
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DEATH
Orville George Herning died 4/18/1947 - Came to Alaska in 1898, had a general store at Knik from 1906-1917 and a general store at Wasilla from 1917-1947. Charter member of the Willow Creek Mining District. Buried in Anchorage with wife and youngest son.
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DEATH  9/25/1947 (information found in the Talkeetna Recorders records)

John Cuculich found dead 9/25/1947, 400' from his cabin, close to Clear Creek. Body had fallen forward and still had his hat on and was holding his gun; apparent heart attack; no other injuries. Body found by Reino Koivu, a friend; buried by Reino Koivu, Harold B. Coleman and John Zulich.
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MURDER
Blind Man Steps Off Road To Miss Death    Anchorage Times 5/4/1950
Two law enforcement agencies are carrying on a joint search today for a hit-and-run driver who fatally injured Annie Stephan, 64 year old native woman, early Wednesday on the Willow Creek road near Wasilla.  Mrs. Stephan, member of a large and widely known clan, was killed when a speeding vehicle bore down on her blind companion, Nick McNeil.  Mrs. Stephan's neck was broken by the impact.  Her skull was fractured and she was badly cut.  McNeil, known in the area as "Blind Nick" heard the car or truck approaching and stepped off the road.  However, he was injured when Mrs. Stephan's body was hurled across the road with such force as to knock him down.  McNeil's shouts for help aroused the dead woman's children who were asleep in the Stephan cabin about 100 yards away.  The driver of the death vehicle, meanwhile left the scene.  McNeil was unable to tell whether the vehicle was a car or truck but told investigators that it was running without a muffler.  On that slender clue, Deputy Marshal Bill Bouwens of Palmer and Patrolman Stanley Laird of the Highway patrol have been trying to find the driver. The spot where the accident happened is about a mile north of Wasilla on a road known both as Willow Creek Road and as Fishhook Road. Funeral services were held for Mrs. Stephan at Knik.

NOTE: This tragedy took place at mile 1 on Wasilla Fishhook Road which is where Blind Nick's cabin was. Also at mile one was the Stephan cabin (Rufe and Annie Stephan and children Irene, Doris and James). This information was found in a personal notebook of Thomas "Pat" Carter of Wasilla (mid-to late 1940's).  Is Rufe Stephan's wife Annie the same Annie that was killed in 1950? Additional side note from Mr. Carter's notebook said that Victor McNeil owned the land that Blind Nick's cabin sat on.

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DEATH 4/19/1951 Ellenburg (Washington) Daily Record

The Alaska Native Services Hospital reported the death, yesterday, of Aunt Sally Fox, an Indian said to have been 115 years old. She had been hospitalized for a year.

DEATH   Eugene Register-Guard 2/18/1954  (extracted by Sandra Davis)
Trapped by a fire which blocked exits, a 26-year-old mother of three boys died with two of them in a cabin blaze at Knik, 30 miles southwest of here early Wednesday.
The woman was Mrs. Clyde Hornell. The boys who perished with her were Tommy DePriest, 7, and his 11-month-old brother, Danny. Both were sons by a previous marriage. The third son, Robert DePriest, 3, received serious burns.
Mrs. Hornell's husband of less than a week escaped through the flames with Richard Barnes, 18, who was staying with the couple. Hornell carried little Robert to safety with him but was unable to return. Barnes also required hospitalization for burns.


Officials said the fire apparently broke out when Barnes attempted to start a fire with liquid gas about 7 a.m.
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MURDER 
7 Year old Murdered, Dillingham Man Held            Anchorage Times 8/18/1956

A Dillingham cannery worker is in Federal Jail here charged with the murder of a 7 year old boy.  He is Robert Henry, 40, of Momokutuk, Chief Deputy U. S. Marshal, James Chenoweth said Henry is charged with second degree murder in the fatal shooting of young Billy Nikiti, May 10th.  The child's body was reported to have been buried shortly after he was shot in the back of the head with a .22 caliber rifle.  Details of the shooting are not known.  Henry is a native of Togiak, also near Dillingham.  He was arrested August 11th.
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DEATH   Family of Five Found Dead Near Iliamna    Anchorage Times 1/6/1956
The frozen bodies of a Newhalen family of five were found buried in drifting snow 14 miles north of Igiugig near Lake Iliamna.  Forty year old Simeon Wassela and his wife Catherine, 35, a daughter, Xanie 17, a 7 year old son and an infant were found frozen to death.  Lt. Dick Jensen and scanner, Murphy Nickolai  said the family apparently died of exposure as their dog team was nearing it's destination in the 50 mile trip from Newhalen to Iguigig. Only 2 of the 9 dogs the family took on the trip were found alive.   Wassela left with three other families on the journey December 27th, but lagged behind soon after their departure.  Nothing was thought of their absence at first because it was thought they were taking a different trail.  However, when they didn't arrive in Igiugig, several days later, Wassela's brother, Ira, reported them missing to CAA.
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MURDER
Copper Center Man Is Slain; Suspect Held       Anchorage Times 4/4/1956 page 1
A Copper Center man was found shot to death in the yard in front of his cabin last night, Territorial Police said here today.  The police said five bullet wounds were found in the body of JOHNNY JOE, about 30.  They said the owner of the cabin, identified as Austin P. Davis 30, has been taken into custody.  Joe's body was discovered about 8:00.  the cabin is located on the Richardson Highway near the Klutina River bridge.  Preliminary investigation indicates Joe was shot to death in the Davis cabin.  As Joe lay on the floor, four more bullets were pumped into his body.  Austin P. Davis has been arraigned on a manslaughter charge and his bail set at $1000 at Copper Center. Davis and Joe were reported to be unemployed.  Joe lived with his father near the Tazlina River.  Davis, formerly lived in Homer and California. Copper Center is about 200 miles northwest of Anchorage and is the site of an Indian village.
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DEATH  Sophie R. Joe, 23, Dies Here         Anchorage Times 5/27/1958 page 13
Sophie r. Joe, 23, of Scammon Bay, died at the Alaska Native Hospital after a five month confinement. She was born at Scammon Bay 8/6/1934 and is survived by her husband, Mike Joe, and a brother, Ralph Johnson of Anchorage.  Funeral services will be tomorrow at 10 a.m. at the Evergreen Memorial Chapel.  Eric Tetpon, assistant pastor to Rev. Job Kokochuruk of the Evangelical Covenant Mission of Anchorage will officiate. Interment will be at Evergreen Memorial Park.
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DEATH  Knik Arm Courier 10/7/1959
Sophia Prokopioff age 38, was killed in car accident at mile 33 Glenn Hiway. Husband Steve Prokopioff suffered broken foot in accident. Simon Chilligan and five other family memberswere also in the car. Max Yakasoff was driving the car too fast and could not negotiate the turn.
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DEATH Knik Arm Courier 11/25/1959
Dick Evans age 47 was found frozen to death near his home on 1 1/ 20/1959, no foul play suspected. Evans, born at Knik, lived at Eklutna for a number of years and was the postmaster there and taught at the vocational school at Eklutna at one time. Only one living relative, Ruth Ezi, of Eklutna, a 3rd cousin.
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DEATH   Anchorage Times 8/31/1962
Ponto Eugene Goozmer, age 10 months, of Tyonek died at A.N.S.  Born 10/6/1961 at Tyonek, he leaves his mother Barbara Goozmer and grandfather, Pedro Goozmer both of Tyonek.
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DEATH  Knik Arm Courier 3/20/1963  
Nick Theodore of Eklutna died early Monday morning, apparently from a broken neck sustained from a fall from an upper bunk bed. Theodore was born 10/15/1907 in Knik. He is survived by 2 brothers, Mike and Bailey and 2 nephews, Bailey Jr. and Everett.
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DEATH  Knik Arm Courier 5/8/1963
Marvin Bernard Nicoli, age 30, from Glenallen, was found dead on the banks of Eklutna Creek, by Walter Morris of Peters Creek. Nicoli was last seen in November of 1962, when he visited his brother Nick Nicoli in Anchorage.
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DEATH Knik Arm Courier 3/15/1965
Funeral for Olga Ondola who died last week at Birchwood. She was born at Eklutna in 1912. Survived by 4 sons: Geoerge, Carl, Roy and Jerry; 4 daughters Mrs. Gilbert Rosenberg, Mrs. Frank Wirth, Dorothy Cook and Georgiana Ondola. Also survived by sister Gronia Baird and 2 brothers, Mike and Roy Alex of Eklutna.
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DEATH Knik Arm Courier 8/31/1965
Everett Theodore age 25 of Knik drowned 8/30/1965. Oscar Munson of Birchwood, told police that Theodore had taken a 14' dory, equipped with an outboard motor, across the Arm to Knik where he picked up his father, Bailey Theodore Sr. Then they began a return trip to Birchwood to pick up Munson and the three men were going to go to Fire Island to fish. According to Theodore Sr., the boat was about 300' from Birchwood shore when his son stood up and fell overboard. The father piloted the dory back and forth over the area, trying to find his son, but couldn't.
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DEATH Knik Arm Courier 6/15/1966
Harry W. Theodore and Bailey Theodore killed in car accident at mile 24 Old Glenn Highway. Harry's wife Helen was taken to ANS and later died. Accident happend when mail truck driven by Gerald Roy Allen of Palmer collided with the Bailey's.
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DEATH  Knik Arm Courier 12/14/1966
Joseph G. Chilligan of Eklutna, probable victim of a heart attack, found by Mike Alex, frozen in the back yard of Carl E. Nelson. Survived by wife Pauline and five children: David, Irene, Lora, Norman and Herman of Eklutna and son George and daughter Mrs. Doris Collins of Ft. Graham, Alaska and a sister Anne Toughluck of Talkeetna. Burial will be at Eklutna.
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DEATH   Knik Arm Courier 1/18/1967 and 1/25/1967
Ruth (Stephan) Ezi, age 59, thought to be victim of a fire which destroyed a frame cabin at Eklutna. According to Mike Alex, Chief of the Eklutna's, Mrs. Ezi, to whom the cabin belonged, had been seen shortly before the fire by two men who had cut wood for her. She had been staying with Mr. and Mrs. George Allen, but had returned to the village and had been seen in the cabin earlier that morning. Alex said he discovered the fire and called State Police. The Chugiak Fire Company responded with an ambulance because their truck was out of commission. The cabin was completely involved. Alex said human remains were throught to be found.

Funeral services for Ruth (Stephan) Ezi, age 59, were held at St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox church at Eklutna; servies were held by Father Oskolkoff. Her remains were found in the ashes of her burned cabin. Mrs. Ezi was born 6/ 10/1908 at Knik. She is survived by her estranged husband Peter Ezi Sr. of Eklutna and her son, Peter Ezi Jr. of Anchorage, and a daughter Alberta Stephan of Eklutna.
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DEATH  Knik Arm Courier 10/23/1968
Peter Ezi Sr. died in a cabin (built in 1923) fire at Eklutna. He was born 12/18/1903 at Knik. Worked for the railroad and commercial fishing. Husband of Ruth Ezi who also died in a cabin fire a year earlier.  Children: Peter Ezi Jr. and Alberta Stephan. Also survived by a brother Bill Ezi.
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DEATH Knik Arm Courier 6/19/1968

Rupert D. Baird of Eklutna died 6/15/1968 and is buried at Eklutna. He was born in Bloomfield, Iowa 2/12/1899 and came to the Matanuska Valley in 1928. Survived by wife Gronia (Alex) Baird, 2 daughters: Mrs. John Fullenwider and Mrs. Gaylord Stevens, and one son Robert Baird.
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DEATH Knik Arm Courier 8/9/1972
Bill Ezi, a member of the Eklutna Indians but spent most of his recent years at his home up the Knik River. He died 8/5/1972 in Anchorage. He is survived by 4 sons: William Jr., James, Benjamin and Samual, and one daughter Elizabeth Mills of Anchorage.
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THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION WAS EXTRACTED FROM THE DIARIES OF O.G. HERNING
 

1/29/1906 Matt Miller body found at head of Bay  buried at Seward
8/13/1906 Elmer R. Herning age 10 buried at Knik/grave moved to Anchorage 1947
3/17/1907 John Headburg of Knik married the "Talkeetna slave woman")
                                   *Census records show that her name was Nastasa)
6/10/1908 Evan Orloff died at Knik (assumed buried at Knik).
6/27/1911 Dr. Cowen of Knik married
12/20/1911 Harry St. Clair died at Glacier Creek
1/6/1912 D. C. Wisner died at Knik buried at Knik
6/27/1912 Capt. Ward’s baby died at the Station   (probably Susitna Station?)
7/13/1912 Jack (also called Hanson) and Inga (both Native) married at
             Susitna, witnessed by Mrs. Nagley and a Native named Jacko.

4/27/1913 Larson’s son Jacko died   (assumed buried at Knik)
10/21/1913 John Travers killed by slide at Gold Bullion Mine Willow Creek Mining District
6/25/1914 John Young committed suicide by tying Evinrude motor around neck and jumping
                                      into Goose Bay buried at Knik.
3/17/1914 Sherman of Knik married Mrs. Dalton #1
5/19/1914 Old man Hunter died lived at Old Knik
2/11/1915 Mrs. Carrie buried at Knik
2/14/1915 R. E. Romano funeral with Masonic honors (assumed buried at Knik)
3/20/1915 Adam Block of Seldovia died at Sitka Pioneer Home
4/16/1915 Tom Hanmore died at Iliamna
7/22/1915 P. J. McDonald married Miss Longmire at Knik
10/26/1915 Una Pettit Mansfield (underworld woman) died at Knik hospital of pneumonia
1/15/1916 Unnamed man died-buried at Knik (cook at Cannon’s Knik Roadhouse)
2/1/1916 Mr. Styles of Hope died in Anchorage (brother of Dr. Dugan)
1/15/1917 H. C. Emery and Bert Steward killed in snow slide at Martins
             Mine Willow Creek Mining District.
11/28/1917 Meehan baby (1st death at Wasilla) (assumed baby buried on homestead)
3/5/1918 Agent Jackson at Matanuska died
11/25/1918 Six Natives died of the flu at the Station (assumed Susitna Station?)
3/27/1919 Getchell (old-timer) married Frank Kelly Wasilla
6/10/1919 Unnamed man died at mile 32 mining camp
4/29/1920 W. A. Black died at mile 174 of railroad
2/4/1921 Mrs. Sparks married soldier from Matanuska Junction named Monroe
3/28/1921 Mrs. W. A. Black died at Anchorage
8/22/1921 Byron Bartholf Jr. died in Willow Creek mining accident buried Anchorage
9/10/1921 Mr. Kimball, Anchorage storekeeper, died in Anchorage.
9/13/1921 Joe Laubner was killed in Talkeetna Mine Willow Creek Mining District
12/13/1921 George Small got married in Anchorage
12/1/1922 Railroad conductor Sessions died
1/16/1922 William “Bill” Hughes of Knik died buried Anchorage
5/27/1922 Lander and Niemann married in Anchorage
7/22/1922 Unnamed RR man killed mile 277½ when railroad bridge collapsed killing engineer.
6/15/1923 F. B. Cannon died at Wasilla buried Anchorage (Postmaster-Commissioner of Wasilla)
7/26/1923 Mrs. Capt. Ward died at Anchorage
9/12/1923 Mrs. Al Davis died
1/21/1924 Dave McGinnis killed in snow plow accident
5/17/1924 Frank E. Young died at Anchorage
11/10/1923 August Carlson died at Anchorage
11/21/1923 Dr. Leopold David died US Commissioner at Knik 1910, 1st Mayor of Anchorage
11/28/1923 Dan McArdle died at Anchorage.
8/5/1924 Zink and Springstein married at Fairbanks
3/26/1925 C. A. Gooding died at Anchorage.
3/26/1925 Jerry Murphy died at Anchorage.
4/20/1925 Dave England died at Anchorage.
5/22/1925 Frank Fleckenstein murdered in Dillingham buried in Anchorage.
2/1/1926 Dave Reedy died on his trap line
3/14/1926 Stanley Herning married Eva Fleckenstein in Wasilla
6/21/1926 Mrs. W. A. Johnson died in Anchorage Susitna Roadhouse keeper
8/6/1926 George Haslett died in Cordova
8/13/1926 J. J. O’Brian of Knik died in Anchorage hospital
8/24/1926 Clo King married John Chamberlin in Fairbanks
11/5/1926 Mrs. Gust Haller died in Anchorage (skull fracture by train in Wasilla)
10/15/1927 Chief Nakela died (assumed buried in Knik)
10/19/1927 Clarence Marsh married at Nenana
11/9/1927 Chris Sterns (old timer) died in Portland
12/28/1927 Mary Vail married _____ Phelps (4th husband)
3/17/1928 James Girdwood died in New York (Crow Creek prospector 1896)
3/1928 Mrs. W. E. Bartholf died stateside age 74
7/27/1928 Baldwin (railroad man) died
10/6/1928 Al Harper died
10/6/1928 Fred Simmons died
10/10/1928 Mrs. Murray of Knik (moved to Palmer Station) died
11/22/1928 Tuck (old agent) married 6’ tall Texan girl Wasilla
1/28/1929 Charles Magaha died at Anchorage
6/10/1929 Henry Fischer died
2/8/1929 Charles Magaha funeral buried at Anchorage
4/11/1930 George W. Palmer died (suicide) Kenai buried Anchorage (to Alaska 1893 merchant)
7/6/1930 Harry Lander of Wasilla died in Michigan
11/28/1930 J. W. Kempf died at Anchorage (old time Willow Creek prospector)
2/10/1936 Fern, a Native girl died (not sure where, or where buried)
3/28/1936 George Sexton died at Seward (in Alaska 38 years)
4/22/1936 Mr. Machell died at Anchorage
7/8/1936 Mrs. Oscar Tryck died   buried at Anchorage
8/2/1936 Edward Fries died at Palmer hospital (old time rancher) buried at Palmer
8/28/1936 Harry Vail died age 49
12/11/1936 H. H. Healy died at Susitna Station
12/11/1936 Leckwold died
1/22/1927 Eckman died at Anchorage (furniture man)
5/28/1937 Jim Murray’s son died at Cache Creek Willow Creek Mining District
8/19/1937 Frank Churchill died buried at Knik in McGuire Cemetery to Alaska 1898
11/28/1937 Tom Cavanaugh died at Knik beer hall
4/17/1937 Frank Hoffman died in Anchorage US Marshall
5/25/1937 Dorothy Hill and Peter Nelson married
5/28/1937 Miss Pryer Wasilla schoolmarm married
8/5/1937 Dr. Romig married again
8/8/1937 Wanda Soper married
9/2/1937 Pat Snider married in Anchorage

2/1/1938 Mrs. Oscar Bergman died in Anchorage
4/28/1938 Oscar Bergman died in Anchorage   railroad section man
9/17/1939 Sharon Fleckenstein married Florence Strigga Edlund at Wasilla

10/8/1938 Mrs. McNeil of Knik died
2/24/1939 Harvey J. Bartholf died age 70
7/27/1939 Wasilla agent Browne’s oldest daughter married Arlo the Caterpillar man
12/2/1939 Mr. Redwood died in Palmer hospital (old timer)
2/22/1940 Word arrived in Wasilla that Pete Snider died on Navy boat in Honolulu
2/6/1940 George Zink died at Portland
2/9/1940 Harry Staycer died at his Crow Creek Mine (ex-marshal of Anchorage)
8/27/1940 John Thomas died at Willow Station
9/3/1940 Trusty Kelly died of pneumonia
5/11/1940 Kenneth Soper married Monte Edlunds wife
5/14/1940 Elizabeth Bergman married at Anchorage
7/4/1940 Jack Slumberger married

4/3/1941 Mattie Vail died in auto accident buried Palmer (came to valley 1915)
2/7/1941 Mrs. Fred Simmons of Knik died (old timer)
2/8/1941 Mr. Wilson of Knik died at Sitka Pioneer Home (Knik old timer)
4/11/1941 Vic Blodgett died
7/8/1941 Mrs. Dan Donovan died
7/9/1941 Bill Taylor died at Sitka Pioneer Home
9/16/1941 Anna Simmons died
6/26/1942 Hi Gill died
2/21/1942 Nels Larsen died at Palmer hospital
6/4/1943 Major Kermit Roosevelt died at Ft. Richardson (suicide) son of Teddy Roosevelt
8/5/1943 Gus Geller died
1/3/1944 Jacob Metz died at Palmer (old time rancher)
6/21/1944 Adam Werner died at Palmer (old time rancher)
12/2/1944 McAllen died at Fairbanks (ex-Willow Creek Mining District supervisor)
1/23/1945 George Nylen died at Sitka Pioneer Home (old time Matanuska farmer)
2/19/1944 E. B. Buck Sparling died (old time Willow Creek prospector)
3/13/1944 Pearl Horning died in Seattle (old time Willow Creek quartz miner)
3/13/1944 Chris Gustafson of Nelchuck Mine died in Anchorage
3/23/1945 M. J. McNeil of Fairview Farm District died (old timer)
3/24/1945 A. J. Swanson died at Palmer (ranched in valley 30 years)
4/14/1945 Mrs. W. S. Horning died (old time miner)
4/11/1944 A. O. Wells died (old time miner)
6/8/1944 Mrs. Sexton died (Colonist)
11/23/1944 Ernie Pyles wife died age 44
6/2/1946 O. O. Krogh died in California (old time Matanuska store keeper)
1/20/1946 L. V. Rae died at Seward (lawyer, partner of Leopold David)
3/2/1946 Chas J. Tecklenberg died stateside buried in Seward   (old timer)
4/6/1946 T. W. Hawkins died age 78
5/15/1946 Red Jack Bartell age 86 died (old Cook Inlet boat captain)
10.20/1946 Mrs. J. B. Fleckenstein died in Anchorage
9/30/1946 Ray Morrison married Virginia Browne at Wasilla
4/18/1947 Orville G. Herning died at Anchorage (to Alaska 1898, merchant 1906-1947)
1948 N. J. Gaikema died buried Anchorage

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