Dr. Fenton B. Whiting descendant, David Nelson part 2.

A neighbor girl and David Nelson
Elmendorf AFB
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I was happy to receive an email from David Nelson, descendant of Dr. Fenton Blakemore Whiting of Skagway fame.

David writes.

Jeff:

I don't know the whereabouts of the rifle. Wish I did.

Saw your blog entries about the portrait. I have only one correction. The closeup of Dr Whiting at autopsy is captioned as Fenton Blackmore, whereas it is actually Blakemore.

I don't really have a dog in the hunt relative to Soapy's killing. It sounds like you might be right about the coup de grace. I'd like to read your book when I get the opportunity to as it sounds interesting.

As you can see in the attached photo, as a young child I followed in Dr. Whiting's railroading footsteps, living in Alaska, but it was relatively tame by then. (It's me and a neighbor girl from Elmendorf AFB, where dad was stationed.)

Good chatting with you.

David Nelson

Thank you for the email David. Correction has been made. You can find out more about my book HERE. I look forward to future correspondence with you.

June 19, 2011

Jeff Smith

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Dr. Fenton B. Whiting descendant, David Nelson

Received an email from Mr. David Nelson, a descendant of Dr. Fenton Blackmore Whiting, the White Pass and Yukon Railway doctor who performed the post-mortem examination on Soapy Smith's body after he was killed in the gunfight on Juneau Wharf, July 8, 1898. It is always a pleasure to get to talk to descendants of those "on the other side" of the Skagway conflict as we get another side of the history.

The first objective Mr. Nelson wanted to accomplish was to correct my and Marlene McClusky's mistake in identifying a line drawing of what we thought was Dr. Whiting. My mistaken post was back on  January 20, 2011 and I have since posted a correction notice so that no one will make the same mistake in the future, at least by looking at my blog page.

Mr. Nelson has some interesting observations and I will let him have his say.

Mr. Smith:

I came across your Soapy Smith site this a.m. at  (LINK). It contains a portrait purporting to be Dr. FB Whiting according to the Skagway Hist Soc. The portrait is not Dr Whiting but rather his father, Fenton Berkeley Whiting, 1827-1898, born Virginia and died California. I am a descendant of his brother, George Carlyle Whiting.

The portrait can be found at page 136 of Farris & Smith's Illustrated History of Plumas, Lassen and Sierra Counties..., 1882, available online. A number of photos of Dr. Whiting can be found in his book Grit, Grief and Gold, also available online as I recall.

Hope this information will be helpful.

David Nelson

Whiting's book, Grit, Grief, Gold: A True Narrative of an Alaska Pathfinder can be read online on the Hathi Trust Digital Library. I, of course, wrote back to Mr. Nelson and shared what I knew of Dr. Whiting which centers around the aftermath of the gunfight. I ask if he wished to share what he knew with the readers here and he was kind enough to send the following.

Jeff:

Thanks for writing back.

So apparently you have a somewhat different view of what happened to Soapy than did Dr Whiting and the literature I've run across. Tell me about that.

All of the stuff I have for Dr Whiting is public domain stuff but I'm happy to attach a few things which might pique your interest. I note a Seattle newspaper article which pointed out that the good Dr had in his possession late in his life the rifle which killed your gg-grandfather! I've attached the pdf of that article and others along with a couple of photos from sources other than Grit Grief and Gold.

The Whitings were of notable heritage in VA with signers of the Declaration and Constitution way back. Dr Whiting's dad was also FB Whiting who left VA with the CA gold rush and settled in Quincy CA where he explored, ran a kinda famous dogsled freight company, became a local politician and raised a big family. All of FB Sr's brothers and sisters went west except for GC Whiting (my ggg-grandfather) who was the Chief Clerk of the Dept of the Interior until his death in 1866. All of Sr's surviving sisters settled around him in northern CA.

Dr Fenton B Whiting had five brothers and two sisters. Randolph V Whiting was asst Dist Atty in SF. Richard H was a newspaper compositor in SF. Frank M was also a doctor in Oroville CA. Eugene C was a pharmacist in SF. Herbert W worked for the govt in Marin Co CA. Pearle lived in Quincy and married William Clinch. Agnes Frances married Colvin Reed in SF. Their mom was Martha Jane Mastin born in MS and died in CA. (Booooooring! Sorry)

I'm assuming you will see his photos from those times in Grit Grief etc and have maybe seen the pic where he is doing autopsy on Soapy.

Looking forward to hearing from you.

David Nelson

The obituary David sent comes from the Seattle Daily Times, January 15, 1936. I found it very interesting that Dr. Whiting was Seattle’s first expert plastic surgeon. But the most important piece of the obituary, in my personal quest, was the mention of that rifle David spoke of. Visitors to Whiting's office were favored with seeing artifacts from Whiting’s gold rush days, including “the rifle which killed the bandit the Skagway saloon keeper, ‘Soapy Smith.’” Members of the Smith family and those who read my book know that the rifle Soapy used on Frank Reid and that was taken from him by Jesse Murphy and used to kill him, was handed over to the widow and her son in August 1898 by court order. My family still possess that rifle. I would love to know more about Whiting's rifle as I believe this is the first I have heard of it. I hope the Whiting family still retains it.

Perhaps the hardest part about our hoped for new friendship that David will need to understand is that my research shows that Jesse Murphy killed Soapy and not Frank Reid. This fact was hushed by the vigilantes soon after the U.S. Army threaten marshal law on Skagway. If my research is correct then that means Dr, Whiting was a part of this cover-up as he performed the autopsies. I say that in the plural because Murphy demanded another autopsy in order to be recognized as the one who actually killed Soapy and Whiting was ordered to do so. Obviously, if Murphy had shot Soapy with Soapy's rifle there would be a difference in the true findings. I have to wonder how David will react to this news. I do hope not in the negative. The goal for me is not to point fingers, but rather to know the truth.   

January 8, 2009
April 12, 2009
January 8, 2009

Fenton B. Whiting: pages 80, 521, 537, 542, 564, 567-70, 595.

Jeff Smith

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Soapy Smith mail from Skagway: artifact #37

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Artifact #37 is a registered receipt that Soapy Smith mailed a "parcel" from Skagway, Alaska to his cousin, Edwin Bobo Smith in Washington, D.C. on June 1, 1898. November 1897, seven months prior he went to Wash. D.C. to visit Edwin. On March 27, 1898 Edwin wrote the following letter to Soapy (see artifact #3).

Dear Brother Jeff:

Glad to get your letter. I am so busy you must excuse me for not writing sooner. I saw Senator [Edward Oliver Wolcott] Wolcott and he asked to be remembered to you. Ex-Congressman [John Calhoun Bell] Bell of Colorado and Congressman [John Franklin Shafroth] Shafroth also ask me about you every time I see them. Baily of Texas wants to know when you are coming back here. He will be the next speaker if the House goes Democratic. I wish you would write and give me all the news. I want to print in the Post.

Your brother Ed

Most likely Soapy was sending along "all the news." It was common for Soapy to send people issues of the Skaguay News so perhaps he was sending some of these as well? Cousin Ed and Soapy were boyhood chums and stayed in contact most of their lives. Cousin Ed was the one who witnessed the shooting of outlaw Sam Bass with Soapy in Round Rock, Texas. It is because of Edwin that we know so much about the early Georgia and Texas life and Soapy and his family. At the bottom of this post you will find a nice selection of links about Edwin Bobo Smith.

Time has not been kind to this artifact. I include an altered photograph of the same item below for a little easier reading.

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June 6, 2011
January 5, 2011
March 27, 2010
July 21, 2009

Edwin Bobo Smith: pages 20, 22-30, 32, 35-36, 333, 425, 428, 444-49, 589.

Jeff Smith

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The Soapy Smith Wake: Skagway 1998

Jeff and Ashley Smith in front of Soapy Smith's saloon
Skagway, Alaska July 8, 1998
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Here's a few photographs from the Soapy Smith wake in Skagway, Alaska, July 8, 1998 the 100th anniversary of the shootout on Juneau Wharf.

Ashley in front of the Skagway News Depot
Note all the Soapy related items in the window
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The official poster
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The official T-Shirt (front)
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Rear of T-Shirt

Jeff Smith

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More on Ira Ellis Caspar Wistar Smith and the Civil War: part 2.

On June 3, 2011 and June 9, 2011 I posted about the Civil War service of Ira Ellis Caspar Wistar Smith., Soapy's uncle. At first I thought there was a mistake as to what unit he served under. His grave marker and records show that he joined Phillips Legion (Colonel William Phillip's), Cavalry Battalion, Company D ("Coweta Ranger's"). However The United States, Civil War Soldiers Index states that Ira served with the 1st Regiment, Company K, Georgia Reserves (Fannin's) Colonel J. H. Fannin. I now believe he may have served both.

I note that in April 1864 a Dr. Robert Leeper Young Long resigned from Phillips Legion. Ira studied to be a doctor but I do not know the years. Is it a coincidence that Ira is reported to have joined Fannin's Reserves on April 27, 1864 and stayed until the end of the war? I don't think so. I believe he too resigned, and joined up with a different unit. I also considered the chance that Dr. Long might have been a friend of Ira's and hoped to find Long's name in Fannin's Reserves as well but that was not the case.

Jeff Smith

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Soap Box News

Early Skaguay 1897
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Following are some interesting tidbits of news and information.

Regular fans of this blog will recall the past posts about the new and improved Days of '98 Show in Skagway utilizing Ed Parrish's wonderful ballad, The Bloody Ballad of Notorious Bad Man Soapy Smith’s Wretched and Violent Demise. Show co-owner, Jonathan Baldwin lets us know that Ed's song , sung by Michael Baish, will be filmed by The Outdoor Channel.

Getting ready to visit the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs. Once again I am playing the part of Soapy Smith this time however I have acquired a little more knowledge about the real Soapy. I will high jack a bus loaded with corporate types and take them to a dude ranch while teaching them about the perils they are about to face. Should be fun.

A new Soapy Smith "wake" event has been created in Denver, Colorado. Currently there are now three known "wakes" (parties) taking place this year. The one in Skagway will hold it's `34th annual wake on July 8, 2011. The held in Hollywood, California at the Magic Castle will hold it's 8th annual party on July 10, 2011. Special thanks to magician, Dave Elstun, on July 7, 2011 "Denver's First Annual Soapy Smith Wake" will be held at the Lumber Baron Inn and Garden's at 7:00 PM. The Lumber Baron Inn, 2555 W. 37th Ave., in Denver's historic Highlands Neighborhood.

The show features the talents of the Three Soapy's, Magician Dave Elstun, Comedian's Darrin Ray and Matt Vander Muelen also featured Lumber Baron Owner and Historian Walter Keller, Bu...rlesque Dancer Dewliscious and Physical Comedian and Juggler Reid Belstock. Tickets are now on sale at The Lumber Baron Inn (303) 477-8205 for only $15.00 per person (dinner is not included). For more information please visit The Lumber Baron web-site.

Next year there will be at least four known Soapy Smith wakes taking place around the country.  Magician and Soapy fan, Keith Cobb plans to have the first annual "wake" in Chicago, Illinois. For a number of years Keith annually trekked from Chicago to Hollywood for the Soapy party at the Magic Castle. That's a noble feat for any true fan, as well as expensive. Keith wants to share the fun with his fellow Chicagonians next year, in conjunction with the annual anniversary of the Wizards Club of Chicago.

I have a full year to plan. I have told lots of people about it already. I plan to ask Glenn Morphew (a local shell game guy) who is a friend of Ed Parish if he would be interested in coming up to sing the ballad. He's only 600 mile away. I have my own Faro setup, chuck-a-luck, shell game, fast and loose, three-card monte, and cover the spot, I even have a small roulette setup. If it is ok we will probably print up our own Soapy money. I plan on having several local entertainers do gambling themed magic and may even have a location set. I know a magician who owns a bar with a kitchen. We would be interested in having a table of Soapy related items for sale, including your book. This is going to be so much fun.

----------

I am planning on a cash bar and food so I don't see much expense at all other then printing fliers and fake money. I am planning on doing a web page for the event on the Wizard's Club website since it is a combination club anniversary party. It will be our 80th year. For our 75th I had a banquet and had over 250 people attend so getting a turn out should be no problem. Chicago is a big magic town and everyone love a good party. Here is a link to that party. Any suggestions are helpful.

Jeff Smith

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Tara Kane: Skaguay Military Company

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In the novel, Tara Kane the German photographer, Hart tries desperately to convince Tara of Soapy Smith's evil intentions of raising a private army to seize control of the ports and trails leading into Canada and the Klondike gold fields. This fictional account is based on the real regarding the creation of the Skaguay Military Company in May 1898. 

“Tara,” he said gravely. “You must get away from him. He is a bad man.”

“You don’t have to worry, I know all about Mr. Smith,” she replied dismissively, getting up.

I don’t think you do.” The way he said it made her stop. “There are rumors. He is planning something. Something dangerous. I hear stories.”

“I’m not interested in gossip,” she retorted.

“No, you must listen,” Hart said urgently. “He is raising an army. Shipping in weapons. Ammunition. Training men.”

“That’s his little hobby. He likes playing soldiers. He’ll come to see you any day now for a photograph of him in his pretty uniform. You’re taking it all too seriously, Ernst.”

“Don’t you understand?” Hart was getting excited. “He plans a Putsch, a revolt. When he has enough men and enough guns, he will take over the tow, the railroad, maybe Dyea, seize the Chilkoot, the White Pass.”

“That’s crazy!” she cried.

“With his army, who can stop him? A couple of deputy marshals? By the time they send troops, he’ll control everything.”

“Ernst, you’re being ridiculous.”

“I beg you, Tara, you must leave here. Before it’s too late.”

“Ernst, I don’t believe any of” she began, but he cut her short.

“I will protect you from him,” he burst out. “He won’t be able to do anything. You can rely on me. I will look after you and the baby. You need not have anything to do with the man ever again.”

Tara said nothing. …

…..........................................................................

[Tara confronts Soapy in his office]

There was a knock on the door. Smith ignored it, but Tara disengaged herself. Again the knock came.

“Yes?” Smith called out irritably. His eyes were on Tara. She was trying to take advantage of the operation to collect herself.

Yeah Mow came in and stopped when he saw the two of them.

“Well?” Smith demanded. His voice was sharp.

“I didn’t know you were busy, Boss,” grunted Yeah Now, “only they’re going to start unloading.” He stopped. “The cargo will be coming ashore soon. Thought you’d better know.”

“OK,” Smith said curtly, “I’ll be there.”

She could tell something was being kept from her. Yeah Mow closed the door, and Tara asked, “What cargo’s that, Jeff?”

Doubts were crossing her mind, and echo of what Hart had said, “When he has enough men and enough guns.”

“Christ, honey, we got more important things to talk about than that,” he said. Suddenly, he seemed guarded.

“No. I want to know.”

She sat down and looked at him challengingly. Her softness had gone. She was tough, businesslike.

“You don’t make sense,” he replied. Under his hooded lids, his eyes were wary.

“You keep disappearing for days on end. Nobody sees you. Then all these cargoes that arrive. You keep going to the waterfront. What’s so important about them? You keep that gunman outside your door. Your office gets burgled. What’s happening? Your right-hand wants to know what’s happening.

He hesitated, then he shrugged. “I’m training my men. Hell, I’m the CO of the outfit. I’m whipping them into shape. I got to spend time with them. And those cargoes, why they’re just supplies. Military supplies. Uniforms. Boots.”

“Arms?” Her voice was quiet.

He didn’t blink. “Sure. Rifles, sidearms. I’m having them shippedin, and I don’t aim to see them go astray. So I keep an eye on things. You don’t want my soldier boys to have wooden swords, do you?”

He laughed as if that was a good joke. He opened a drawer and took out some sheets of paper.

“Now while I’m gone, I’d appreciate you copying these out, just for me and a couple of the boys.”

He passed them over to her.

She glanced at them, uneasiness growing. “What are these list?”
“It’s the payroll. If the men get called out, if a state of emergency is declared.”

“You mean martial law? In Skagway? Who’d declare that?

“I like to be safe.”

“Safe from what, Jeff? She pressed.

“Safe from other people’s interference.”
She stood up, putting down the lists. “But all this is illegal. Recruiting private mercenaries in the name of the United States, shipping in arms, wearing uniforms, giving out ranks. National Guard, indeed!”

Smith looked amused. “He’s put you up to this, hasn’t he? That lousy photographer made your beautiful hair stand on end? Right?”

“I can use my own eyes,” Tara said. She didn’t want to bring Hart into this.

He grinned. “Now you listen. Congress has rushed through a bill authorizing the immediate enlisting of volunteer troops for the war. Here.” He went to a chair, picked up some Seattle and San Francisco newspapers. The headlines were there. They were recruiting men for the Spanish War.

“What’s good for Teddy Roosevelt is good enough for me,” went on Smith.

Tara shook her head. “You’ll have to try harder than that. You’re raising a private army, and I want to know why.”

He strode across the room to the newly installed safe. “Goddamn it, Tara, you can be the most aggravating female,” he shouted. He took out a sheet of paper and thrust it at her.

“Private army, indeed,” he growled.

The paper had an officially printed letterhead embossed with the legend: Office of the Secretary of War, Washington, D.C.

Dear Captain Smith, [it read] The President has passed over to the Department of the Army your letter and asked me to reply on his behalf.

He joins me in commending your patriotic spirit in forming your militia unit. You and your volunteer forces and the enthusiasm with which you have rallied to the colors in this hour of your country’s need are a tribute to the people of Alaska.

Your offer to put your unit at the disposal of the United States Army and to lead your men in an invasion of Spanish Cuba is greatly appreciated, but I can assure you that the forces we have available are adequate and there is no need for the War Department to require your services overseas.

I am, sir, your obedient servant,

And it was signed Russel A. Alger, Secretary of War.

“Well?” He stood beaming at her. “You still think I’m planning to start some cockeyed private war?”

She had to admit that it was not what she had expected. She hadn’t known that he had been in touch with Washington. She thought he was doing it all on his own here, thousands of miles away. Maybe he was right, she thought. Maybe Hart had wanted to paint Smith in the blackest colors. She gave him back the letter.

“How many men have you got now?” she asked.

“Two, three hundred,” he said, going out the door.

Washington knew what Smith was up to, and they had raised no objections. What was really going on? …

…...............................................................................

Smith displayed his letter from Washington proudly. It hung in a prominent position in the Oyster Parlor, reverently framed. Only Tara knew that he had cut out part of the letter and neatly joined the two other pieces. There was no mention of Washington brushing him off; only the grateful thanks of his President and the War Department.

May 18, 2011
May 3, 2011 
April 29, 2011 
April 28, 2011

Skaguay Military Company: pages 79, 471, 486-90, 494-95, 498-502, 505, 510, 514-15, 595.

Jeff Smith

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A time capsule in Skagway

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In 1998 I had a custom ink stamp made for the 100th anniversary of Soapy Smith's death. You can see the stamp on the postcard above. I bought a few of the Soapy postcards from Dedman's Photo Shop in Skagway, stamped them and then on July 8 I went to the Skagway post office and had them postmarked.

Front of postcard
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We were having a family reunion so I took one of the postcards and had all the family members sign it. This card was given to Jeff Brady of the Skagway News who in turn gave it to the Skagway Centennial Committee for a time capsule. The capsule was buried in July 1999 inside a stainless steel vault in Centennial Park. It will be dug up in 2099. We will report on that.

Story and list of items in capsule
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Jeff Smith

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Soapy Smith news and pranks

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Yesterday I posted about a practical joke pulled on me by Skagway businessman, Dennis Corrington. The above photograph shows one of my own. It was 1989 when I went to Skagway and placed an "antiqued" sign near Frank Reid Fall, changing the name to "Soapy Smith Falls." I'm such a card.

Today's post is a combination of recent news.

Dave Elstun, coordinator of the first annual Soapy Smith Wake in Denver, Colorado is preparing a press release for the event "We are doing the Wake on July 7th at 7 PM. It is taking the form of a saloon show."

Linda Aten posted a request on our discussion board asking about her great-great-great-grandfather's connection to Soapy. Linda writes,

"I have been trying to find out information about my GGG grandfather who left my GGG grandmother and was not ever hear from again. The story was that he was in Alaska during the time of Soapy Smith. He did some mining in Leadville and the story is that he and several others went to Skagway. I was able to trace him to Montana in 1900 with a new wife and then to California for the rest of his life. His name was William Paige Hyatt. Do you have any information as to whether he was connect to Soapy Smith. I understand he was quite a scoundrel in his own right."

Please, if anyone out there has any information on William Paige Hyatt contact Jeff Smith.

Karen Cuthbertson is in Denver searching for the marriage certificate of Jefferson R. Smith and Mary Eva Noonan. Although we know they married in Denver on February 1, 1886 there seems to be no record. We await to see what Karen finds.

Vintage piano music king, Dave Bourne, is looking to possibly record Ed Parrish's ballad, The violent Demise of Soapy Smith.

Jeff Smith

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Adrian Bricker and the Smith clan in Skagway, 1998

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Ever since joining Facebook on a regular basis and creating a Soapy Smith profile good things have been happening. No, I haven't been playing Farm Wars,  and their other games, but I have been meeting some very interesting people. Adrian Bricker is no exception.

In 1998 when my family had a reunion in Skagway, Alaska Adrian happen to be driving his tour bus. He no longer lives in Skagway, or drives people around on tours, but his memories of meeting my family and I are among his favorite. How can myself and my family not be humbled by that? In the last few days I have been corresponding with Adrian who has helped bring back great Skagway memories of my own. Following is some of our conversations. Adrian writes that,

... someone who has made a living telling the stories of 'your' [he's talking to my Soapy Smith profile] adventures, and had the pleasure of driving your family on tour, (honoring the 100 year anniversary of the shootout with Mr. Reid), I told every guest I ever had, that, "if you want to tell a good story, you have to have a good guy, and a bad guy...And, while 'You' may have been occasionally bad, 'ol Frank Reid was NO BETTER...and had he not died as well, from the gun battle, we'd prolly be telling stories about HIS lawless ways, and HIS illegal tactics." Hope all the family is doing well!! :)

Perhaps, in your research, you have found some corroborating (or not), of the 'telegraph' office, that was supposedly run by 'You'...whether or not it WAS true, it was one of my favorite stories to tell...

I really enjoy hearing and talking to fans of Soapy Smith. In regards to the fake telegraph office I wrote Adrian and told him that,

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Skagway, in its infancy, lacked a government, a newspaper, and record keeping. I believe the telegraph office swindle was there for just a very short time. The only corroborating evidence is from early stampeders writing about Skagway. None of the victims were willing to admit their gullibility at being taken in such a simple fashion. There is no provenance that it actually took place, however, no where in history have I read of a similar swindle. It's just so Soapy for anyone to have invented the story...

_________

[The following is from Alias Soapy Smith]

One of the more brazen scams Jeff worked on stampeders was the Telegraph Office. Travel between Skaguay and Seattle took about a week, and after that long at sea, the weary traveler was eager to be in touch with loved ones and associates at home. Seeing an opportunity, Jeff opened a telegraph service that would send a message anywhere in the US for only $5. More could be made than just this fee, however. Upon entering the “office,” a victim learned the key operator had stepped out for a moment but would soon return. Encouraged to wait, he would be surrounded by newfound “friends” who chatted with him and offered the usual pastime games of chance. When the key operator appeared, if the victim still had the $5 fee, he could send his message. If believed to still have funds enough, he would be followed and after a short time informed that a reply telegram had arrived and awaited him back at the office—for an additional $5. Then the friendly games of chance might be employed again to obtain even more, if not all, of the victim’s money.

In 1897-1898 no telegraph line ran to Skaguay, but the line from the Telegraph Office that disappeared into Lynn Canal made it appear there was. A line did not reach Skaguay from Juneau until 1901.

The Soapy Smith telegraph swindle is one of the very few  moments in his life span of adventures that there is currently no provenance for. I am positive that one day something will show up, perhaps in the form of  a miners diary or letters from early residents.

Adrian also wrote that he was also hoping

someone from your family, has photos from the visit, in 1998, including the sign in the lobby of the Golden North Hotel, which read 'Reid and Smith Families please check your weapons at the front desk'...was a great visit, but was to busy talking, and driving, to get any pics.

I was your driver, and guide that day, you and the Reids were there...it was one of my favorite days as a guide, and remember most of the tour...love to hear your 'sign' story...and, of course, to see it posted here, for all to see!! :)

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Adrian, it is such a pleasure to meet you once again. You are helping me relive that wonderful trip. The story of the Smith/Reid family warning placed at the registration desk of the Golden North Hotel by owner, Dennis Corrington is a funny one, and now I learn that you were impartially involved.

Dennis likes his practical jokes. He and my father were similar in that regard. My father had what he called, the "sting board." Anytime he was able to win a bet by setting up his friends with a joke he placed the funds on the board as a place of honor. For many years my father and his friends went to great lengths to con one another. Dennis and I often talked about ways to fool people and that sense of humor backfired once when Dennis pretended to find gold and a gun within the walls of the Golden North during restoration. Many in Skagway did not appreciate the joke. I did, but I knew where Dennis was coming from. Dennis "stung" me for $5 when I was in Skagway in 1998 and I still laugh thinking about it.

Dennis, being the prankster, had made the little framed sign (see photo above) and put it behind the hotel desk for all to see, especially the Smith and Reid family members. Naturally I noticed it, however, there was a problem. He had spelled Reid as Reed. Being the polite guest I said nothing to him.  Adrian noticed the sign and its misspelling of Reid and let Dennis know. Late one night, near the end of the trip, members of my family, Dennis, and his daughter were gathered in his hotel saloon talking and drinking. It was a great time and I hated to know that soon I'd be going back home. Dennis skillfully brought up the sign so that I would mention the misspelling of Reid. I bit, and hard. I told him that Reid was spelled wrong and he adamantly denied that he had made any mistake. We went back and forth, setting me up for the kill by introducing a small friendly wager of $5. I thought I had a "sure-thing" and took his bet. He had me go get the sign, still hanging on the wall until that's when I found out that the sneak had recently changed the sign to the correct spelling. That little episode had me thinking of my father and his sense of humor and brought back fond memories of him.

Adrian says he,

... prolly drove 2500 trips, in 8 years of guiding, so they do kinda run together, but there are a few trips that were 'standouts', and your family was one! :)

Skagway Telegraph Office: page 480.

Jeff Smith

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More on Ira Ellis Caspar Wistar Smith and the Civil War.

(Please see June 16, 2011)

A little more digging unearthed some new information on the Civil War service of Ira Ellia Caspar Wistar Smith. From the United States Civil War Soldiers Index I found that Ira belonged to the1st Regiment, Company K, Georgia Reserves, also known as Fannin's (Colonel J. H. Fannin). I could find no history for this unit, however in the USGW Archives I was able to find that Ira enlisted as a Senior 2nd Lieutenant on April 27, 1864 in Atlanta, Georgia under Captain W. L. Hubbard for the duration of the War, in which he ranked out as 2nd Lieutenant. Some of the enlisted men records contained physical descriptions and other notes but there was nothing listed for Ira Smith.

June 3, 2011

Jeff Smith

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