Gisvold, Erick.

1898-1899

Organizer of Alaska Mining Co-Operative Society. Company agreed to purchase machinery including one boiler, two engines, one hydraulic dredging pump, shaft for driving wheels, ropes, etc. They expected to use this to create steam sled for transporting supplies across glacier, for dreding, mining, and sawing timber for boats. Agreement states that if person becomes sick after starting work, “his interests should be taken care of as a brother.” In case of death, “his family or assign shall be notified and his share of interest or property shall be sent to them.” Those who failed to work would be given a notification, and they still refused to work, then suspended from the party. Matters would be decided by majority rule. All claims would be held jointly by the party. Each member agreed to have $450 of which $75 was to go to clothing (each person doing his own shopping), $375 to cover “machinery, tickets, freight, provisions, tools and other provisions except clothing.” (AMCOS); Letter to N.T. Wile, from Chicago telling him when to come to Chicago, that he had good news from Dr. Kru “who went to Alaska last summer and located at Copper River , and are taking out gold now.” Firearms were not included in the $450. WL, 1/7/1898; On Valencia departing Seattle, 3/6/98, WL; Signed AMCOS agreement 1/27/98; When AMCOS split up, Gisvold, Wallace [Walner], Aman and Stark formed the Gisvold party; stayed together until late May when Wallner and Stark got into a row and divided up; Gisvold joined Carroll Co. (Wile), WL 5/24/98;