Alexander Boswell Stafford Fonds: Copies of the Yukon Journal and "Application for Grant for Placer Claim"

Scope and Content: Copies of the journal written by Alexander Boswell Stafford during his participation in the Yukon gold rush of 1896-1897, and "Application for Grant for Placer Claim" completed by Stafford for a gold stake in the Yukon, 10 August 1897.

History Biographical: Alexander Boswell Stafford was born in 1877 in Nova Scotia to William and Jane Gibb Stafford. Alexander was one of 14 children. In 1883 the Stafford family moved to the new coal mining settlement at Coal Banks (later Lethbridge). On 26 June 1896 Alexander Stafford, age 19, left Lethbridge to participate in the Yukon gold rush. He crossed the Chillkoot Pass and made the ealry spring journey to Dawson City. From there, he staked and mined placer gold on Sulphur Creek. Back in Lethbridge from the Yukon, Alexander Stafford opened a furniture and hardware store on 3 Avenue South in partnership with David Brodie in February 1899. 'Brodie and Stafford' continued until 1909, when Fred R. Agnew became Alexander's new partner. The business was renamed the 'Stafford-Agnew Company'. In 1914 John Smith Stewart entered into partnership with Alexander, but the business was soon forgotten as both men joined the Canadian Army at the outbreak of World War 1. Commissioned a Lieutenant, Alexander Stafford assumed command of the newly-formed 39th Field Battery. Alexander went to Europe with the Battery, where he was killed on 24 June 1917, age 40.

Acquisition Source: Dean, A.W. (Sandy) 1327 Lake Bonavista Drive SE Calgary, Alberta T2J 0P4

Scope and Content: Copies of the journal written by Alexander Boswell Stafford during his participation in the Yukon gold rush of 1896-1897, and "Application for Grant for Placer Claim" completed by Stafford for a gold stake in the Yukon, 10 August 1897.