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Richard Tighe Harris family papers

Guide to the Richard Tighe Harris family papers
1853-1969

Collection number: HMC-0131.
Creator: Harris, Richard Tighe, 1833-1907.
Title: Richard Tighe Harris family papers.
Dates: 1853-1969.
Volume of collection: 3.0 cubic feet.
Language of materials: Collection materials in English.
Collection summary: The family papers of a prospector and the co-founder of Juneau, Alaska.

Biographical note:
Richard (Dick) Tighe Harris was born on October 31, 1833. He attended Duff’s Merchant College in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In the late 1850’s he went west and began prospecting for gold in Montana and Idaho. In the late 1870’s he was prospecting in the Cassiar Mountain Region. In 1880, working under contract for Hall and Pilz, he and Joseph Juneau discovered gold on the Silver Bow Basin in the vicinity of present day Juneau. The mining district was named after Dick Harris and Juneau was originally called Harrisburgh. Claims were staked and Harris operated his mines until 1885 when he lost most of them in a law suit. During this period, he married Kitty, a Native woman. They had two sons: William John Harris and Richard T. Harris, Jr. Their only daughter died at about one year of age. Richard Harris died in 1907. The two sons attended Chemawa Indian School in Oregon. William Harris later became a guide and painter in Juneau.

Richard Tighe Harris, Irish immigrant, came to America, acquired an education, and went west to make his fortune. His life was that of a self-made individual toiling to achieve what was not possible in Europe. He struggled to gain success and wealth. These he gained and then lost.

The family of Richard Tighe Harris originated in Ireland. His parents, John and Mary Harris, lived in Dummadonald, County Down, Ireland. John Harris was married twice; from his first marriage he had at least four, and possibly five, children. From his second marriage there were six children. While the names of the children from the first marriage are not known with certainty, it appears there may have been a Samuel, Reid, Joseph, James and Sarah Harris (Pinkerton). From his second marriage, the children were:

Name Birth Death
Sarah Harris (McCormick) 1825 June 1 1892 September 28
Martha Jane Harris (Weir) 1826 August 1 1901 April 26
John Harris 1828 May 24 1850 June 4
Robert Harris 1830 May 8 1845 December 15
William C. Harris 1832 March 2 1897 April 24
Richard Tighe Harris 1833 October 31 1907 October 11

John Harris died at 76 years of age on March 29, 1848. Mary Harris died July 3, 1842, at the age of 50. The exact date of the immigration of members of the Harris family to America is not known. Martha Jane Harris never left Ireland and it is probable that both Robert and John Harris died in Ireland. However, Sarah Harris (McCormick), Sarah Harris (Pinkerton), William C. Harris, and Richard T. Harris did come to America.

Early in his life in America, Dick Harris lived in Ohio and in Pennsylvania. While in Ohio, he stayed with his uncle Caldwell Anderson who was the brother of his mother, Mary Anderson Harris. He attended Duff’s Merchant’s College in Pittsburgh and graduated from that school in 1818.

Later in 1858, Dick Harris went West and probably stayed with his brother in Missouri after which he went to Kansas Territory. In 1859, he apparently left Fort Leavenworth for the mining country. This was the beginning of his life on the mining frontier of America. In 1864, Harris was somewhere in Idaho Territory and probably had been in the vicinity of Virginia City (Nevada or Montana Territory, unclear). That same year he recorded several claims near Bannack City, Montana Territory, where he probably stayed through 1868. There are no records in the collection concerning his activities between 1868 and 1877 but it is probable that he was engaged in mining and prospecting activities in various parts of the west during the period.

From 1858 to 1868, Harris corresponded with a woman named Ellen McCutcheon. She also was an Irish immigrant, and both were interested in marriage. It is apparent that she was much more religious than he and that their social views were different. They did discuss marriage but her family was against that union. In the mid-1860’s, he was about to return to Pennsylvania to marry her; but he never did.

Dick Harris was in British Columbia prospecting for gold in 1877. Two years later, he was prospecting for gold in Southeastern Alaska. In 1880, Harris and Joe Juneau were grubstaked by George Pilz. Accompanied by Cowee and two other Natives, they prospected various locations in the Gastineau Channel. In October, they discovered gold in the Silver Bow Basin and proceeded to locate claims there and on other nearby sites for themselves, Pilz, and others. Harris named the town Harrisburgh after the capital of Pennsylvania; the Harris Mining District was however named after him. In addition they located mill sites and a town site. Within two months, the stampede to the area began.

Harris called his own operation the Discovery Mining Company. Between 1881 and 1885, the company produced over $40,000 in gold and had expenses just over $14,000.

In 1882-1883, Harris traveled from Alaska to Missouri and possibly further East. It is not certain whether he went back to Ireland to visit his relatives. Harris was generous with his new wealth and he gave money to his relations both in Missouri and in Ireland. Indeed his sister, Martha Jane Weir, later wrote that when her husband died, the only money that was left to her was that which Dick Harris had given them years ago. Other relatives also commented on his generosity.

Newman A. Fuller, supported by W. T. Coleman, sued Harris in 1884 because Harris worked an area of overlap between their claims in the Silver Bow Basin. During the proceedings, he was advised by J. B. Coglan, U. S. N., and represented by a man named Maloney. Harris eventually lost the case and all of his properties except for several town lots. Later another lawyer, A. K. Delaney, informed him that his case had been “shockingly handled”. It is apparent that Harris was not knowledgeable about legal matters.

During the 1880’s, Harris, while in his 50’s met and married a young Tlingit girl from Hoonah; only her first name, Kitty, is known with certainty. To their union four children were born. William J. Harris, Jr., was born on May 14, 1882; he died 2 days later. A second son was born to them on March 29, 1884, also named William J. Harris, Jr. On November 10, 1885, Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. was born; and two and a half years later, on March 22, 1888, Mary Kelchine Harris was born. Kitty Harris and the three children were baptized on Sunday, July 15, 1888, by Reverend Eugene S. Willard in the Presbyterian Church in Harrisburgh, Alaska. Mary Kelchine Harris died on February 24, 1889, at the age of 11 months. Kitty Harris died in February 1893, at 26 years of age. The two Harris boys attended the native school in Juneau. In the mid-1890’s, they began to study at the Indian School at Chemawa, Oregon. The first correspondence in the collection between them while at school and their father begins in late 1897.

Very little is known about the life of Dick Harris in Juneau, Alaska. A long time Mason, he was admitted to the Jamestown Lodge in Sitka in 1881. In 1885, he served on the first Grand Jury in Alaska. He began working for Thomas L. Nowell as the manager of the Alaska. Union Mining Company mill and property on Douglas Island in 1891; his salary was $100 a month. Later, he worked for the District Court as Clerk and as Special Deputy Marshall and also for the U. S. Customs Service as an inspector.

In his later years, Harris became recognized as a pioneer and a founder of Juneau, Alaska. As such, he acquired a certain amount of prominence. In 1893, 1900 and 1902, articles appeared in Alaska newspapers discussing his contributions and his life. He continued to be interested in mining activities and he later grubstaked a few prospectors. In 1900, he acquired a mining claim in the Porcupine District. With the closure of the Nowell Mining Company in early 1901, Dick Harris was not only out of a job but in poor straits financially. He had to rely on the jobs with the courts and the Customs Service to survive. He attempted to sell the three family plots in Juneau in 1902 but, since they were in his children’s name, he had to obtain permission from them to sell. The sale, however, never took place and the land remained in the family’s hands. In 1903, the Juneau City Assembly excused him from paying property taxes because of his services to the public.

Dick Harris’ eyesight began to fail by mid-1904. His son, Richard Harris, Jr., joined his father in Juneau in August of that year. A month later, the son wrote to his brother at Chemawa that their father had liver and eye trouble. During this time he helped his father at the Customs Office; before the year was out, Dick Harris’ eyesight and mind failed him. He was sent to a nursing home operated by the Masonic Order in Portland, Oregon. He died there on October 11, 1907, at age 73. He was buried in Juneau, Alaska, on December 28, 1907.

Dick Harris’ sons continued to live in Alaska in the Juneau area. William John Harris worked as a guide and as a sign painter there for many years. Richard Harris, Jr., became a musician and carpenter and also lived in Juneau for most of his life. Both men raised large families.

Collection description:
This collection consists of seven series: correspondence, mining records, legal papers, financial records, drawings and photographs, maps, newspapers, miscellaneous printed matter, and other records. The collection provides documentary information on the life and activities of Richard Harris and of his children, especially William Harris. The largest group of letters are between Harris and his children when they were students in Oregon. The legal, mining and financial records provide insight into Harris’ prospecting and business activities, especially for the period of 1879-1885. Among the financial records are a cash book listing expenditures for prospecting trips in 1879 and 1880, an account book covering the period 1881-1885, and receipts for shipments of gold by the Wells Fargo Company. The photographs include pictures of members of the family, of hunting trips guided by William J. Harris, and of buildings and groups in the Juneau area. There are also several caricature drawings by William J. Harris.

The Richard Tighe Harris family papers contains about 750 items dating between 1853 and 1969. Among them are papers that reflect not only on the life of Dick Harris but also on the lives of his two sons William John Harris and Richard T. Harris, Jr.

The collection contains significant though limited information on the early life of Richard Tighe Harris such as his naturalization papers and the correspondence that relates to the family in Ireland and in the United States. Several documents and letters give hint of Harris’ travels and mining activities in the West. Unfortunately, not all of the story of Harris’ life and of his family’s movement to America is contained in these papers.

There are many records concerning Harris’ involvement in prospecting for gold and other operations between 1879 and 1886. Of his activities between 1879 and 1881 there is significant documentation in the form of a cash book, locations of claims, agreements, mining laws, and similar materials. In addition, his time book, dated 1884, provides information both on the amount of gold produced and the expenses of his mines. That same book also provides information on labor costs in the mines around early Juneau. Some of the correspondence and papers from 1885 and 1886 hint at a few of the legal problems Harris faced in the suit against him by N. A. Fuller.

A few papers in the collection illustrate the activities of George Pilz over this period. Among these are a draft of an agreement between Pilz, Harris, and Juneau dated 1880. In addition, there are 12 letters mainly from Pilz or his wife to Harris. These letters document the whereabouts of Pilz and his own legal problems in California during the period. They also give indication of the support that Harris and John Olds gave to Pilz and his wife during their legal problems. A draft list of Pilz’ property is included in the collection as it is apparent Harris was empowered by Pilz to sell his property in Alaska in order to raise cash for lawyers’ fees. In addition to such mining and business records, the collection contains a fair amount of information on Harris’ family, in the form of correspondence, genealogical information from the family Bible, and a large number of photographs. There are many letters between Harris and his two sons and photographs of William John Harris and his family.

Arrangement: The papers were arranged by series or type of record. There are seven series: correspondence, legal records, financial records, memoranda, pictorial materials, printed material and memorabilia.

Alternative formats: Copy negatives of some of the photographs in the collection have been made and included in the collection. Transcripts of some of the letters have been created and are linked in the container list below.

Digitized copies: Selected items from the collection have been digitized and placed online in Alaska’s Digital Archives ( Alternatively, links in the container list below indicate which items have been digitized). For information about obtaining digital copies of collection materials, please contact Archives and Special Collections.

Rights note: A portion of the collection is in the public domain, but a portion is still within copyright protection. Archives and Special Collections holds copyright to any collection materials authored or created by Harris family members.

Preferred citation: Richard Tighe Harris family papers, Archives and Special Collections, Consortium Library, University of Alaska Anchorage.

Index: An index to the names of Harris relatives represented in the correspondence or in photographs is available.

Related materials: Other Harris family correspondence is held by the Juneau-Douglas Museum in Juneau, Alaska. The Alaska State Archives in Juneau may hold the court filings related to the mining lawsuit.

Acquisition note: The Richard Tighe Harris family papers were presented to the Archives by Mr. and Mrs. Frederick B. Harris and their sons, Hugh and James, in 1980. Frederick B. Harris is the grandson of Richard Tighe Harris and the son of William John Harris. Additional papers were acquired from Mrs. David Tanner in 1981.

Processing information: An item-level guide to the collection was authored by Dennis Walle and published in 1981. That guide was reformatted into and superceded by this standardized version in 2011.

Container list:

Table of Contents:
Series 1: Correspondence; undated, 1858-1918.

Subseries 1a: Dated correspondence; 1858-1918.
Subseries 1b: Undated correspondence; undated.
Subseries 1c: Incomplete and undated correspondence; undated, 1897-1910.
Subseries 1d: Invitations; 1858, 1908, 1909.
Subseries 1e: Envelopes; undated, 1881-1916.

Series 2: Legal records; undated, 1858-1917.

Subseries 2a: Mining records; undated, 1864-1913.
Subseries 2b: Other legal records; undated, 1858-1917.

Series 3: Financial records; 1879-1909.
Series 4: Memoranda; 1882-1946.
Series 5: Pictorial materials; undated, 1853-1940.

Subseries 5a: Drawings; undated.
Subseries 5b: Old Tillicum pictures; approximately 1900.
Subseries 5c: Photographs; 1853-1940.

Series 6: Printed material; undated, 1856-1969.
Series 7: Masonic Order memorabilia; undated, 1881, 1897.

Series 1: Correspondence; undated, 1858-1918. 0.6 cubic feet.
The correspondence section contains early letters that shed some light on the early life and activities of Harris, especially on his origins and involvement in prospecting in the latter part of the 1850’s and 1860’s; nonetheless, there remain significant undocumented portions of his early life. A major portion of the correspondence is between Richard Harris and his two sons while they were in school in Chemawa, Oregon. In addition to the personal qualities they convey, these letters also detail some aspects of life at an Indian boarding school. There are also letters from relatives of Richard Harris throughout the United States. Other items include letters from Governor Brady and Dr. Sheldon Jackson. The correspondence section is divided into five sub-series: dated correspondence; undated correspondence; undated and incomplete correspondence; invitations; and envelopes.

Series 1: Correspondence. Subseries 1a: Dated correspondence; 1858-1918.
Letters are in chronological order.

Box/Folder Letter number Description Date
1/1 1 Ellen McCutcheon (Allegheny City, Pennsylvania) to Richard Tighe Harris. Received his letter of the 14th; she discusses their relationship, marriage, love, and religion. 4 pages. 1858 April 27
1/1 2 Lou Archer (Weston, Missouri) to Richard Tighe Harris. Happy to hear from Harris and is sending him a ring as a gift. Understands Harris is returning home to marry a girl named Ellen. 2 pages. 1858 August 1
1/1 3 Ellen McCutcheon (Allegheny City, Pennsylvania) to Richard Tighe Harris. Discusses her love for him and her family’s evaluation of him. Learned that he was leaving Leavenworth for the mines; she had hoped that he was wise enough to stay at home rather than endanger his life and health for gold. 2 pages. 1859 May 2
1/2 4 Ellen McCutcheon (Allegheny City, Pennsylvania) to Richard Tighe Harris. Answers his letter of March 10 and is well. Hopes for the good of his soul. 4 pages. 1860 April 14
1/2 5 Ellen McCutcheon (Allegheny City, Pennsylvania) to Richard Tighe Harris. Believes she must marry soon or become an old maid. Wonders how far he is from civilized society since she can no longer trace him on her map. Believes he will fall victim to one of the young ladies he met. Would send him her likeness but she is not getting any better looking. Mentions her family and various friends. 4 pages. 1862 January 24
1/2 6 W. F. Sanders (Virginia City) to Richard Tighe Harris (Idaho Territory). The Union League is in running order and will meet on April 19; they hope to see him there. The vigilance committee owes some 700 dollars and has appointed Harris and Jack Gill to raise the money. The territory is divided. 2 pages. 1864 April 17
1/2 7 Ellen McCutcheon (Allegheny City, Pennsylvania) to Richard Tighe Harris. Happy to hear he is well; she has not married. She will marry him this winter if he asks. She wants him to write upon receiving the letter to tell her if he will be coming. She has met a man who is interested in her but she won’t make any engagements until she hears from him. Sends her picture. 4 pages. 1867 May 18
1/2 8 M. J. McDonald (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris. Received Harris’ letter of January 1; he is engaged in mining stocks. Glad that Harris is getting some ore and will be paid for his labor; there is much rich rock there. McDonald states that he had last possession of No. 8 and still owns it; discusses other owners and lessees of the claim. Willing for Harris and Mr. Trask to work the claim for six months in return for a fair profit. 4 pages. 1868 February 22
1/3 9 James and Sarah L. Pinkerton (Lowell, Indiana) to Richard Tighe Harris (British Columbia). Wrote him four years ago they’ve moved from Missouri to Indiana. Received his address in letter from George and Sarah McCormick. They feel Harris should be tired of wandering and should settle down. Discusses their childhood in Ohio and asks for a description of his country so she can have it printed in the newspaper. Mentions various relatives. 4 pages. 1877 May 6
1/4 10 James T. Ring (USS Jamestown; Sitka, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris. PDF transcript. 2 pages. 1881 May 16
1/4 11 Corbitt and MacLeay (Portland, Oregon) to Mr. P. Corcoran (Sitka, Alaska). Sends receipt for $1890. 45 in gold dust being shipped to San Francisco. States his orders were drawn on his account. 1 page. 1881 August 8
1/4 12 Charles Stuart (Washington, D.C.) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). Hopes Harris is doing well because he deserves it. Wants Harris to give his respects to his brothers in Alaska and asks about the Alaska Chief. 2 pages. 1882 February 12
1/4 13 M. H. Cone (Axtell, Kansas) to Richard Tighe Harris (Eagleville, Missouri). Asks Harris to call on him at his place of business on his return trip to Alaska. Several prominent men wish to meet him. Thanks him for the quartz rock specimens. 2 pages. 1883 January 16
1/4 14 H. Wadsworth, Cashier-Wells Fargo and Co. ‘s Bank (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). Received his undated letter and $105 by express. As advised he is sending a draft to Mr. George McCormick of Eagleville, Missouri. 1 page. 1884 August 25
1/4 15 John Morrow (Allegheny, Pennsylvania) to P. Corcoran. Received his order for glasses and asks how he should send them. Sends his best wishes to Mr. Harris. 1 page. 1884 October 4
1/5 16 Mary I. Reid (Eagleville, Missouri) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). Would like to see him and doesn’t understand how he could stay in the wilderness and never see any of his relations. Mentions various relatives. 2 pages. 1885 January 1
1/5 17 John Morrow (Allegheny, Pennsylvania) to Thomas Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). Doesn’t know if Mr. Corcoran received the gold spectacles which were sent three months ago; wants notification of receipt. Times are very hard and many men are out of work in Pennsylvania. 1 page. 1885 January 3
1/5 18 Fred Miller (Carbonado, Washington) to Patrick Cochlin (Harrisburgh, Alaska). Wrote several letters to Harris without receiving an answer. Asks if the Cutler Brothers have got a foothold and are building a new steamer. Wants Harris to know that John Call is dead. 1 page. 1885 February 26
1/5 Examiner Publishing Co. (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). The editor requests an article from Harris on mining matters. 1 page postcard. 1885 April 14
1/5 20 Sheldon Jackson (Sitka, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). PDF transcript. 2 pages. 1885 June 12
1/5 21 William C. Harris (Eagleville, Missouri) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). Asks about mining and states that times are very hard. Believes Washington Territory is better cattle country than Missouri. Asks if Dick will sell out this year and suggests he save everything he can for his later years and that he get out of that country. Mentions relatives and sends his respects to Oley and Tom Ashby. 3 pages. 1885 June 19
1/5 22 Edward Reilly (New York, New York) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). States that the thousand dollars which he was to send as partial payment for the deed to the Tako Union and other properties has not been paid and by the terms of the deed the properties now revert back to Harris. Harris is at liberty to do whatever he wants with the deed. Reilly will keep it subject to the orders of Harris and Mr. Wells. 3 pages. 1885 July 28
1/5 23 George Pilz (County Jail, San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). PDF transcript. 2 pages. 1885 September 30
1/5 24 J. B. Coghlan, U. S. N. (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). PDF transcript. 8 pages. 1885 October 29
1/5 25 George Pilz (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris. PDF transcript. 4 pages. 1885 October 30
1/5 26 George and Sarah McCormick (Eagleville, Missouri) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). They are in bad health. Discusses various relatives and neighbors. They and the neighbors send their love. 4 pages. 1885 November 11
1/5 27 Marian Pilz (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). PDF transcript. 2 pages. 1885 December 4
1/6 28 J. B. Coghlan (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). PDF transcript. 4 pages. 1886 January 3
1/6 29 George Pilz (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris. PDF transcript. 2 pages. 1886 January 4
1/6 30 James Ring (Chicago, Illinois) to Richard Tighe Harris (Sitka, Alaska). PDF transcript. 4 pages. 1886 January 17
1/6 31 George Pilz (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris. PDF transcript. 4 pages. 1886 February 4
1/6 32 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to Superintendent of U. S. Mint (San Francisco, California). 1 page. 1886 March 15
1/6 33 George Pilz (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). PDF transcript. 2 pages. 1886 April 28
1/6 34 George Pilz (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). PDF transcript. 4 pages. 1886 August 5
1/6 35 J. B. Coghlan (Mare Island, California) to Richard Tighe Harris. PDF transcript. 3 pages. 1886 August 8
1/6 36 A. P. Whittell (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Thanks Harris for his letter of October 3. Sent Pilz the money and the yield from the gold bar. He is sending Pilz’s last two letters to Harris. Sorry that Pilz is not getting a fair chance. Praises the people in Juneau for the way they helped Pilz. 1 page. 1886 October 22
1/6 37 George Pilz (San Francisco, California) to John Olds and Richard Tighe Harris. PDF transcript. 4 pages. 1886 November 11
1/7 38 J. B. Coghlan (Mare Island, California) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). PDF transcript. 2 pages. 1887 January 6
1/7 39 Mary I. Reid (Wichita, Kansas) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). Selling a property for $3000 for which they paid $200. Sorry to hear about Harris’ bad luck. Mr. and Mrs. Miller send their regards and hope he will find another big gold mine. 4 pages. 1887 February 13
1/7 40 William and Martha Jane Weir (Ballyroney, County Down, Ireland) to Richard Tighe Harris. Happy to hear from him. Sorry to hear of his loss and they hope it will not wear heavily on his mind; they suggest that he turn to Christ for strength. They want to know if he lost all of his mines. Suggest that when he has settled up, he should leave the country. Sorry to hear that Frank McCormick was leaving him and hope he will be able to come and see them again in the winter. Sends her love and comments on the property in Ireland. 6 pages (copy). 1887 February 22
1/7 41 A. K. Delaney (Sitka, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). PDF transcript. 2 pages (copy). 1887 June 13
1/7 42 J. B. Coghlan (Mare Island, California) to Richard Tighe Harris. PDF transcript. 1 page. 1887 August 4
1/7 43 Hugh Harris (Allegheny City, Pennsylvania) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). The writer introduces himself as a grandson of Samuel Harris of Drummadonald, County Down and the oldest son of John Harris. Came to America two years ago and is earning $11 a week. Asks for information and wants to know of the possibilities for work in Alaska. 4 pages. 1887 December 26
1/8 44 Hugh Harris (Allegheny City, Pennsylvania) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). Received his letter. He wrote Harris about Alaska because he was looking for work. Wants to do better. Inquired about Dalzell and heard he was dead. Happy Harris did so well in America. 8 pages. 1888 March 20
1/8 45 Hugh Harris (Allegheny City, Pennsylvania) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). Received Dick Harris’s letter and is well. Thanks him for the papers; he didn’t think there were any papers printed in that country. There have been many strikes in Pittsburgh in the area. Discusses grandparents. 4 pages. 1888 May 8
1/8 46 LaFayette Dawson, District Judge (Sitka, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Received Harris’s letter and has decided to make him custodian of his children’s property. Wrote Mr. Bennett yesterday and asked him to give up his trust. Harris’s bond will be fixed at $500 as soon as Bennett’s resignation is received. 1 page. 1888 May 31
1/8 47 Richard Weir (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) to Richard Tighe Harris (Harrisburgh, Alaska). Sorry to hear of Harris’s loss; he can’t get a job. Promises to send a picture soon and discusses his family. Asks Harris to pay his way out there so he can get work; he does not drink or play cards. 8 pages. 1888 November 20
1/9 48 E. O. Leach, Director of the Mint to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Form letter requesting information concerning Harris’s mining operations; it is not filled out. 1 page. 1889
1/9 49 Eugene S. Willard (Juneau, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris. Supposes Mr. Flannery or T. Starr has informed Harris of the death of Harris’s daughter who was buried on February 28th; she died from spasm;. Willard and J. C. Stitt each took two pictures of the baby. 1 page. 1889 March 4
1/9 50 George and Sarah McCormick (Pawnee, Missouri) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Sorry to hear of the loss of his child and thanks him for her picture. Wishes that Harris, his wife, and two sons could visit. Discusses the families and asks him to write. 4 pages. 1889 October 6
1/10 51 Plymouth Rock Pants Co. (Boston, Massachusetts) to Richard Tighe Harris. Informs him that they have received his order and it will be filled soon. 1 page postcard. 1890 June 2
1/10 52 Samuel W. Backus per William C. Daugherty (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Encloses a letter that he sent to Harris on July 12 and asks for a response. The enclosed letter is: Samuel W. Backus, Postmaster (n. p.) to Richard Tighe Harris (n. p.) July 12, 1890. States that Backus is taking charge of the office from William J. Bryan, Former Postmaster; he received a postmaster’s draft dated July 2, 1888, drawn on James C. Stitt, Postmaster in Juneau, for the sum of $335.53 as well as an order directing him to demand of Harris, as one of the sureties of James C. Stitt, the immediate payment of the draft. He is instructed to accept $112.30 in payment and warns of possible legal action. 5 pages, including 2 page enclosure. 1890 October 10
1/10 53 George and Sarah McCormick (Pawnee, Missouri) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Sorry she couldn’t send the money and that he was sick. She, George, and Frank want him and his children to leave Alaska and to quit mining because of his age. She discusses other members of the family and salvation. 4 pages. 1891 January 19
1/10 54 Thomas S. Nowell, President Alaska Union Mining Co. (Juneau, Alaska) to J. M. Davis. PDF transcript. 1 page. 1891 November 3
1/10 55 Mrs. James M. (Ann Weir) Linton (Brookline, Massachusetts) to Richard Tighe Harris. Informs him that she married 19 years ago and has one son. Discusses various relatives. 4 pages. 1892 January
1/10 56 William C. and Jane Harris (Eagleville, Missouri) to Richard and Kitty Harris. Hopes Harris’ wife is better. They want to see Kitty and the boys if they travel out of Alaska. Mentions various relatives. 2 pages. 1892 August 24
1/10 57 William C. and Jane Harris (Eagleville, Missouri) to Richard Tighe Harris. Sorry that his wife died. Ask him to sell out and bring his boys to the States where they can be educated for one-tenth of the cost. He is too old to make anything in mining. 2 pages. 1893 March 16
1/11 58 A. C. Barry (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris. Wishes they had gotten better acquainted because he could have saved Harris from the robbery of his claims if he had stayed there. The swindlers will suffer for it in eternity. 2 pages. 1897 March 20
1/11 59 George Harris (Pawnee, Missouri) to Richard Tighe Harris. Informs Harris that his brother William drowned on April 24. Will send a newspaper describing the matter. 2 pages. 1897 May 3
1/11 60 A. C. Barry (San Francisco, California) to Richard Tighe Harris. Asks Harris to write. Says there have been many changes since 1881 and many that they knew in 1883 have died. Wondered whether Harris would get to the Klondike. 2 pages. 1897 October 4
1/11 61 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Received their letter and is in good health. Hasn’t heard from their cousin William Harris since he went to the Yukon. Tells his son, William John, that he can become a carpenter and that Richard may learn to be a machinist. Hopes to see them after New Years. He is still alone on the island. He wants them to be good, to study, to learn to draw, and to get vaccinated against smallpox. Mentions various relatives. 2 pages (copy). 1897 October 4
1/11 62 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Received their letter of October 4, 1897. All the talk is of the Yukon and people are coming on every steamer. Hasn’t heard from William J. Harris since he went to the Yukon. He misses the boys and asks them to study and practice drawing. He is keeping “straight” since they left and he asks them not to have any further fear for him. Mentions various relatives. 2 pages. 1897 November 5
1/12 63 James Pinkerton (Lowell, Indiana) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Got his address from a relative in Missouri who said that Harris visited them in 1880. Refers to their youth at Uncle Callwell’s place in Ohio. There aren’t many on his mother’s side left. He was in the lumber business but lost everything and is now a carpenter. Some people are talking of going to Alaska and he asks Harris what he thinks of this. Discusses many family members and relationships. 6 pages 1898 January 11
1/12 64 Robert and Sarah Fryar (Valparaiso, Indiana) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Heard from a relative that Harris was alive. Robert had suffered an infirmity in the war and later ran a sawmill and farmed. Discusses numerous relatives in Indiana, Illinois, Nebraska, and Ireland; and asks if any of Harris’ brothers are living. 8 pages. 1898 February 28
1/12 65 F. C. Dobbins (Telluride, Colorado) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). States they will be in Juneau about the 20th. 1 page Western Union telegram. 1898 March 15
1/12 66 Mary Nichols (Wichita, Kansas) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Discusses crops, her family, and family problems. 4 pages. 1898 July 24
1/12 67 Mary Ann and T. C. Dobbins (Telluride, Colorado) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Mr. Dobbins is going to Kansas City for an operation. Compliments Harris on his boys and thanks him for sending the pictures. She wants the boys to write her. They invite him to spend the winter with them. 2 pages (copy). 1898 August 3
1/12 68 Robert M. and Sarah Fryar (Valparaiso, Indiana) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Received his letter of August 25. Discusses his illness. Sorry to learn that Harris was defrauded. They are happy to hear his boys are doing well and that they may become artists. Discusses various relatives. 4 pages. 1898 November 22
1/12 69 James Pinkerton (Lowell, Indiana) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Surprised to hear he had been married and had two children. Wants Harris to visit him. Asks for a full description of the place and discusses family relations. 6 pages. 1898 December 19
1/12 70 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Received their letter and is glad to hear they are studying hard. Thanks them for the photographs. There have been many changes in Juneau including some fine buildings oh Main Street and a new wharf running out from Goldstein’s store. The railroad from Skagway will soon be finished to the lakes on the Yukon River. Hasn’t received any letter from William Harris since last September. Their friends in Missouri are well. He gave up his position on the island because he didn’t want to live there alone. He may go prospecting in the summer. He is no longer under salary with the Nowell Company which still owes him $1500. All of his papers are arranged in his trunks and if something happens to him they will find everything in order. Asks them to draw his photographs and send it to him in their next letter. On Decoration Day, there was the largest turnout he ever saw in Juneau. He gave Mrs. Delaney the picture they drew of the Judge. Mentions various relatives. 3 pages (copy). 1899 June 4
1/12 71 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Sorry that John is not well; he shouldn’t be frightened of spitting blood as it will wear out as he grows. Hasn’t heard from William Harris in over a year. Joseph Juneau died in the Yukon a short time ago. Harris is not sure whether he will be able to visit them; since he is not working, he is trying to save his money. He would not keep the boys in school there, except to get a good education which they will need in life. 2 pages (copy). 1899 June 21
1/12 72 J. B. Coghlan (Bremerton, Washington) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). PDF transcript. 2 pages. 1899 November 11
1/12 73 Louis Lapoint (St. Henri De Mascouche, Quebec) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Had a safe trip. Asks for the news in Juneau and about Mr. Evener’s mine and the saloonkeepers. 2 pages. 1899 November 20
1/13 74 Jack Hollywood (Seattle, Washington) to John Harris. Disappointed at not seeing John at the Fair. He played for the Metlakatla Band and expected John to play with them also. He began working at a sawmill and gets good wages. He discusses other bands, band leaders, their friends, and music. 3 pages. 1900 February 9
1/13 75 I. Newton Gordon (Bellefonte, Pennsylvania) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Discusses his trip and the weather. Doubts he will be able to go back to Juneau as the Superintendent of the Last Chance Gold Mining Co. There is a great deal of double dealing by Hill and he won’t be a part of it. Believes the Hills are trying to get his contract cancelled because he caught them in an illegal activity. He asks Harris for a notarized letter of recommendation for him similar to that which he encloses. Encloses draft letter of reference. 5 pages. 1900 February 9
1/13 76 Martha J. Weir (Banbridge, Ireland) to Richard Tighe Harris. Happy to hear that he is alive and in good health. Thanks him for the money he sent in the past. Her children in Ireland are making her comfortable but her children in America aren’t helping her. She and Dick Harris are the only two alive of their father’s two families. 4 pages. 1900 April 3
1/13 77 W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon) to Richard Tighe Harris, Sr. (Juneau, Alaska). Describes various orchards in the area and discusses his activities. Wrote cousin Mary about the school and received pictures from aunt Jenny. He quit work in the printing office because of his health and his eyes. Feels he can make his mark drawing if he could take lessons. 2 pages. 1900 April 4
1/13 78 W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Sends his report card. Wrote two letters a few days ago. 1 page (copy). 1900 April 11
1/13 79 Nettie Hagan (Ketchikan, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris. Asks if he has gone to Nome; she has had several chances. Mrs. Moore inquired about his health. She asks for Juneau newspapers. 1 page. 1900 May 18
1/13 80 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris. Received John’s letter and doesn’t want him to come because he is out of money. He hasn’t received a letter from Billy Harris at Cape Nome. 1 page. 1900 August 24
1/13 81 T. H. Ashby (Tacoma, Washington) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Has arrived in Washington and has rented a place. His brother hasn’t returned from Nome. As soon as he hears from Oley he will let Harris know how Billy Harris is getting along. Understands that Oley was a “heavy loser” in a severe storm at Nome. 2 pages. 1900 September 25
1/13 82 O. W. Ashby (Tacoma, Washington) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Received his letter while at Nome. Saw Billy before he left but doesn’t know how he made out; doesn’t know if he’s coming out this fall. There is gold all over that country but “of course there is alot of gravel mixed up with it”. A new discovery known as the Blue Stone district was made before he left. He will return to Nome in the Spring. 2 pages. 1900 October 25
1/13 83 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Received their letter on his return from Skagway where he was on Grand Jury Duty for five weeks. The people treated him well because he was the discoverer of Juneau. Hasn’t heard from their cousin William Harris. Juneau has changed and will have a beautiful courthouse soon. One of their teachers wrote him recommending that the boys take lessons in painting and drawing; he asks if they will need money for drawing material. Mentions various relatives. An enclosed note indicates Harris was sending a copy of the Skagway Daily Alaskan which published 2 articles on him. 4 pages (copy). 1900 October 27
1/14 84 William John Harris (Seattle, Washington) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon). Received John’s letter and asks about their studies and for some drawings. Went to Tacoma to see Oscar Ashby. Harris will return to Nome in the spring. 2 pages. 1901 January 9
1/14 85 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Happy to hear that they are doing well in school and that they will continue with their studies. He just finished 38 days work on the grand jury service. Asks if cousin William has any good mines at Cape Nome. 2 pages. 1901 January 28
1/14 86 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Received their letter of the 14th. There is no work at the Nowell Company which shut down last fall. The town is very dull and money is scarce. Hasn’t heard from Billy Harris yet. If Billy Harris has any good mines, he may go to Cape Nome to make something for the boys and himself before he dies. The town was incorporated and a very heavy tax was levied on everyone and on lots and houses. A fine schoolhouse was built last summer and there are over 200 students at the Indian school. He feels strong and healthy, and weighs 175 lbs. 2 pages (copy). 1901 February 22
1/14 87 Richard Tighe Harris, (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Received their letter of March 10. He received two letters from Billy Harris in Seattle and understands that he was not successful at Cape Nome though it is good mining country. He may go there with Billy in the spring because he wants to get a mining claim and make some money for the boys before he dies. Mentions various relatives. 2 pages (copy). 1901 March 18
1/14 88 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Received their letter of March 25. It has never been this dull in Juneau in 20 years. The Nowell Company has been shut down and has not paid off the men since last summer. He mentions various relatives. 2 pages. 1901 April 8
1/14 89 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. William Harris went to Cape Nome on May 30 and wanted him to go also but he could not do so because he hadn’t received his payment from the Nowell Company. The company doesn’t owe him much but it would be enough to take him to Nome. Fred Nowell is in New York trying to raise money. He wants them to do well in their studies since they will both be men soon and should be able to take care of themselves. Anything he has is theirs but he never got over the way he was robbed in the early days. He is getting along in years and cannot stand the mountain travel as when he was young. He hopes they will be able to help him in his last days. He mentions various relatives. 3 pages (copy). 1901 June 12
1/14 90 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Received their letter of June 21 and hopes they have no more sickness in Chemawa. William Harris is in Dutch Harbor returning from Cape Nome. The Nowell Company has not paid him yet since Fred Nowell has not returned from New York. He will either go to Nome or will prospect in the area to see if he can get something. Their cousin, Mary Dobbins invited him to stay with them until he dies. If he could get a good mining claim in Nome he would keep them with him until he died. He tells John not to play football as he or Dick might get crippled for life. 2 pages (copy). 1901 July 1
1/14 91 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Received his letter of July 11, 1901, happy to hear he is doing well in his studies. He has had no work for over two years since he left the mill. The Nowell Company has kept him waiting for his money and Fred Nowell has been in New York for a long time; but he does expect to get some money soon. If he doesn’t go to Cape Nome this year he will go next year. He’s growing old and can’t get around the mountains as he was able to in the past. When the Nowell Company went out of business, it hurt the whole town. New towns along the coast take people away from Juneau. He hasn’t drunk since he left the mill and never will again. He wants them to learn a trade as a machinist or carpenter. 2 pages (copy). 1901 July 23
1/14 92 Mary Williams (Eagleville, Missouri) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Learned that her father was in Washington. Wants Harris to write him. They may lose all of their stock because of the weather. 2 pages. 1901 July 23
1/14 93 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon). Received his letter of July 17. Everything is at a standstill in Juneau since the Nowell Company stopped. Hasn’t received any money from the company in over a year and doesn’t know if he will ever get any. If he had he would have gone to Nome. Asks John not to tell anyone about his circumstances. 2 pages (copy). 1901 July 23
1/14 94 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon). Thanks him for his last letter and sends money. It’s alright for Dick to learn the carpenter trade if they don’t have a machine shop. Expects Fred Nowell back any time but that would provide him with only a small amount of money. He can’t sell any property at the time “but the town may come up again”. Thirty-eight people died of smallpox in Hoonah. 2 pages. 1901 August 11
1/14 95 Agnes Gillespie (Banbridge, Ireland) to Richard Tighe Harris. Informs him his sister, Martha Jane Weir, died of heart disease on April 26; she was buried in Drumblee Graveyard. She was 75 years old on the 1st of August. They want him to visit. Enclosure contains the address of her two daughters in America. 4 pages. 1901 August 23
1/14 96 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Tells them of the loss of the steamer Islander which sailed between Skagway and Victoria. A friend of his lost 178 pounds of gold. Hasn’t heard from William Harris since he went to Nome. Fred Nowell has not returned yet. Juneau is very poor at this time and half the houses are empty. Feels he should have left Juneau at an earlier time when he had money. 2 pages (copy). 1901 August 25
1/14 97 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon) and Richard Tighe Harris to W. J. Harris; two letters. Received a letter from their cousin, William who speaks badly of Cape Nome but he is going to stay and see what he can do. Fred Nowell has not returned from Boston. His health has been better since he quit drinking and he is a different man. Hopes something will turn up so he can make some money. Discusses family photographs and states he graduated from Merchants College of Pittsburgh which was incorporated in 1840 and used to be called Duff’s College. The letter to Richard Tighe Harris, Jr.: visited the old place on the island; it is all torn up. Tells Richard that he believes the carpenter trade is better than the machinist trade since it will be useful to him. 3 pages, 2 separate letters. 1901 September 15
1/14 98 Mary Ann Dobbins (Telluride, Colorado) to Richard Tighe Harris. Received his letter of September 24. Sorry to hear of Martha’s death. William is going to Nome this winter but she wishes he would stay with Richard Tighe Harris in Juneau. She was happy when she visited them in Alaska and will try to convince her husband, Charles, to let her visit again. 4 pages. 1901 November 7
1/14 99 Mary Ann Dobbins (Telluride, Colorado) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Sorry she hasn’t written sooner; she enjoyed her trip to Juneau. Their father is very lonely because his sister died. 2 pages. 1901 November 8
1/14 100 Sarah Starr (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Two separate letters. Everyone is well. Will send all the rest of the news to William. Hopes they will be back again soon. The other letter is: Sarah Starr to Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. There was a fire over Treadwell in the morning. The school now has 21 boarders and she is living there. She hopes to be promoted to the fifth grade at Christmas. 4 pages (2 pages each letter.) 1901 November 17
1/15 101 W. J. Webster (Oakley, California) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Asks him to write. He has written 4 letters to Ed and one to Frank but none were answered. 1 page. 1902 January 1
1/15 102 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Received their letter, photos, and report cards. Has just recovered from neuralgia. Urges John not to part his hair in the middle or he will be considered a dude. He is receiving their newspaper the Chemawa American. Urges the boys not to play football because they might get seriously hurt or crippled. He mentions various relatives. 3 pages (copy). 1902 January 20
1/15 103 W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon) to Richard Tighe Harris. Thanks him for his letter. He is trying to get Richard into the carpenter shop. John would like to take the course in typewriting and shorthand but he must take grammar commercial courses first. He speaks highly of the school and of education. Parting his hair in the middle is the trend in colleges but he will do what his father says. 5 pages. 1902 February 9
1/15 104 Richard Tighe Harris (n. p.) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Received their February letter. Pleased with their progress and he warns them against playing football because of the danger. He also warns them against frivolous amusements. George T. Harris in Missouri wants him to spend the rest of his days there; he will spend the rest of his life in Alaska with his children. Hopes to go prospecting in the summer. Discusses various relatives and friends. 4 pages. 1902 February 17
1/15 105 John G. Brady, Governor of Alaska (Sitka, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris. PDF transcript. 1 page. 1902 March 11
1/15 106 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). 2 separate letters. To W. J. Harris: received his letter of the 25th. Hasn’t heard from William Harris since last Fall. Discusses photographs. Has been on the jury at court for most of the winter. He made a little over expenses in the winter and he may prospect in the summer. He’s happy they like Chemawa. Mentions various relatives. To Richard Tighe Harris, Jr.: received his letter. Counsels him that a good education and trade are very important in life. He’s getting old but hasn’t drunk any liquor since they left. Asks Richard to improve his handwriting. 4 pages (2 pages each). 1902 March 25
1/15 107 Dora Gray (Salem, Oregon) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon). Discusses a party and some friends. No news to report. 3 pages. 1902 March 27, 29
1/15 108 James Pinkerton (Lowell, Indiana) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Visited Sarah Fryar who has cancer. Discusses various relatives, his business failures, rain and crops. Happy to receive his picture and would like to see Harris and his sons. 6 pages. 1902 May 25
1/15 109 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Received their letter of May 27. The remembrance of the boys and their mother is his only comfort. He is of a pleasant disposition and a new man, morally and physically, since he gave up the “accursed drink”; he is almost 70 and has no gray hairs. He has saved most of the family history for them. Hasn’t heard from their cousin William at Cape Nome since last fall. He may prospect during the summer. He was offered the job of Deputy Collector of Customs to the West at $1800 a year but he did not want to leave Juneau. Hopes to get the job in Juneau as Lt. Jarvis has replaced Mr. Ivey. Harris has been an officer in the District Court occasionally since last November and makes enough to keep himself. Never received full payment from the Nowell Company but he expects it. 4 pages (copy) 1902 June 4
1/15 110 Mary Harris and Family (Bethany, Missouri) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Discusses family and financial problems. Their house burned with everything that they owned. Asks him to visit. 4 pages. 1902 July
1/15 111 O. W. Ashby (Nome, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris. Received his letter. Billy Harris visited with them in the spring and then went to Candle; they paid him $400. The country is looking fairly well. 1 page. 1902 August 19
1/15 112 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Received their letter of August 1. They will find a great change in the Juneau area. Wants them to study hard so they can get a business in Alaska which will be a good country in their day. He will try to leave them something-at least an honorable name. Supposes the boys can talk the native language which may be very handy for them. 4 pages. 1902 August 30
1/15 113 Richard Tighe Harris to Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Received his letter. He is writing to him on his birthday and wants him to come to Juneau after school is out. States he quit the drinking years ago and dresses and looks better. He is working in the court occasionally. 2 pages. 1902 November 10
1/15 114 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris. Will send him a little money to have his teeth fixed. Sending John a newspaper which shows that people appreciate his early work in Juneau. He is not happy that John cannot come home on a vacation because of his work on the band and states he can’t make much money studying music. John is at liberty to leave the institution with his father’s permission when he wants. He suggests that the boys do odd jobs to make some money for themselves. He hasn’t heard anything from William Harris in Candle, Alaska. Would like to get the money he advanced William to go up to that area. He is trying to keep the home property for them. District Court is in session. Mentions various relatives. 4 pages. 1902 December 13
1/16 115 Herbert George Lewis (Victoria, British Columbia) to Richard Tighe Harris. PDF transcript. 1 page. 1903 January 30
1/16 116 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon. Received the photos and gave them to Mr. Cropley. Hasn’t heard from William Harris at Nome. Juneau is dull but mining is going on a large scale and money has been appropriated for a Court House. The last District Court stopped gambling in Southeastern Alaska. Judge Brown is a good friend and one of the finest lawyers in Alaska. Tells John to study mathematics, shorthand, and typewriting rather than music because he’ll be able to make a living. Juneau is an incorporated city with a Mayor and Town Council. The Council excused his taxes for life because of his services. Discusses various relatives and friends. 4 pages. 1903 February 8
1/16 117 George Harris (Pawnee, Missouri) to Richard Tighe Harris, W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Alaska). Received Richard Harris’ letter yesterday and doesn’t know where brother William’s two children are. He mentions various relatives. Comments about travelling to Alaska to see him and the country. 3 pages (copy). 1903 March 6
1/16 118 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Received their letter of March 27. Understands from his letter that John won’t be getting much schooling if he goes with the band. Has no objection to playing in the band but he cannot rise to eminence in that profession. The courthouse will be begun in May. Discusses various friends and relatives. 2 pages (copy). 1903 April 13
1/16 119 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Received their letters. If the boys visit he would like to go into prospecting with them to see if he can find something for them. He doesn’t owe any money in Alaska and needs Very little to keep him going. He wants them to keep their property, on which there is no debt, until he gets a chance to sell it for them. Times have been bad in Juneau. The money he got from the Nowell Company came to him in small sums and he gave it away to other people as he got it. He worked for the government checking off the duty on foreign coal but the government removed the duty so he lost that job. 4 pages (copy). 1903 May 7
1/16 120 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Just received their letter. The steamer arrived with the contractors who are to build the courthouse. Discusses their visiting Juneau. A band has been started in Juneau. He wants them to see the President if he should visit Chemawa. Mentions various friends. 2 pages. 1903 May 7
1/16 121 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Received their letter of the 25th. Asks how much money he should send to bring them both up to Juneau so they will be able to spend the 4th of July there. He is fixed for money but he doesn’t owe anything. 3 pages. 1903 May 26
1/16 122 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Has not received a response to his last letter. Discusses their planned visit. Has no prospects of a position till the court convenes in December. He is getting old and can’t stand to travel in the mountains at 70 years. He wants them to keep up with their studies. (copy). 1903 June 12
1/16 123 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon).Received their letter. It is better that they concluded to remain in school for another year. He will go prospecting in the mountains around Juneau. When he is dead they will have the most beautiful home in Juneau. He may be able to visit them if the court employs him as special deputy marshal. Their home is looking very beautiful, and the courthouse, when completed, will enhance property values. Alaska is bound to become a great country and they will receive some of the benefits. 2 pages (copy). 1903 June 29
1/16 124 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Received their letter of July 28. He wanted Dick to come up for the summer. Wants them to help him prospect and to put the house in better shape as Juneau has taken a fresh start and has a bright future. The new courthouse will be completed soon as well as a telegraph cable to Seattle and an Army post at Haines Mission. There are new gold discoveries being made every week and Juneau’s future never looked so bright. There is a splendid band in Juneau and one at the Treadwell Mine. 4 pages. 1903 August 13
1/16 125 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. He hasn’t heard from them in a while. Juneau is growing rapidly but they will be the better judge when they come up next summer. Received a letter from Billy Harris in Nome where he will stay another winter. Hopes they are doing well in their studies. He saw their cartoon of Senator Mitchell and thinks it is first class. He wants them to practice; as there is money in it. Mentions various relatives and friends. 3 pages (copy). 1903 October 29
1/16 126 Fred Harris (Hoonah, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon). Received his letter of the 19th. He is a Christian now and belongs to the Salvation Army. Discusses various family members. He will visit Sitka sometime after Christmas. 4 pages. 1903 November 28
1/16 127 Mary Nichols (Wichita, Kansas) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Discusses the relatives in Ohio and in Kansas. Her son, William, died of consumption after returning from the war with Spain. Discusses other members of the family and where she will settle. She suggests he move to Kansas with his sons. 7 pages. 1903 November
1/17 128 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Received their letter of December 4, 1903, and is happy to hear they are doing well in their studies. William Harris is stopping with him this winter and probably won’t go back to Cape Nome. When the boys visit they will all try to find mines. The District Court is in session and he is serving on the grand jury. He is again Inspector of Customs and signs for all coal that comes in the port. The courthouse is finished it is 150 feet from their home; it will double the value of their property. Theirs is the most beautiful home in Juneau. Hopes that they are going ahead with the carpentry trade and cartoon drawing. Mentions various relatives and friends. 2 pages (copy). 1904 January 10
1/17 129 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to . T. Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Glad that they are getting along well in their studies. Everything has changed in Juneau. He wants them to study hard and go prospecting with him in the summer. The new courthouse is one of the most beautiful buildings in Alaska. Glad to hear that Richard is good in arithmetic which is important for being a good accountant. William J. Harris was with him for about a month and worked a steam winch at the Treadwell mine. 2 pages. 1904 February 17
1/17 130 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to Senator T. E. Warren (Washington, D. C.) He forwarded a petition signed by Treadwell and Juneau citizens seeking reappointment of Melvin C. Brown as District Judge for the First Judicial District. He criticizes a February 7th article in the Seattle Intelligencer which slanders Judge Brown. He wrote to John Dalzell, U. S. Representative, and a friend to use his influence in this matter. On the reverse is a note signed by Robert W. Johnson and Richard T. Harris addressed to M. C. Brown. 2 page draft (copy). 1904 March 1
1/17 131 Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). He is sending his quarterly report card. They’ve had fine weather. 1 page. 1904 April 1
1/17 132 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Received their last letter and the cartoons. William Harris has been working at the Treadwell Mine since returning from Nome. The boys won’t be able to come up this summer because he spent the money for their trip on doctors and medicine. William Harris will have a job as a juror for the district court and he as a bailiff. Then he may be able to send them some money for the Worlds Fair. He and William Harris will go prospecting after the court session. 2 pages. 1904 April 1
1/17 133 W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Reminisces about when they were young and went hiking. Neither he nor Dick are planning to get married; with willpower and common sense he is safe. The boys are keen, knowledgeable and sensible enough not to let a female be their god. He is drawing cartoons for the Salem Capital Journal which gives him enough to clear his expenses and a course in caricature. He will have to go to the Fair by way of Ketchikan; the band will not leave till September 1st. 6 pages. 1904 May 15
1/17 134 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon). Received his sketches and everybody thinks they are good. There have been several cases of smallpox. Mining and building are still improving in the area. Hopes he continues with his cartoon work since it is an easier way of getting money. Sending a copy of the Record Miner where his work as a cartoonist is noted. If Mr. Potter, the director of the Chemawa School visits he should bring some men from the school who are acquainted with the country if he wants to get pupils. Mentions various relatives and friends. 2 pages. 1904 June 10
1/17 135 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to Joseph McDonald, Esq. Discusses the smallpox scare and says that there has been some mild form of typhoid. Some people in town, in an underhanded way, blame McDonald. There are plenty of his friends that refute such implications. 1 page, draft. 1904 June 12
1/17 136 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Chemawa, Oregon). Answers their letter of June 9. Discusses money matters. A few days ago he got the government deed for their home; he now has a clear title to the property in their name with him as guardian. He has paid taxes on it since Juneau was incorporated four years ago. He hasn’t received any money from Billy Harris yet. Wants them to try to improve their cartoon work as there is good easy money in it. All family papers and books are arranged in the trunks. He has a family history from their grandfather. 3 pages (copy). 1904, June 25
1/17 137 T. A. Kreuser, M. D. (Chicago, Illinois) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Writes Harris because he heard that he needed their product. They send him an order for his druggist for a free sample of “Liquizone” and ask that he inform his neighbors about it. 1 page. 1904 July 14
1/17 138 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon). Richard returned home two weeks ago; he did not know him when he arrived. He bought him a suit of clothes before taking him around town. Richard worked his way up as a cabin boy on the steamer Faralone and had $4. 00 when he arrived. The old place is very pretty and a new cottage has been built on it. Showed Richard all the family papers. He is Inspector of Customs and has more friends than any other man in Alaska. Mentions various relatives. 2 pages. 1904 August 28
1/17 139 Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon). He now weighs 140 lbs. He’s been busy building a boat with Billy. Juneau looks very much the same but with a few larger buildings; however, all the boys are grown up and there have been many changes in the business. Their father is getting old and his eyes are failing him; he can’t get good spectacles in town. Mentions various friends, relatives, and businesses. 4 pages. 1904 September 4
1/17 140 Mary Ann Dobbins to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Wood souvenir postcard from the World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri. 1 page (postcard). 1904 September 17
1/17 141 Mary Ann Dobbins (St. Louis, Missouri) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Souvenir postcard from World’s Fair in St. Louis, Missouri showing the Liberal Arts Building. 1 page (postcard). 1904 September 18
1/17 142 Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon). Received his letter. Their father has liver and eye trouble. Ike isn’t sending his kids to school this year. He asks about his clarinet and some of his friends at school. Mentions various relatives and friends. 2 pages. 1904 September 26
1/17 143 Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon) and enclosed: Richard Tighe Harris, Sr. to W. J. Harris. Their father is better and can see better; but he is going to get another pair of spectacles soon. The old place is a wreck. Father wants to sell the back lot so he can put up a new house and have money in case anything should happen to him. The boys own the place and he asks his brother to send permission for their father to sell the land. Seward Street is being replanked. He checked coal for his father twice. He mentions various relatives and friends. Richard Tighe Harris, Sr. to W. J. Harris: His eyesight is not good; yellow jaundice has hurt his eyes. Asks for permission to sell one of the plots and asks him to write Probate Court Judge Folson. 4 pages (2 pages each). 1904 October 13
1/17 144 Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon). He is in good health. Visited the Treadwell yesterday; Billy is working in the foundry. Their father’s eyes are getting better. Mentions various relatives and friends. 2 pages. 1904 November 1
1/17 145 Mary Ann Dobbins (Ouray, Colorado) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon). Thanks him for his letter and states she received one from her brother, William, in Juneau. Heard that Richard was going back to school soon. Hopes to see their father next year aid that John will get to go to the Fair. 2 pages. 1904 November 2
1/17 146 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon). His eyes are getting better but he can’t seem to find glasses to suit his eyes. Two months ago his sight was all right but he had the yellow jaundice, which affected them. They are slowly growing stronger. Richard is in good health and does all the writing and calculations for him at the Customs Office. The Chief Collectors Office in Alaska moved from Sitka to Juneau. He did not sell the property as it will increase in value because the town is growing fast. He didn’t know Dick when he came to the door; Richard will not return to Chemawa since he can’t do without him. There is a fine high school in Juneau with six to eight teachers. Mentions various relatives and friends. 3 pages (copy). 1904, November 20
1/17 147 Mary Ann Dobbins (Ouray, Colorado) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Hasn’t heard from him in two months and is afraid he is sick. She will send some pictures when she receives a letter. Mentions various relatives. 2 pages. 1904 December 4
1/17 148 W. J. Harris (Chemawa, Oregon) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Received his father’s letter and hopes his eyesight will improve. He sent some drawings to his father but doesn’t know whether he received them. Mentions various people and encloses a copy of the Chemawa American. 2 pages. 1904 December
1/17 149 Mary Ann Dobbins (Ouray, Colorado) to W. J. Harris, Richard Tighe Harris, John Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Saddened to hear of her uncle’s sickness as she loves him very much and would like to make his last days pleasant. It’s good that Dick is there to help his father and she hopes that John will get to see him before he dies. Sorry that John couldn’t get home so one of the boys could work and the other could take care of the father. He will be cared for at the Mason’s home; but it’s too bad he has to be taken away from his own home as he wanted to be buried in Juneau beside Kitty. Wished she could go out and take care of him there. It’s too bad he had to depend upon the lodge. When he had money he was very generous but when he was in need there was no one to help him. Sends her sympathy to the boys. Encloses her husband’s business card. 6 pages (copy). 1904 December 9
1/17 150 Mary Ann Dobbins (Ouray, Colorado) to Richard Tighe Harris, W. C. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Answers their letter of the 10th. Hears her uncle is in very poor health and hopes they are taking good care of him. Sorry to hear his mind is so bad. If he goes to the Mason’s home she is afraid she won’t hear from him. 4 pages. 1904 December 13
1/17 151 Mary Ann Dobbins (Ouray, Colorado) to W. J. Harris, Richard Tighe Harris, Sr., W. J. Harris, and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Alaska). Sorry to hear that her uncle is no better. He was a great comfort to her since her father died and his letters were kind. Hopes they will do all they can for him since he is like a child. 5 pages. 1904 December 19
1/18 152 Robert M. F. Juneau (Schenectady, New York) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). The Governor of Alaska referred him to Harris for information concerning Joseph Juneau. Asks about Juneau’s background. His father left home in Canada when he was a boy and he never heard from him. He was 35, well educated, French, had black curly hair; his name was Narcissus and he came to Schenectady, New York, from Canada in 1844. His brother wrote to Juneau once and received a letter saying he was going to Skagway and would write again but he never did. 2 pages. 1905 January 11
1/18 153 Brice Harris (Eagleville, Missouri) to William John Harris. It’s been eight years since William left. He is writing to let them know that their mother died. They heard that his uncle was not well and asks how he did in the Nome country. Mentions various relatives. 3 pages. 1905 July 30
1/18 154 R. J. Harris and Family (Denver, Colorado) to William Jonn Harris and Uncle and Cousin (Juneau, Alaska).He’s moved to Denver and his children are with him. He is making $60 a month working nights. Sorry to hear about his uncle. He can do as well in Colorado as he can in Alaska. 4 pages. 1905 August 2
1/18 155 Bernice ____ (Portland, Oregon) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). She and friends are visiting the Fair. The Chemawa band was there but it doesn’t sound natural without the tenor drummer. 1 page (postcard). 1905 August 23
1/19 156 Letter No. 156.  Gray (Oregon) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). No message. Picture on reverse shows Muir’s Butte, California. 1 page (postcard). 1906 October 21
1/20 157 W. C. Irish, Juneau City Assessor (Juneau, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). The Juneau City Assessor’s notifies him of the valuation of the three lots at a total of $2,000. 1907 September 16
1/20 158 Mary Ann Dobbins (Silver Peak, Nev.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Worried about her uncle and wants her brother, William, or her cousins to write. Will’s daughter married in St. Joseph, Missouri, several months ago. Encloses business card of T. C. Dobbins. 2 pages. 1907 October 19
1/20 159 H. N. Stoudenmeyer (Salem, Oregon) to W. J. Harris. Received the Treadwell band postcard and feels he could make good musicians of either of the Harris brothers. He’s been in charge of the Salem band for two years and has received letters from others that he has taught. He visited Portland to hear Sousa’s band. 2 pages. 1907 October 21
1/20 160 J. B. W. (Berkeley, California) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Thanks him for the magazine and pictures. They heard Sousa’s band at the Greek theater. Mentions two U. C. football victories. 1 page (postcard). 1907 October 24
1/21 161 Cousin ______ (Tyee, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Answers his letter of December 24. Sorry they could not get to Juneau for their father’s funeral. She asks for the news and if Dick is going to return to work this winter. There is a post office now in Tyee. 2 pages. 1908 January 9
1/21 162 Dora Gray (Salem,Oregon) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Surprised to receive his letter, the pictures, and the Indian curios; people admire the basket and moccasins. Hopes he is not thinking of her except as a friend. Asks for a cartoon. 4 pages. 1908 January 11
1/21 163 John Olds, Southeast Alaska Pioneers’, Chairman (n. p.) to W. J. Harris. Form letter requests his presence at the meeting of the Southeast Alaska Pioneers to be held at camp Juneau on the evening of January 25, 1908. The purpose is to organize a permanent Pioneers Association for Southeast Alaska. Those who came in 1887 or earlier are eligible for membership. 1 page. 1908 January 13
1/21 164 George T. Harris (Martinsville, Missouri) to Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. and W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Heard of their father’s death and asks his brother, William, to write. Mentions various relatives and friends. He would like to know what they are doing. 3 pages. 1908 January 26
1/21 165 W. J. Harris (Tyee, Alaska) to W. J. Harris and R. J. Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Alaska). Wrote two letters and not received any answer. Traded the old launch to their uncle Fred for a sloop. There are a lot of deer and the hunting is good. 2 pages. 1908 February 17
1/21 166 John By Benson (Tacoma, Washington) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Alaska). Sorry he hasn’t written before but he is on hard times. He quit school two months ago because of sickness and has very little money in the bank. He must look for work and discusses various girls and people at the school. 2 pages. 1908 April 10
1/21 167 Dora Gray (Dunsmuir, California) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Was on a case and was quarantined; the patient died and she became ill. Wants to go to a different hospital and eventually study for an M. D. Asks him to send a few cartoons because she is lonely. 3 pages. 1908 April 23
1/21 168 Mary Ann Dobbins (San Francisco, California) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). The reverse shows the battleship Missouri. States sightseeing was great and wishes he was with them. 1 page (postcard). 1908 May 9
1/21 169 Mary Ann Dobbins (Silver Peak, Nev.) to W. J. Harris and R. J. Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Alaska). Writes in answer to their letter; she sent some postcards from San Francisco where she enjoyed the sea breeze. Hopes to visit and will try to meet them at the Fair in Seattle next year. Asks her brother to get her a polar bear pelt. 2 pages. 1908 June 10
1/21 170 Dora Gray California) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Received his postcard and enjoyed the 4th of July. 1 page (postcard). 1908 July 9
1/21 171 John Olds, President,1887 Alaska Pioneers Association (Juneau, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Form letter notifies him that the 1887 Alaska Pioneers Association will hold its quarterly meeting at the Odd Fellows Hall in Juneau on July 25 at 8 p. m. 1 page. 1908 July 10
1/21 172 Dora Gray (Dunsmuir, California) to W. J. Harris. Received his letter a week ago. Just got out of the hospital but it will be awhile before she feels well. She is surprised that he wants her to go to Juneau; she wants him to visit her and then they would go back together. 3 pages. 1908 July 13
1/21 173 Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Porcupine, Alaska) to W. J. Harris. Describes his trip to, and work on, a mine near Porcupine; They had to pay for their fare and baggage in Haines out of their wages and the tax collector there required them to pay $8.00. If John doesn’t go to work, he asks him to sell a lot for not less than $400. He discusses his associates and asks if John got a job in the sawmill. A note at the end of the letter by N. J. Schmieg asks him if he obtained a job in the sawmill. 3 pages. 1908 July 23
1/21 174 Dora Gray (Dunsmuir, California) to W. J. Harris. She is very anxious to see him since she is healthy now. Thanks him for his picture and asks for more cartoons. She hasn’t danced since the time he mentioned in his last letter. 4 pages. 1908 July 28
1/21 175 Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Porcupine, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Worked fifteen and a half days at $3.00 a day and board and others are earning $2.50 a day. Doesn’t think John should come up. The Chilkat Indians have asked him how much he would charge a month in the winter to teach them band. Suggests he stay away from booze. In a note at the end of the letter N. J. Schmieg says hello. 2 pages. 1908 August 5
1/21 176 C. E. Larson (Chemawa, Oregon) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Refers to him as “dear old Tilacum.” Happy to hear he and his brother are well. He is now the assistant to the school disciplinarian. The boys drilled well on parade but the band was rotten. Asks about the work situation in Alaska since he is sick of the Indian Service. 2 pages. 1908 September 8
1/21 177 Dora Gray (Dunsmuir, California) to W. J. Harris. Just received his letter and is still sticking to a life of solitude. She would like to see him and, if he goes to Seattle, she will try to visit him there. If she had the money, she could go to college. She wants him to send her some original cartoons and caricatures. 5 pages. 1908 September 12
1/21 178 F. E. Tanner (Skagway, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Sorry he didn’t see him before he left but he had to go to bed because of the beer. Discusses the band and a forthcoming dance. Mentions various friends. 2 pages. 1908 September 18
1/21 179 Billy Taylor (Ketchikan, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). He is a candy maker and baker and asks if there is any work in Juneau. He is interested in setting up a business. 2 pages. 1908 October 18
1/21 180 Dora Gray (San Francisco, California) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). She is well and is attending college. On the reverse is a picture of the ferry building in San Francisco. 1 page (postcard). 1908 December 30
1/22 181 Mary Ann Dobbins (Silver Peak, Nev.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Answers his letter of the 31st and hopes they write more often. She is happy that he played for a dance. She knows they had a good time hunting and asks him to draw some pictures for her. 2 pages. 1909 January 12
1/22 182 Fred Waterlain (Juneau, Alaska) to Walter J. Randolph (Juneau, Alaska). Would like to have Dick Harris play clarinet on Sunday, July 4th, at the Treadwell Club for $3. 00 and on Monday, the 5th, for $10.00 all day. He would like to have John play the drums on Monday evening for a dance for $10. 00. 1 page. 1909 June 29
1/22 183 Mary Ann Dobbins (Silver Peak, Nev.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Thanks them for the postcard of Juneau, Alaska. She is getting ready to go to Seattle and wants to know when they will be there. She would also like to visit them in Juneau. Received Dick’s pictures and is sending a picture from Nevada. 4 pages. 1909 July 20
1/22 184 “Shanigan” (Seattle, Washington) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). The fair is swell but he prefers Bear Creek on Admiralty Island. On the reverse is a picture of two structures at the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition of 1909. 1 page (postcard). 1909 August 12
1/22 185 Alex _______ (Seattle, Washington) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). He and Johnny are doing the rounds at the Fair. Will leave tomorrow for home. On the reverse is a picture from the Alaska-Yukon-Pacific Exposition of 1909. 1 page (postcard). 1909 August 13
1/22 186 John G. Heid (n. p.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). In this form letter the President of the 1887 Pioneers Association requests that he be present at the regular quarterly meeting on August 29, 1909 at 8:00. 1 page. 1909 August 13
1/22 187 Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska) to Mrs. T. C. Dobbins (Silver Peak, Nev.).  One or both of the brothers will visit her in Seattle. On the reverse are their pictures. The card was not mailed. 1 page (postcard). 1909 September 21
1/22 188 W. J. Harris (Yakutat, Alaska) to John B. Benson. Asks what he’s been doing. He’s been hunting in the Yakutat area for over a month. He went carousing but is behaving himself. Asks Benson to spend the winter with him in Juneau. He’s planning to go see Dora. Discusses boxing. He is an official guide now and will head a hunting party from New York. 3 pages. 1909 September 28
1/22 189 Mary Ann Dobbins (Silver Peak, Nev.) to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Alaska). Worried at not hearing from them. The family is thinking of moving to California because of the weather and because she’s tired of the desert. Her husband’s opportunities will be better there. Received the box they sent from Seattle in October. 4 pages. 1909 December 9
1/23 190 Charles H. Woods (Chemawa, Oregon) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Thanks him for his letter of March 29. Discusses his daughter’s fiance and illnesses. Hopes that John can travel to San Francisco, Denver, and East; cartooning is John’s forte. Mentions various individuals. 4 pages. 1910 April 14
1/23 191 Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Skagway, Alaska) to W. J. Harris. There is no money to be made in Skagway. He is hardly holding his own at $3. 00 a day. Mentions several friends. 2 pages. 1910 July 17
1/23 192 Jim Magrath (San Francisco, California) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Working in a band at the Royal Palace Theater; they just closed after 27 weeks at the California theater. Asks for bald eagle feathers for some of his chorus girls. Mentions several friends. 2 pages (postcard). 1910 August 8
1/23 193 D. G. T. (San Francisco, California) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). No message. On reverse is a photograph of Montgomery Street, San Francisco. 1 page (postcard). 1910 July 25
1/23 194 Tom (Skagway, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris. Sorry he didn’t answer his letter promptly. He’s still wearing his hair in a braid and still on the wagon. Hopes Margaret is well and is sorry to hear of her accident. He mentions various friends. 3 pages. 1910 September 27
1/23 195 W. L. Sprague (Boyne City, Mich.) to Captain Grey (Yakutat, Alaska). No message. On reverse is a picture showing the ruins after the B. C. G. Machine Shop fire. 1 page (postcard). 1910 December 26
1/24 196 Letter No. 196. J. B. Benson (Seattle, Washington) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Received his picture but can’t send his. Discusses drinking, an evening out with several friends, and job problems. Asks him to come on a trip with him. 6 pages. 1911 January 7
1/24 197 Hoff (Marshfield, Oregon) to Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Alaska). Thanks him for the letter. Discusses drinking and the forthcoming boom in Marshfield when the railroad gets there. Mentions various acquaintances. 2 pages. 1912 March 26
1/24 198 C. F. Cheek, Secretary, Juneau Lodge No. 700 (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Announces postponement of the lodge meeting planned for the following day. 1 page (postcard). 1912 March 26
1/24 199 James Wickersham (Washington D. C.) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). On reverse is a picture of James Wickersham, delegate from Alaska and a printed letter. States that Wickersham has been nominated for delegate to Congress again and asks their support. 1 page (postcard). 1912 July 2
1/24 200 William and Mrs. Grey (Yakutat, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Asks them to write. His wife planned to visit them but the boat will probably not be running regularly this winter. He put in a pool table and is planning to put in another one as well as a skating rink soon. Asks Harris to check on his lumber order from the Juneau Supply Company. The lumber is needed for a building. 4 pages. 1912 October 14
2/1 201 Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Los Angeles, California) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska).  Sorry to hear he has trouble and asks him to try not to drink anymore. If he needs his property he is more than welcome to it. If he is disgraced, there is lots of room in the rest of the United States for him. Mary would give him everything she has but she is not well situated. If he has to, he can sell the property. He asks him not to forget to send him his tools. 5 pages. 1913 January 19
2/1 202 W. C. Irish, City Assessor (Juneau, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Form statement indicating that his property is valued at $350. 00. 1 page (postcard). 1913 May 23
2/1 203 W. J. Harris (Eliza Harbor, to Mrs. W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska).  Wrote to Tyee; she should address her answer to Tenakee, Alaska. They got a bear last night which was shipped to Juneau. The people he is guiding are well pleased with him. If she needs money she should tell Dick. 2 pages. 1913 Jun3 3
2/1 204 W. J. Harris (Tenakee Springs, Alaska) to Mrs. W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska).  Happy she is getting along well. Received letters from John Benson and Sister Superior. Asks her to take good care of their boy; he has a beaver skin for him. He wants his brother to sell or rent their property on the waterfront. 2 pages. 1913 June 12
2/1 205 M. H. (Los Angeles, California) to Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Alaska). Received his letter and will answer. They are going to Mrs. D’s for Christmas. This is a New Year’s greeting card. 1 page (postcard). 1913 December 24
2/1 206 Mary Ann Dobbins (Huntington Park, California) to Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Alaska). Asks him to write and hopes all are well. This is a New Year’s greeting card. 1 page (postcard). 1913 December 28
2/2 207 Albert Caldwell (Yakutat, Alaska) to W. J. Harris. Hopes all are well. Wants John to visit him and go hunting; hopes he will come on the Steamer Sampson. He put up a good cabin last spring and has plenty to eat and cash on hand. He goes duck hunting every Saturday. Wished Harris could see the furs that were brought out of Dry Bay; they were worth about $1000 and included mink, marten, and fox. He expects to make $800 in the coming summer and can save every cent because there’s no booze there. 4 pages. 1914 January 29
2/2 208 Mary Ann Dobbins (Huntington Park, California) to Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (Juneau, Alaska). Discusses various relatives. She would like a picture of his son and hopes John and Maggie will visit in the summer. Sends her love to several people in Alaska. 4 pages. 1914 May 14
2/2 209 Albert Caldwell (Yakutat, Alaska) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Thanks him for the papers. The man to whom Harris sold his gun is out drying fish but he will send him the money. Caldwell has been working on his house and has his winter outfit. He and two others went hunting last week and got 14 mallards. Asks Harris to send him the papers. 3 pages. 1914 October 26
2/2 210 Mary Ann Dobbins (Huntington Park, California) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Thanks him for his letter. She has suffered from kidney and heart trouble since the end of July. Happy to hear that he and his wife will be in their own home soon. Mentions various relatives. 3 pages. 1915 September 25
2/2 211 Bessie Maguire (Chemawa, Oregon) to Mrs. W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). She is at school again after a good vacation. Enclosed is her report card. 2 pages. 1916 December 1
2/2 212 W. J. Harris (Chatham, Alaska) to Margaret Harris. Arrived safely and had an easy trip coming over. They expect to be finished sooner than planned. Asks her to send The Empire. 2 pages. 1918 September 7
2/2 213 W. J. Harris (Chatham, Alaska) to Margaret Harris. Received her letter; will stay as long as the work holds out. He has to go to Excursion Inlet the next day for fish. Went hunting last week and got one deer. He is lonely for his family and asks them to send papers. 2 pages. 1918 September 14

Series 1: Correspondence. Subseries 1b: Undated correspondence; undated.
Letters are arranged in approximate chronological order.

Box/Folder Letter number Description
2/3 214 Ellen McCutcheon (n. p.) to Richard Tighe Harris. (This is an addition to another letter which she wrote to him.) Has difficulty in writing him because it is probably the last time. Hopes to receive an occasional letter from him and to see him after they die. She expresses her love for him and will pray for him. A two page poem is enclosed. 4 pages.
2/3 215 George Pilz to Maggie Pilz. PDF transcript. 2 pages.
2/3 216 W. Clark (Sitka, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Has given Mr. Kaplan an order on him for $75 which he can’t pay any other way. He will work for, and with, Harris. When he takes up the order, he will have paid $150. He has already seen the judge but has not spoken to him on Harris’ matters. He will make his case in the regular way as soon as possible. 1 page.
2/3 217 Mary I. Reid (Wichita, Kansas) to Frank McCormick (Juneau, Alaska). Received his letter and is sorry that he and Uncle Dick are involved in a law case. She has entered high school. 5 pages.
2/3 218 Richard Tighe Harris to W. J. Harris (Tenakee, Alaska). Billy has written him; he is getting along all right. Note: the letter is written on a pen and ink caricature drawn by W. J. Harris dated 1904. 1 page.
2/3 219 H. DeWitt (Chemawa, Oregon) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). He’s at Chemawa for a short time and will return in the spring. Note: on the reverse side is a caricature drawing by W. J. Harris concerning Chemawa and Salem, Oregon, on the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Indian school. 1 page (postcard).
2/3 220 Bess Maguire (Chemawa, Oregon) to Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Harris. Received their letter on the 4th of July. She will be 16 next month. She has learned how to play the mouth harp and is learning how to be a housekeeper. She can make dresses and wash clothes. 4 pages.
2/3 221 C. E. Larson (Chemawa, Oregon) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Happy to hear from him. Sends his regards to Dick and to Bronson and encloses a photo taken in California. On the reverse is a photograph of a young man wearing a uniform. 1 page (postcard).
2/3 222 Lotta A. Harris (Denver, Colorado) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). On the reverse is a photograph of Margaret Ann taken on her 11th birthday. They will send photographs of various individuals and thanks them for the letter and picture. 1 page (postcard).
2/3 223 ? Cox to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Arrived safely and hopes Harris and his family are well. Note: the photograph on the reverse is of a traveling tree in Malaya. 1 page (postcard).
2/3 224 Caesar ? to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Asks if his dog “Jake” photographs well. On the reverse side is a photograph of his dog. 1 page (postcard).
2/3 225 M. Cline (Sunrise, Alaska) to Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Arrived safely. Mentions a snow slide 25 miles up the creek in which five men were killed. 2 pages.
2/3 226 Margaret Harris to W. J. Harris. Glad to receive his letter and the money. She has had pictures of her and the children taken and will send them soon. Dick was fishing with Tom Ashby. Mentions several friends. 4 pages.
2/3 227 Mrs. O. E. Harris (Bremerton, Washington) to Mr. and Mrs. Harris. Received their letter of August 16, 1942. Martha was coming with Rose Douglas but left. She picked up her mail occasionally but lately its been picked up by Ray Champie who informed them that Martha had moved to Coeur D’Alene, Idaho. Martha received their letter but not the $25.00. She is in good health and will stay there for about another month. 3 pages.

Series 1: Correspondence. Subseries 1c: Incomplete and undated correspondence; undated, 1897-1910.
Materials are arranged in approximate chronological order.

Box/Folder Letter number Description
2/4 George Pilz, undated, most likely 1885-1886. Begins at page 5. Explanation of his financial status and history.
2/4 228 Mrs. J. Harris Weir (Ballyroney, County Down, Ireland) to Richard Tighe Harris (Juneau, Alaska). The postmark gives the date of October, 1897. Wishes she could see him before she dies. Happy to hear his boys are smart. Discusses salvation. 2 pages (last 2 pages).
2/4 229 Richard Tighe Harris to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. He hopes that they will not play football as he has forbidden them to take part. He knows they will follow his instructions. 1 page (last page).
2/4 230 Mary Ann Dobbins to W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. She says their father sent their pictures but she and her husband would like to see the boys; her husband talks of them often. She wants them to answer her letters. They send their love and regards. 1 page (last page).
2/4 231 W. J. Harris to Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. Mr. Woodin resigned and left the previous night. Note: under signature is a caricature of W. J. Harris. 1 page (page 7).
2/4 232 John Bensen (Seattle, Washington) to W. J. Harris (Juneau, Alaska). Postmark dated is July 5, 1910. Discusses C. H. Woods and family. The school is the same; there are some additional buildings and the accommodations are much better. He lost $100 on a fight the previous day. Discusses marriage and mentions various people they knew in school in Oregon. 9 pages (pages 3-11).

Series 1: Correspondence. Subseries 1d: Invitations; 1858, 1908, 1909.
Invitations are arranged in chronological order.

Box/Folder Item Description Date
2/5 1 Invitation addressed to Richard Tighe Harris for Grand Ball at Ford’s American House, Kickapoo City, Kansas Territory. 1858 June 18
2/5 2 Invitation addressed to Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. for First Annual Ball of the ’87 Alaska Pioneers at Elks Hall, Juneau, Alaska. 1908 February 22
2/5 3 Invitation addressed to W. J. Harris for the Fourth Annual Ball of the Treadwell Fire Department at the Treadwell Club, Juneau, Alaska. 1908 August 17
2/5 4 Invitation for the Annual Celebration Ball of the ’87 Alaska Pioneers’ Association at Elk’s Hall, Juneau, Alaska. 1909 October 18

Series 1: Correspondence. Subseries 1e: Envelopes; undated, 1881-1916.
Most of the original envelopes were returned to the Harris family; a small number were kept in the collection for display purposes.

Box/Folder Description Dates
2/6 30 envelopes. undated, 1881-1916

Series 2: Legal records; undated, 1858-1917. 0.3 cubic feet.
The legal records mainly concern the period 1880 through 1886 and include the locations of claims, contracts, agreements, and papers relative to the suit against Harris in 1885. These include a handwritten document entitled “The By-Laws of the Harris Mining District” dated 1880; a list of George Pilz’s property; and a copy of an agreement between Harris, Joseph Juneau and George Pilz. Also included is Richard Harris’ naturalization record, which indicates that he became a naturalized citizen in 1858. Also included are: a draft of Harris’ will dated 1893, several claim locations, and a location of townsite dated 1880. The legal records are divided into two subseries: mining records and other records.

Series 2: Legal records. Subseries 2a: Mining records; undated, 1864-1913.
Documents are arranged in by type of document, thereunder roughly chronologically.

Box/Folder Item Description Date
2/7 Laws. Bylaws of the Harris District, Gold Creek, Alaska Territory, 1880. By-Laws have been laminated and bound; they are written in pencil. A note on the title page, written in red ink, is signed Richard Tighe Harris, Recorder. 1 volume. 1880
2/8 1-2 Placer Mining Claims. List of individuals who recorded claims October 4, 1880, as well as Fuller Quartz Lode (October 12, 1880 and April 4, 1881); and resolution of miners legalizing records kept by Richard Tighe Harris, two copies. 1881 February, April
2/9 3 Claim No. 4, Southerly from discovery on the Banner Lode, Montana District. Filed by D. Jones and Richard Tighe Harris, Bannack City, Beaver Head County, Montana Territory. 1864 July 29
2/9 4 Claim No. 4, Easterly from discovery on the Orrville Lode, Bannack District. Recorded by Richard Harris. Bannack City, Beaver Head County, Montana Territory. 1864 November 21
2/9 5 Consolidation of first and second locations (3000 feet) on Takou Quartz Lode and Takou Union, Harris District, Alaska Territory. Recorded by Richard Tighe Harris, Joseph Juneau, Charles Wells and J. D. Sagemiller. Signed by Richard Tighe Harris, Recorder. 1880 December 8
2/9 6 First location of claim of 1500 feet on Takou Gold and Silver Quartz Lode, Quartz Creek, Harris District, Alaska Territory. Recorded by Richard Tighe Harris and Joseph Juneau. Signed by Richard Tighe Harris, Recorder. 1880 December 8
2/9 7 Second location of claim of 1500 feet on the Takou Union, Harris District, Alaska Territory. Recorded by Charles Wells and J. D. Sagemiller. Signed by Richard Tighe Harris, Recorder. 1880 December 8
2/9 8 Location of claim of 1500 feet on Leed Lode on Gold Creek. Harris Mining District, Alaska Territory-to be known as the Juneau Mine on the Keystone Lode. Recorded by Richard Tighe Harris and J. Juneau. Signed by Richard Tighe Harris, Recorder. 1881 April 23
2/9 9 Location of claim of 1500 feet on the Leed Lode on Gold Creek, Harris Mining District, Alaska Territory known as the Keystone Lode and Mine. Recorded by Charles Wells and J. D. Sagemiller. Signed by Richard Tighe Harris, Recorder. 1881 April 23
2/9 10 Location of claim of 1500 feet on the Leed Lode on Gold Creek, Harris Mining District, Alaska Territory-to be known as the Gold Hill Claim on the Gold Hill Lode. Recorded by J. Juneau and Richard Tighe Harris. Signed by Richard Tighe Harris, Recorder. 1881 May 1
2/9 11 Location of claim of 1500 feet on Gold Creek, Harris Mining District, Alaska Territory-to be known as the Crown Point on the Gold Hill Lode. Recorded by Charles Wells and J. D. Sagemiller. Signed by Richard Tighe Harris, Recorder. 1881 May 1
2/9 12 Location of claim of 1500 feet on the Leed Lode on Gold Creek, Harris Mining District, Alaska Territory-to be known as the Capitol Mine. Recorded by J. D. Sagemiller, Joe Juneau, Charles Wells, and Richard Tighe Harris. Signed by Richard Tighe Harris, Recorder. 1881 May 13
2/9 13 Location of twenty (20) acres of placer mining ground on the Glacier River, Porcupine District, Alaska Territory to be known as the Juneau King. Filed by Richard T. Harris. 1900 January 3
2/10 Notice of Continuation. Notice that claims of Harris and Juneau are laid over until the snow melts. Signed by R. Dixon, Recorder. 1 item. 1882 June 1
2/11 1 Quit Claim for 125 feet each of the Gold Hill, Juneau and Takou Union Quartz Lodes to Richard Tighe Harris by Denis de Porte. Recorded by Denis de Porte. Record signed by R. Dixon, Recorder. 1882 September 29
2/11 2 Quit Claim to land on Juneau water front to W. J. Harris by Andrew Jake. Recorded by Andrew Jake. 1913 February 26
2/12 1 Power of Attorney: Richard Tighe Harris names M. J. McDonald as lawful attorney to take possession of his mining properties in Beaver Head County, Montana Territory for the period from November 7, 1865 to June 1, 1866. Filed by Richard Tighe Harris. 1865 November 7
2/12 2 Power of Attorney: Upton H. Dulany names Richard Tighe Harris as lawful attorney to work mining claims on the Alaska Chief Ledge, Harris Mining District, Alaska Territory. Filed by Upton H. Dulany at Victoria, B. C. 1881 October 3
2/13 1 Indenture between M. J. McDonald of San Francisco and Richard Tighe Harris and C. Q. Trask of Bannack City, Beaver Head County, Montana Territory to lease to Harris and Trask Quartz Claim No. 8 on the Dakota Lode, Centerville District near Bannack City, Beaver Head County, Montana Territory. 1868 May 24
2/13 2 Article of Settlement by George Pilz with Richard Tighe Harris and Joseph Juneau stating that the latter have fulfilled all agreements of the date of July 17, 1880, and relinquishing all title to four gold and silver quartz mining locations. 1880 July 17
2/13 3 Article of Agreement by Richard Tighe Harris, Joseph Juneau, and Charles Wells with Denis de Porte who agrees to erect a stamp mill in the Harris Mining District and four additional stamps and place them in a building built by the former. The four men are to be equal partners in the mill and the latter will be deeded 375 feet of three quartz lodes. 1881 November 10
2/13 4 Article of Agreement between Richard Tighe Harris and John Olds by which the former agrees to sell three (3) lots to the latter for the sum of three thousand dollars ($3,000. 00). 1902 March 22
2/14 Draft Deposition of Richard Tighe Harris in case of Territory of Alaska vs. Richard Tighe Harris. He attests to an agreement between himself and Joseph Juneau with Hall, Pilz and Co. in June, 1880, and to the following: the prospecting trip in 1880; the location of mines, the Silver Bow Basin, Gold Hill on Gold Creek; the location of a mill site; the location of a town site; that Harris showed Pilz the locations in December, 1880, and that names on the locators were then changed; that Harris was asked to destroy the original book; that Harris did not destroy that volume and states it is in his possession; and that Harris located several other claims for Pilz and other individuals and recorded them with the new recorder. 1886
2/15 List of Property: Document lists property of George Pilz over which Richard Tighe Harris of Harrisburgh holds a Power of Attorney; it contains a list of debts and instructions to sell properties in order to settle debts. undated
2/16 Points of law: Document summarizes points on arbitration of claim disputes for case of Fuller vs. Harris. circa 1884

Series 2: Legal records. Subseries 2b: Other legal records; undated, 1858-1917.

Box/Folder Description Date
OSF1 Diploma: this document indicates that Richard Tighe Harris graduated from the (Duff’s) Merchant’s College of Pennsylvania on September 10, 1858. 1858
2/17 Naturalization record of Richard Tighe Harris. Document states that Richard Tighe Harris was born in Ireland and resided in the United States for at least three years before said date; it is a duplicate. 1884 December 2
2/17 Will of Richard Tighe Harris. Document names his sons to share equally in property and requests that he be buried according to the formalities of the Masonic Order. 1893 June 20
2/18 Probate Record of Jennie Starr Menumen. Deceased (also known as Mrs. W. J. Harris and as Jennie Harris). 1939 January 10
2/19 Location of Town Site. Document records location of 160 acres at the mouth of Gold Creek by Richard Tighe Harris, Joseph Juneau, and N. A. Fuller. (Signed by Richard Tighe Harris, Recorder). 1880 October 14
2/20 License from U. S. Department of Commerce, Steamboat Inspection Service (W. J. Harris). 1917 August 7

Series 3: Financial records; 1879-1909. 0.05 cubic feet. The financial records contain essentially three types of records, a cash book, an account book, and receipts. Among the entries in the cash book are statements indicating the amount of money paid out to Harris, Juneau, and many others for prospecting trips in British Columbia and Alaska from 1879 to 1881. An index of the cash book is included in this guide as well as a list of the main entry headings. The account book covers the period 1881-1885 and bears the title “Richard Tighe Harris Time Book” and the date “1884” on the outside cover. The book indicates the amount of money paid by Harris to various workers; two pages near the end of the book summarize the amount of gold produced by Harris’ operation, the Discovery Mining Co., and the total of his expenses for the five year period, 1881-1885.

Box/Folder Description Date
2/21 Cash book. The main page headings are: Prospecting Alaska, 1879-1880; Cedar Mine, 1879-1880; Royal Purple Mine; Alaska Mine; Ferdinand Mine; Doris Mine; West Witch and East Witch; First southerly extension Last Chance; Tip Top Mine; Golden Lake Mine; Golden Lake Extension (Bald Mountain Ext.); Henrietta Mine; Mariana Mine; Silver Bay; Aldophi, Pinafore and Patriarch; Saw Mill Creek Water Right and Millsite; Black Crow and Globe; Jefferson and Washington; Salieras and Juneau; Grey Eagle; Saul Mine (Redoubt Lake); Bertha Mine (1st West extension Stewart); Hibernia and Sitka Mines; Hornet, Alexandre, and Call; Haley and Militich Mines; Prospecting; Russian American Saw Mill; Saw Mill Co.; P. Corcoran; Joseph Schmeig; N. A. Fuller; Pilz and Hilton Mining Co. 1879-1881
2/22 Account book. 1881-1885
2/23 Receipts of Richard Tighe Harris and P. Corcoran. Receipts are signed by Colin Ralston, Wells Fargo, and John McCormick; they include gold shipments, a bill of exchange and the purchase of a canoe. 8 items. 1879-1888
2/24 Receipts of Richard Tighe Harris from Chas. Goldstein, Merchant. 24 items. 1905 March
2/25 Alaska Pioneers Association Membership. Receipts for Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. and W. J. Harris. 3 items. 1908-1909
2/26 Receipts of W. J. Harris and Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. 11 items. 1905-1909

Series 4: Memoranda; 1882-1946. 0.05 cubic feet.
The memoranda series is comprised of two memoranda books, notes by Harris on his early discoveries around present day Juneau, and genealogical notes. The latter include information on Harris’ relatives and birth and death dates of many family members.

Box/Folder Description Date
2/27 Memoranda book. This volume contains notes for 1882 and 1884. The date on the inside cover is 1882. In the volume are addresses, the date of birth of W. J. Harris, and a note indicating that Harris left San Francisco for St. Louis, Missouri, on December 30, 1882. 1882, 1884
2/28 Memoranda book. The volume contains notes from 1882 to 1903. Included are addresses; store accounts; general historical notes; and references to Masons, assessments, locations, and medicines. 1882-1903
2/29 Notes, 2 items. The first, Note on the original discoveries, states that Richard Tighe Harris with Joseph Juneau and three Indians from Sitka drove their first stake on Kiowa Creek on Douglas Island on 1880 August 12. The second, Notes on both trips, summarizes Harris’ contract with Pilz, his two trips and his findings. The period covered dates from 1880 July 17 to December 1. Undated
2/30 Family genealogical record. This genealogical list of ages contains the birthdates of Richard Tighe Harris and his brothers and sisters; it also contains dates of the death of his parents and two brothers. It is in Richard Tighe Harris’ handwriting. Undated
2/31 Family bible entries. 18 pages. The entries are primarily family births and deaths. The early entries are in Richard Tighe Harris’ handwriting and were probably made after 1880. Besides listing the birthdates of his brothers and sisters, it also includes the dates on which they and their parents died. The volume also contains the birth and baptismal dates of Harris’ children, and the dates on which he, his wife, and two of his children died. In addition, there are entries concerning several other relatives and descendants of Richard Tighe Harris (copy.) 1825-1946
2/32 Poem. This prose poem is entitled “Monumental Columns of Old Creation.” It is in Richard Tighe Harris’ handwriting (copy.) 1894 May 3

Series 5: Pictorial material; undated, 1853-1940. 0.95 cubic feet.
The pictorial material is divided into three subseries; drawings by William John Harris, “Old Tillicum” pictures, and photographs.

Series 5: Pictorial material. Subseries 5a: Drawings; undated.
Most of the items in this series are drawings done by William John Harris are primarily caricature drawings while he was at the Indian school at Chemawa, Oregon and in Juneau, Alaska.

Box/Folder Description Date
3/1 Drawings by W. J. Harris, 10 items. These drawings include a drawing of a girl (completed when W. J. Harris was eight years old), a caricature of H. N. Stoudenmeyer, and political caricatures of Governor Chamberlain of Oregon and the Russo-Japanese War. Undated, 1904-1905, 1907, 1917
OSF1 Oversize drawings by W. J. Harris, 7 items. These drawings include 2 pictures of Richard Tighe Harris, one of which was made in 1905 when he was 74 years old, a portrait of Frank Starr, a political cartoon on the opening of the bridge over Gastineau Channel, and three caricatures. Undated, 1905, 1913-1914, 1935
3/2 This rough sketch is incomplete; a portion, probably the top half, is missing. It designates Douglas Island (spelled “Duglas”), Harrisburgh, the Salmon River, the Takou River, and a Wagon Road. It is a pen and ink sketch; the words are in Richard Tighe Harris’ handwriting. Undated

Series 5: Pictorial material. Subseries 5b: Old Tillicum pictures; approximately 1900.
These pictures are mainly advertisements for a brand of cigars. They depict photographs of Richard Tighe Harris and Joseph Juneau. One of the double pictures is entitled “Old Tillicum”; while it contains the same photographs it does not appear to be an advertisement.

Box/Folder Item Description Date
3/3 1-3 Color label with black and white photo portraits (2 copies, 4½ X 4¾ inch; black and white copy negative). approximately 1900
3/3 4 Color label with red tone photo portraits (1 copies, 4½ X 4¾ inch). approximately 1900
3/3 5 Label with blue tone photo portraits (1 copy, 4½ X 5½ inch). approximately 1900

Series 5: Pictorial material. Subseries 5c: Photographs; 1853-1940.
The main body of pictorial materials is identified photographs including individuals, families, groups and buildings. In addition, there are unidentified photographs of people and photographs of inanimate objects. There are almost 250 developed photographs in the collection as well as 55 undeveloped negatives, including 1 ambrotype and 3 tintypes. Most of the photographs are of the families of Richard Tighe Harris and his son, William John Harris, as well as of their various relatives from around the country. The photographs that concern William John Harris depict him with his family and friends, as a guide, and as a sign painter. Most of the group photographs and the photographs of buildings, ships and so forth are from the area of Juneau, Alaska.

Box/Folder Item Description Date
Richard Tighe Harris’ immediate family (portraits), 4 items.
3/4 1 Richard Tighe Harris at age 22. Cabinet card photograph taken in Pittsburgh and reprinted by Winter & Pond (Juneau, Alaska).. 1853
3/4 2 Richard Tighe Harris and family in front of home on Courthouse Hill in Juneau. Boudoir card photograph. 1889
3/4 3 Jennie “Jessie” Starr. Cabinet card photograph taken by Winter & Pond (Juneau, Alaska). undated
3/4 4 Richard Tighe Harris, taken by Schoene. undated
Richard Tighe Harris’s brothers and sisters (portraits), 5 items.
3/5 1 William C. Harris (brother) and family, taken by Alley (Eagleville, Mo.). Cabinet card photograph. 1896
3/5 2 William Wier (brother-in-law). Carte de visite photograph. undated
3/5 3 Martha Jane Wier (sister). Carte de visite photograph. undated
3/5 4 Sarah McCormick (sister, 1825-1892). Cabinet card photograph. undated
3/5 5 Sarah McCormick (sister, 1825-1892). Cabinet card photograph reprinted by Landerkin & Winter (Juneau, Alaska). . undated
Richard Tighe Harris and others (probably relatives in Ireland), 3 items.
3/6 1 Richard Tighe Harris portrait with two other men. Hand-colored tintype. undated
3/6 2 Richard Tighe Harris portrait seated with young woman standing. Hand-colored tintype. undated
3/6 3 Richard Tighe Harris portrait with brother-in-law William Wier, sister Martha Jane Wier, and their two sons. Hand-colored tintype. undated
R. T Harris’s sons and daughter, 10 items.
3/7 1 Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. and William J. Harris sitting in field. Photo postcard. circa 1907-1910
3/7 2 Richard Tighe Harris, Jr. (b. Nov. 10, 1885) as young boy. Cabinet card photograph taken by F. J. Brown (Salem, Oregon). undated
3/7 3 Mary K. Harris, infant daughter (1888-1889). Cabinet card photograph. Death portrait. 1889
3/7 4 Mary K. Harris, infant daughter (1888-1889). Death portrait. 1889
3/7 5 William J. Harris in work clothes. undated
3/7 6 William J. Harris wading in water. undated
3/7 7 Richard T. Harris, Jr. and William J. Harris boxing. undated
3/7 8 Richard T. Harris, Jr. as young man. undated
3/7 9 Small photomechanical print of William J. Harris at age 19 or 20 printed on card. undated
3/7 10 William J. Harris sleeping in bed below Richard Tighe Harris photo. In pencil on verso: “W. J. H. after death.” undated
R.T. Harris’s sons and others, 3 items.
3/8 1 Portrait of William J. Harris (right), with Ike, Henry, and Jake Croply. 1902
3/8 2 Portrait of Richard T. Harris, Jr., William J. Harris, William T. Harris, and two other men. undated
3/8 3 Portrait left to right on Courthouse Hill in Juneau: William J. Harris, William T. Harris, and Richard T. Harris, Jr.. undated
Aquillar Harris of Eagleville, Missouri (portraits), 2 items.
3/9 1 Aquillar Harris (standing). Cabinet card photograph taken by Chappell (Eagleville, Mo.). undated
3/9 2 Aquillar Harris (head and shoulders). Cabinet card photograph taken by Alley (Eagleville, Mo.). undated
3/10 1 Brice and Reid Harris, nephews of Richard Tighe Harris, of Eagleville, Missouri. Cabinet card photograph taken by Rice (Eagleville, Mo.) undated
3/11 1 Portrait of George Harris with wife and son of Eagleville, Missouri. Cabinet card photograph taken by Alley (Eagleville, Mo.). undated
3/12 1 Margaret Harris and dog. undated
Margaret Harris at dedication of plaque commemorating the founding of Juneau, 2 items.
3/13 1-2 Margaret Harris and unidentified woman [Josephine Juneau?] shake hands in front of plaque with images of Richard Tighe Harris and Joseph Juneau. 1940
3/14 1 Portrait of Mary Ann and Lottie Harris (children of Richard J. Harris). undated
3/15 1 Portrait of Samuel Harris and wife. Cabinet card photograph. undated
3/16 1 William Jennings Bryan Harris of Eagleville, Missouri. Cabinet card photograph taken by Alley (Eagleville, Mo.). undated
William J. Harris with family and children, 15 items.
3/17 1 William J. Harris with Richard T. Harris, III. undated
3/17 2 Margaret Harris with children Richard T. Harris, III and Inye Harris, and unidentified woman. undated
3/17 3 Children Frederick, Robert, and Sophia Harris. undated
3/17 4 William J. Harris and Margaret Harris with children Richard T. Harris, III and Frederick B. Harris. undated
3/17 5 Richard T. Harris, II with infant Richard T. Harris, III, and Mary. undated
3/17 6 Richard T. Harris, III with wheelbarrow. undated
3/17 7 William J. Harris with rifle and two hunting dogs. undated
3/17 8 William J. Harris with two hunting dogs. undated
3/17 9-10 William J. Harris with infant Richard T. Harris, III, and dog. undated
3/17 11 Infant Richard T. Harris, III in baby buggy. undated
3/17 11 Richard T. Harris, Jr. with infant Richard T. Harris, III. undated
3/17 12 William J. Harris holding seal pup in front of barber shop. undated
3/17 13 Infant Richard T. Harris, III, with dog in doorway. undated
3/17 14 Richard T. Harris, III standing near doorway. undated
William J. Harris with friends, 3 items.
3/18 1 William J. Harris and the two Bell brothers. 1904 September
3/18 2 William J. Harris and Johnny Benson. undated
3/18 3 William J. Harris and Johnny Benson. undated
William J. Harris, camping and hunting, 30 items.
3/19 1 Margaret Harris and infant Richard T. Harris, III on picnic. undated
3/19 2 William J. Harris with mountain goat. undated
3/19 3 Camp in background. undated
3/19 4 George Folta, Major Gillette and Judge Harding sitting in front of tent. undated
3/19 5 Hoisting bear on deck of boat (faded). undated
3/19 6 William J. Harris and Margaret Harris with rifles. undated
3/19 7 Dead bear with paws skyward. undated
3/19 8 William T. Harris of Missouri holding infant Richard T. Harris, III next to three hanging carcasses. undated
3/19 9 William J. Harris posing with knife on snow. undated
3/19 10 Paul Kegod with mountain goat. undated
3/19 11 Man sitting in front of tent in camp. undated
3/19 12 Boy sitting on bear with rifle, “Alaska Grizzly T. Davis.” Photo postcard. undated
3/19 13 Woman cooking in camp outside tent. undated
3/19 14 Mr. Young posed on log at Hoonah. undated
3/19 15 William J. Harris posed on log at Hoonah. undated
3/19 16 Men and women on picnic in front of tent camp. undated
3/19 17 Three moose and seven mountain sheep racks on deck of boat.. undated
3/19 18 Dead black bear on beach. undated
3/19 19 William J. Harris with bearskin in boat. undated
3/19 20 Margaret Harris and sons Richard T. Harris, III and Robert Harris with rifles. undated
3/19 21 Two dead mountain sheep on hillside. undated
3/19 22 “Mountain Sheep, Kenai Peni[n]sula-Alaska”. Photo postcard. undated
3/19 23 William T. Harris of Missouri holding infant Richard T. Harris, III next to three hanging carcasses. undated
3/19 24 Man with slung rifle in trees, “Stalking bear, Rocky shot at.” (faded) undated
3/19 25 William J. Harris and hunter with bear. undated
3/19 26 Dead bear and dog (faded). undated
3/19 27 Hoisting dead bear on boat deck with winch. undated
3/19 28 William T. Harris feeding two bear cubs below three hanging bearskins. undated
3/19 29 William J. Harris, William T. Harris and three unidentified men drinking from bottles at hunting camp (faded). undated
3/19 30 Jessie Starr, William J. Harris, Richard T. Harris, III, and William T. Harris on picnic. undated
William J. Harris, hunting, 17 itema mounted on album pages.
3/20 1 Justus von Lengerke in front of garage doors with four bear rugs. circa 1925
3/20 2 Justus von Lengerke posed with two dead bears and rifle, Idaho Inlet Flat. 1925 May 22
3/20 3 William J. Harris, three men, and head of dead bear. undated
3/20 4 William J. Harris with two mountain goats. undated
3/20 5 Dog and dead bear. undated
3/20 6 Girl holding infant Richard T. Harris, III in front of three hanging carcasses. undated
3/20 7 Three cubs following a black bear sow. undated
3/20 8 William J. Harris holding head of bearskin in boat. undated
3/20 9 William J. Harris with dead bear and rifle. undated
3/20 10 William J. Harris with dead bear (faded). undated
3/20 11 Mountain goat head hung next to rifle on boat. undated
3/20 12 William T. Harris holding infant Richard T. Harris, III next to three hanging carcasses. undated
3/20 13 Rifle laid over neck of dead mountain goat. undated
3/20 14 Man with rifle facing wounded bull moose. undated
3/20 15 Justus von Lengerke with rifle standing behind dead bear in snow. 1925 May 16
3/20 16 Three men standing behind dead bear in snow (extreme contrast). undated
3/20 17 Bearskin on rack. undated
William J. Harris, signs and signpainting, 14 items.
3/21 1 William J. Harris with paintbrush in front of “Beautifully Modern” General Electric billboard. undated
3/21 2 General Electric “Beautifully Modern” billboard. undated
3/21 3 General Electric ice box billboard. undated
3/21 4 William J. Harris painting General Electric “Beautifully Modern” billboard. undated
3/21 5 Front of house with “Harris Signs” sign below eaves and bear painting below. undated
3/21 6 Closeup of “Harris Signs” sign. undated
3/21 7 William J. Harris standing next to Juneau Dairy sign. undated
3/21 8 Margaret Harris standing next to Juneau Dairy sign. undated
3/21 9 William Harris and three women standing on boardwalk in front of “Tables for Ladies” sign on cafe door. undated
3/21 10 Man walking below sign for Chas. Goldstein Furs. undated
3/21 11 William J. Harris to right of painting (winter landscape with bear painting in front of sign shop). undated
3/21 12 William J. Harris to right of painting (winter landscape with bear painting in front of sign shop). undated
3/21 13 Full-frame shot of painting (winter landscape with bear painting in front of sign shop). undated
3/21 14 William J. Harris to right of painting (winter landscape with bear painting in front of sign shop). undated
3/22 1 Portrait of Lynn Adsit. Taken by Winter & Pond (Juneau, Alaska). 1906
3/23 1 John Benson with bottle standing next to two hanging animal carcasses, black and white print, 3¼ X 5½ inch. undated
3/24 1 Portrait of George E. Chamberlain (Governor and Senator from Oregon). Taken by Elite Studio (Salem, Oregon). 1904
3/25 1 Boxing portrait of Joseph Collier, heavyweight champion of Alaska. Fragile and torn print. undated
Dobbins family (Mary Ann Harris), 13 items.
3/26 1 Portrait of Mary Ann Harris Dobbins. undated
3/26 2 Woman and two men with horse buggy and 50 horsepower car. undated
3/26 3 Portrait (faded) of Mary A. Harris (Mrs. Mary A. Dobbins). Cabinet card photograph taken by Ellingson. 1898
3/26 4 Portrait of Mary A. Harris. Cabinet card photograph taken by Drenkel (Aspen, Colorado). 1894
3/26 5 Portrait of Charles and Mary Ann Dobbins. undated
3/26 6 Mary Ann Dobbins, Richard T. Harris, Jr., and unidentified woman in front of automobile. undated
3/26 7 Charles Dobbins in his Cadillac automobile (portions missing). undated
3/26 8 Portrait of Charles Dobbins. undated
3/26 9 Portrait of Charles Dobbins. Cabinet card photograph taken by Leon & Payton (Hot Springs, [no state listed]). undated
3/26 10 Dobbins family portrait. undated
3/26 11 Mary Ann Dobbins and two men next to boulder with petroglyphs. undated
3/26 12 Portrait of unidentified woman. Taken by Pottenger (Wichita, Kansas). undated
3/26 13 Portrait of unidentified woman (standing). Taken by Pottenger (Wichita, Kansas). undated
3/27 1 Portrait of Mike Dunn. Taken by Winter & Pond (Junea, Alaska). 1901
3/28 1 Portrait of Mr. Gordon. undated
3/29 1 Portrait of William Jones, wife and four boys. undated
3/30 1 Portrait of Mrs. Keshkae (Jessie Starr’s mother). Cabinet card photograph taken by Landerkin & Winter (Juneau, Alaska). undated
3/31 1 Portrait (faded) of Frank McCormick and woman identified as “sweetheart”. Cabinet card photograph. undated
3/32 1 Portrait of Ned Palmer, wife Mary, and children Gladys Elizabeth, and May Vivian. Cabinet card photograph taken by Wallace (Peabody, Kansas). undated
3/33 1 Portrait of Jessie Price (graduate of Sheldon Jackson). undated
4/1 1 Portrait (faded) of William James Reid (grandnephew to Richard Tighe Harris). undated
4/2 1 Portrait of Walter Rudolf on boardwalk. Photo postcard. undated
4/3 1 Portrait of Sarah Starr. Cabinet card photograph taken by Winter & Pond (Juneau and Douglas City, Alaska). undated
4/4 1 Portrait of Jane Steward (cousin of Richard Tighe Harris). 1904 August 16
4/5 1 Baseball game from outfield. Photo postcard. undated
4/5 2 Baseball game and bleachers from outfield. Photo postcard. undated
4/5 3 Early Fourth of July parade down street in Juneau. undated
4/5 4 Filipino float in parade in Juneau, black and white print, 2¾ X 4½ inch. undated
4/5 5 Group photo of Treadwell Club Band. Photo postcard. undated
4/5 6 Group photo of members of the Brotherhood of Painters, Decorators, and Paperhangers union, local 1092, Labor Day Parade, Juneau. Taken by Elite Studio. 1938
4/5 7 Crew of Coast Guard Cutter USS Perry. undated
4/5 8 Group photo of Juneau Fire Department, banquet at Elk’s Hall. Taken by Winter-Pond (Juneau, Alaska). 1910 August 12
4/5 9 Portrait of the two owners of Goldstein’s Store. Boudoir card taken by Partridge (Portland, Or.) circa 1884
4/5 10 Group photo of Masonic Rainbow Girls. undated
4/5 11 Group photo of “Sons and daughters of ‘87 Pioneers, Juneau, Alaska”. Taken by Winter & Pond (Juneau, Alaska). 1909 April 25
4/6 1 Portrait of an unidentified man. Carte de visite photograph taken by N. Johnson (Bethany, Missouri). undated
4/6 2 Portrait of “W. T. Harris”?, Eagleville, Missouri. Cabinet card taken by Alley (Eagleville, Mo.). undated
4/6 3 Portrait of seated gray-haired man with mustache. Cabinet card taken by A. & G. Taylor (Derby and Nottingham, England). undated
4/6 4 Portrait (cracked) of man with mustache. undated
4/6 5 Portrait of teenage boy in cap. Taken by Winter & Pond (Juneau, Alaska). undated
4/6 6 Portrait of man, “Moody,” teacher at Chemawa, Oregon. Taken by Benjamin Gifford (The Dalles, Oregon). 1899 March
4/6 7 Portrait of gray-haired man, possibly John Rustgard? undated
4/6 8 Portrait of gray-haired man with mustache. Taken by E. R. taft (Springfield, Mass.) undated
4/6 9 Portrait of man with mustache and beard wearing overalls. undated
4/6 10 Portrait of man in woods with dog. undated
4/7 1 Portrait of native woman (standing), possibly Jennie or Sarah Starr. Cabinet card photograph. undated
4/7 2 Portrait of native woman. Carte de visite photograph taken by Spencer & hastings (Victoria, B.C.). undated
4/7 3 Young girl and dog on doorstep. undated
4/7 4 Portrait (badly yellowed) of woman with hair up. Cabinet card photograph taken by Ormsby (San Francisco, Calif.).. undated
4/7 5 Portrait of woman (standing). Carte de visite photograph. undated
4/7 6 Portrait of young woman with ribbon in hair. Taken by E. R. Taft (Springfield, Mass.). undated
4/7 7 Portrait of woman in bonnet and cape. Hand-colored ambrotype (in envelope). undated
4/8 1 Portrait of three men in hats. undated
4/8 2 Musical group in Douglas, Alaska. Taken by Case & Draper. Photograph is torn in half. undated
4/8 3 Men with rifles in field with courthouse in background undated
4/8 4 Family portrait of man and wife with two small children undated
4/8 5 Woman with infant sitting in field in front of house and farm buildings undated
4/8 6 Family portrait of native man and wife with two small children undated
4/8 7 Portrait of woman (Annie) with infant. undated
4/8 8 Group photo at party (at least 25 people present). Photo postcard. undated
4/8 9 Portrait (faded) of woman and three daughters in hats: “Tilly and her family.” Photo postcard. undated
4/8 10 Two U. S. Navy sailors and flag at bow of ship. Photo postcard. undated
4/8 11 Portrait (faded) of young girl and boy. Cabinet card photograph taken by A. B. Thompson (Denver, Colorado). undated
4/8 12 Portrait of two young boys. Cabinet card photograph taken by Halloran Bros. (Pawtucket, Rhode Island). undated
4/8 13 Group family portrait with children (3 generations). 2 copies. undated
4/8 14 Group photo of brass band on ship deck. undated
Juneau buildings and area, 9 items.
4/9 1 Doctor’s building (left portion missing. 1905 February 2
4/9 2 “Sam Gowen, Curio Dealer, Ketchikan, Alaska. “, storefront, Postcard published by W. H. Case, Juneau, Alaska, Number 11902. undated
4/9 3 “Juneau Hotel Fire 1:30 A. M Sept. 4, 1911,” creased. Hand-colored photo postcard taken by Winter-Pond Co. 1911 September 4
4/9 4 Hot air balloon rising over Fourth of July celebration (faded). undated
4/9 5 Reading room in Treadwell Club, William J. Harris (seated). 1905
4/9 6-7 Alaska Steamship Co. fire (2 views). undated
4/9 8 Second house of Harris family. undated
4/9 9 Old Fire Hall (torn down 1951-1952). undated
4/10 1 Indian graveyard at Hoonah. undated
4/10 2 Street scene (yellowed). undated
4/10 3 Mountains and glacier field (portion of panorama). undated
4/10 4 Icebergs (creased). undated
4/10 5 Mountainous islands on Alaska Coast. Taken by Ordway (Juneau, Alaska). undated
4/10 6 Snow-topped mountain and glacier field. undated
4/10 7 “Chilcoot Mission, Alaska. ” Three man and woman in front of log mission building (Baranof Castle). Boudoir card. undated
4/10 8 Foot of glacier. undated
4/10 9 Mountains and glacier from bay. undated
4/10 10 Mountains and glacier field (portion of panorama). undated
4/10 11 Glacier from bay, black and white print. undated
4/10 12 Model of church building in rock garden? undated
4/10 13 Cache. undated
4/10 14 Irish village street scene. Postcard. undated
4/10 15 “A Street in Boddam.” Photo postcard taken by J. Shivas & Son (Peterhead). undated
4/10 16 “Abbey House, Newport, Oregon.” Postcard. undated
4/10 17 “Parish Church Boddam.’ Photo postcard taken by J. Shivas & Son (Peterhead). undated
4/10 18 “Residence of T. C. Dobbins, Telluride Colo. ” Charles and Mary Ann Dobbins in front of home. undated
4/11 1 Steam ship underway in passage (out of focus). undated
4/11 2 Fishing boat, Eurus, run aground near beach. undated
4/11 3 Four sailboats at anchor. undated
4/11 4 Tugboat, Chilcoot. undated
Copy photographs, 7 items.
4/12 1 “Juneau, Alaska, June 1886.” Originally taken by Winter & Pond Co.. 1886
4/12 2 Juneau from hill overlooking Russian Orthodox Church and waterfront.. undated
4/12 3 Portrait of Richard Tighe Harris. undated
4/12 4 Man holding hat along side bear on boat deck. undated
4/12 5 “Native Women Selling Curios, Alaska.” Originally taken by Winter & Pond. undated
4/12 6 Sailboat coming into Juneau Harbor. Newspaper clipping. undated
4/12 7 Group photo of children and teachers at native school. undated
Black and white copy prints from original negatives, 51 items.
4/13 1 Harris Signs shop with house above (double exposure). undated
4/13 2 “The Baranof Bar Bubble Room Dancing” (glass door sign). undated
4/13 3 “The Baranof Bar and Cocktail Lounge” (window sign). undated
4/13 4 “Canadian Pacific” (window sign). undated
4/13 5 William J. Harris with palette next to oil painting of mountain. undated
4/13 6 William J. Harris with daughter and two dogs on boardwalk. undated
4/13 7 William J. Harris and unidentified man holding infant Richard T. Harris, III, with courthouse in background. undated
4/13 8 Infant on blanket. undated
4/13 9 Margaret Harris in suit and hat. undated
4/13 10 Men, women and young children in wagon. undated
4/13 11 Man in cap with camera next to speed limit sign. undated
4/13 12 Jessie Starr, Margaret Harris, infant Richard T. Harris, III, and William T. Harris on picnic. undated
4/13 13 “Chas. Goldstein Furs” sign. undated
4/13 14 Woman with snow shovel near downtown Juneau. undated
4/13 15 Woman and boy with snow shovel (different view). undated
4/13 16 William J. Harris with unidentified man in front of Mendenhall Glacier. undated
4/13 17 Boy scout group and camp. undated
4/13 18 Margaret Harris and unidentified woman on day of dedication of plaque honoring the founders of Juneau. 1940
4/13 19 Soldier with men at each arm at bottom of dock gangplank. undated
4/13 20 Group photo of men at bottom of dock gangplank, undated
4/13 21 U. S. Navy sailor at window of boat cabin. undated
4/13 22 Sailor on deck of ship (standing). undated
4/13 23 Same sailor as above holding on to cable. undated
4/13 24 Sailor on ship deck. undated
4/13 25 Cook on ship deck. undated
4/13 26 Dead bear being hoisted from canoe onto boat. undated
4/13 27 William J. Harris, bear head and skin on deck of boat. undated
4/13 28 Steamship and passengers from dock. undated
4/13 29 William T. Harris and natives on boat Sarah Starr. undated
4/13 30 Bow of fishing boat Anna Barron at dock. undated
4/13 31 Steamship and U. S. Navy light cruiser in channel from harbor. undated
4/13 32 Steamship and U. S. Navy light cruiser in channel from harbor (similar view). undated
4/13 33 Rear of steamship from bow of boat. undated
4/13 34 Three-masted schooner on fire near shore. undated
4/13 35 Fireball on three-masted schooner. undated
4/13 36 Wreck of overturned Juneau Dairy delivery truck in snow. undated
4/13 37 Hotel Cain and Grand (theater?) looking down street. undated
4/13 38 Chas. Goldstein & Co. Building. undated
4/13 39 Baseball game from outfield. undated
4/13 40 Baseball game from behind fence looking toward train station. undated
4/13 41 Baseball game from outfield looking toward railroad hotel buildings. undated
4/13 42 U. S. Navy sailors carrying rifles in Fourth of July Parade next to Seward Building, Juneau. undated
4/13 43 Juneau residential street in winter. undated
4/13 44 Section of Juneau from hill in winter. undated
4/13 45 Rifle laid over neck of dead mountain goat. undated
4/13 46 Fishing boat in channel. undated
4/13 47 Fishing boat in distance from shore. undated
4/13 48 Channel from harbor. undated
4/13 49 Railroad and channel from hill in winter. undated
4/13 50 View from mountainside. undated
4/13 51 Dead bear in grass near mudflats. undated
6 All Copy prints and negatives of many of the photographs in the collection.

Series 6: Printed material; undated, 1856-1969. 0.8 cubic feet.
The collection also contains a variety of types of printed matter including maps, publications, a scrapbook, and newspapers. Of the publications, the catalog from Duff’s Merchant College identifies Richard Tighe Harris as a student in 1857. The maps include a large naval chart upon which is a note by Harris indicating that it was the map that he brought with him in 1880 when he was prospecting for gold in the vicinity of Douglas Island and present day Juneau. A note on another map indicates that Harris obtained it from Dr. Sheldon Jackson whom he knew and with whom he corresponded. Another map was issued by Montgomery Ward Co.; it shows various routes to the Klondike Gold Fields and on the reverse presents a list of supplies and equipment needed by men and women going to the gold fields. The scrapbook and about half of the newspapers are contemporary with, and concern the life and activities of Richard T. Harris. The remaining are retrospective accounts relative to Harris’ goldmining activities and the history of Southeastern Alaska. The materials in this series are sorted by type and chronologically thereunder, where possible.

Box/Folder Item Description Date
4/14 1-2 Thanksgiving proclamations. The first proclamation was issued by Governor John G. Brady, the second was issued by William L. Distin, Acting Governor and Secretary of Alaska. 1902, 1904
4/15 Campaign circular of John H. Cobb. This printed circular was issued by John Cobb in his attempt to become the first Attorney General of the Territory of Alaska. He had been appointed by the Governor to be Chief Counsel to do the work of the Attorney General until the position was filled by election. 1916
OSF2 Map: U. S. Navy. Hydrographic Office. South West Coast of Alaska. Alexander Archipelago. From the British Admiralty Chart: Cordova Bay to Cross Sound, published in 1865. Corrected from reconnaisances by Officers of the U. S. Ship Saginaw, Comdr. R. W. Meade in 1869 and Jamestown, Comdrs. L. A. Beardslee and H. Glass in 1880. There is a note on the reverse of the map in Richard Tighe Harris’ handwriting indicating that it was the map that he used when he discovered gold on Gold Creek in 1880. Undated
4/16 Map: Oregon Railway and Navigation Co. Map of the United States. Chicago. 1881
OSF2 Sketch Map of South East Alaska Furnished by the U. S. Coast and Geodetic Survey To accompany Report by Sheldon Jackson, D. D. U. S. General Agent of Education in Alaska. A note on the reverse side of the map in Richard Tighe Harris’ handwriting indicates he acquired it from Dr. Jackson. 1885
OSF2 Map: Rand, McNally and Co. Montgomery Ward and Co.’s Map of Alaska Showing Also British Columbia With Portions of Northwest Territories, Athabasca, and Alberta. 1897

MISSING

OSF2 Map: Juneau-Gastineau Printing Co. Map of Harris Mining District Tributary to Juneau, Alaska. 1898
OSF2 Map: The Map of Maps. Alaska and British Columbia showing the Yukon, Cariboo, Cassiar, with a portion of the Kootenay Gold Fields. 1898
OSF2 Map: U. S. Department of the Interior. Geological Survey. Map of Alaska. 1904
OSF2 Map: United States. Department of the Interior. Geological Survey. Map of Alaska. This map was distributed by Alaska Magazine and entitled “Alaska Pocket Map. “ 1941
4/17 1 Duff’s Merchant College, Pittsburg, Pa. Circular and Catalogue. Pittsburgh, W. S. Haven. 1856
4/17 2 Duff’s Merchants College, Pittsburg, Pa. Circular and Catalogue. Pittsburgh, W. F. Haven. Richard Tighe Harris’ name appears on page 39 of this catalog in a list of students; it indicated that his home was in Pittsburgh. 1857
4/17 3 Petition; John H. Kinkead and Samuel Sussman vs. the United States (U. S. Court of Claims). 1880 July 8
4/17 4 Memorial of the People of Southeastern Alaska to “President and Congress of the United States. 1881 August 16
4/17 5 The Alaska Mining Record-Souvenir Edition approximately 1900
4/18 1 Program: Grand Concert by the Metlakahtla Indian Band at The Grand in Seattle, Washington. Undated
4/18 2-3 Program: Musical Programme for the Dedication of Juneau Lodge No. 420, of the B. P. O. E. (two copies). 1908 March
4/18 4 Program: Concert and Dance given by the Treadwell Club Band at Elk’s Hall in Skagway, Alaska 1908 September 16
4/18 5 Program: 1887 Alaska Pioneers, Minstrel Program given at Elk’s Hall in Juneau, Alaska. 1909 April 23
4/19 1-5 Business cards. These cards are for Richard Tighe Harris, W. Frank Parish, H. N. Stoudenmeyer (on the reverse side is a photograph of the Al Kader Shrine Band of which he was the director), A. P. Whittell, and Charles H. Woods. Harris’ card is in his handwriting and gives his address as Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Undated
4/20 1-2 Tickets. The dated ticket is for a state room for Richard Tighe Harris on the steamer Min-Ne-Ha-Ha and is dated July 27, 1858. The other ticket is for a Chemawa Indian Band Concert at the Auditorium Building on Nye Creek; H. N. Stoudenmeyer’s name is on the reverse side. Undated, 1858
4/21 1 W. J. Harris scrapbook, 1 volume. This volume includes clippings on a number of topics. Among the items and topics are: Richard Tighe Harris’ letter to the Editor of the Special Mining Edition Daily Dispatch dated February 1, 1900; several clippings of Richard Tighe Harris’ death and funeral; articles on W. J. Harris’ activities as a guide and sign painter; the history of Juneau; the death of Sen. John Dalzell of Pennsylvania; and the death of various members of the Harris family. The scrapbook contains 18 pages of clippings and some loose clippings. 1900-1946
5 1 Seattle Daily Chronicle (Seattle, Washington), fragment. An article on page one presents the report of the first grand jury in Alaska of which Richard Tighe Harris was a member. 1885 June 29
5 2 Juneau City Mining Record (Juneau, Alaska), copy of page 1. An article discusses the founding of Juneau. 1893 January 7
5 3 The Saturday Blade (Chicago, Illinois). An article on page two concerns the U. S. S. Raleigh and its commanding officer Captain J. B. Coghlan; also there are notes in Richard Tighe Harris’ handwriting. 1899 April 22
5 4 Daily Alaska Dispatch (Juneau, Alaska). A letter by Richard Tighe Harris to the Editor of the Special Mining Edition is on the first page. 1900 February 17
5 5 Daily Alaska Dispatch Special Mining Edition (Juneau, Alaska). The edition contains pictures and stories of various individuals, businesses and churches in Juneau. 1900 March
5 6 Daily Morning Alaskan (Skagway, Alaska). There is a brief article on page two on the significance of Richard Tighe Harris. 1900 September 14
5 7 The Oregon Sunday Journal (Portland, Oregon), copy of a single page. This is an article entitled “Untaught Indian Artist”, which is about W. J. Harris; it includes a photo and several caricature drawings. 1904 August 14
5 8 Daily Alaska Dispatch (Juneau, Alaska). Richard Tighe Harris is mentioned on the City of Juneau Delinquent Tax List for 1904; he owed $14.70. 1905 January 11
5 9 Alaska Daily Record (Juneau, Alaska). An article on page two announces the death of Richard Tighe Harris. 1907 October 21
5 10 Alaska Daily Record (Juneau, Alaska). A note on page four indicates that the body of Richard Tighe Harris arrived on the Jefferson. 1907 December 24
5 11 Alaska Daily Record (Juneau, Alaska). An article on page one with photograph, indicates that Richard Tighe Harris’ funeral will take place on the next day. 1907 December 28
5 12-13 Alaska Daily Record (Juneau, Alaska). An article on page three describes Richard Tighe Harris’ funeral. (2 copies). 1907 December 30
5 14 The Alaska Transcript (Juneau, Alaska). On page three is a card of thanks from John Olds of the 1887 Alaska Pioneers for those who assisted in the Richard Tighe Harris funeral. 1908 January 4
5 15 Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Seattle, Washington). On page two is a caricature drawing by W. J. Harris entitled “Sidelights on Baseball at Whitehorse, Yukon Territory” which relates to game between Juneau and Whitehorse teams. 1908 June 7
5 16 Seattle Post-Intelligencer (Seattle, Washington). An article on page two of the second section discusses the reunion in Juneau of the 1887 Pioneers of Alaska. 1908 December 24
5 17 The Daily Alaska Empire Progress Edition (Juneau, Alaska). Contains numerous articles on Alaskan development. 1935 March 10
5 18 The Daily Alaska Empire (Juneau, Alaska). Articles on first three pages discuss the dedication of a plaque commemorating the services of Richard Tighe Harris and Joseph Juneau. 1940 May 30
5 19 The Daily Alaska Empire (Juneau, Alaska). An article on page two concerns W. J. Harris, his recovery from an illness, and his family. 1951 April 13
5 20 The Daily Alaska Empire (Juneau, Alaska). On page one, there is an article announcing the death of Kathleen Harris, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Harris. 1952 November 15
5 21 The Daily Alaska Empire (Juneau, Alaska). The caption under two photographs on page one announces the birth of the second set of twins to Mrs. Fred Harris. 1954 January 6
5 22-23 The Daily Alaska Empire (Juneau, Alaska). A page one article relating to Juneau’s 75th Anniversary discusses Richard Tighe Harris, Richard Tighe Harris, Jr., and the latter’s family. (2 copies). 1955 October 18
5 24-25 The Daily Alaska Empire (Juneau, Alaska). Two articles with photographs on page one of section two concern Richard Tighe Harris, his gold discovery in 1880, and his descendants. (2 copies). 1956 November 25
5 26 The Daily Alaska Empire Statehood Edition (Juneau, Alaska). There is a photograph and article on Richard Tighe Harris on page five of section A. 1959 February 8
5 27-28 Juneau Alaska Empire (Juneau, Alaska). In the “Editor’s Mail Bag” on page two is an open letter to R. N. DeArmond from Frederick B. Harris; disputing certain interpretations in the book The Founding of Juneau. (2 copies). 1967 May 8
5 29 Juneau Alaska Empire First Annual Historical Alaska (Juneau, Alaska). This edition contains many articles and photographs relating to the early history of Juneau and Alaska including two on Richard Tighe Harris. 1969 May 30

Series 7: Masonic Order memorabilia; undated, 1881, 1897. 0.25 cubic feet.
The last section of the collection, the memorabilia, mainly contains Masonic Order materials which belonged to Richard Harris. Included is his apron, which identifies him as becoming a member of the Masonic Order in 1881.

Box/Folder Item Description Date
5 1 Masonic Order apron. This apron indicates that Richard Tighe Harris was raised as a Mason of Jamestown Lodge, No. 33 F. and A. M. in Alaska on April 12, 1881. 1881 April 12
4/22 1 Petition for affiliation. This document is a blank form for affiliation of a Master Mason in a different Lodge. Undated
4/22 2 Masonic Calendar for 1897 for Silver Bow County, Montana; it is incomplete. 1897

 

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