Arthur Lole Bindley was born in Smethwick, Staffordshire, England,
January 4th, 1859, and died in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, November 5th, 1905.
Sunday afternoon all Whitehorse mourned as the word was passed around that A. L. Bindley had breathed his last at 2:30 o'clock. Although he had been confined to his home with stomach trouble for a month previous, and it was known that his condition was very serious, still the announcement of his death came as a shock to all.
Mr. Bindley grew to manhood in the English city in which he was born
which is but three miles west of Birmingham. On attaining manhood's estate he was united in marriage with the noble wife who survives him. They continued their residence in Smethwick where he was extensively engaged in the manufacture of foodstuffs and where all their children, three daughters, Dorothy, Edith and Kathleen, and one son, Roland, were born. In 1895 the formerly prosperous manufacturer saw all his property, a plant valued at $75,000, swept away by fire. Then it was that he turned his face toward the setting sun, bringing his family to America, settling for a short time in Montreal, coming on westward to Vancouver in the fullowing year, 1896.
In the early spring of 1898 Mr. Bindley with his wife and son came north,
settling first in Atlin, to which place they walked from the summit of the White Pass, but later in the same year they came out to Bennett at which place the head of the family successfully engaged in the customs brokerage, insurance and commission business.
When the railroad was completed to Whitehorse the Bindleys came on to
this place, being among the first families to start a home in the then new town. Here Mr. Bindley continued his brokerage business, establishing a most enviable reputation for accuracy, honesty and business integrity.
A first class musician, Mr. Bindley was ever ready to assist with his talent in all public or charitable entertainments and in these as well as in the daily walks of life, will he be sadly missed. He has been the organist of Christ church ever since it was established. He was a member of the Episcopal church and was an active Mason
for more than half of his life and from both organizations a pillar is removed by his death.
There is a coincidence in the fact that Mr. Bindley died on the same day of the same month as his mother, who went to her reward 18 years ago.
A brother of deceased, Rev. Thomas Albert Bindley, was last year confirmed as archdeacou of the Episcopal church ip the Barbadoes.
The funeral was conducted this afternoon and was very largely attended.
First the Masons conducted the rites of their order in Masonic hall at 1:00 o'clock. From the hall they marched to the morge from which place they escorted the body to Christ church when at 2 o'clock the funeral ceremonies of that church were conducted by Rev H. A. Cody, assisted by deceased's former pastor, Rev. I. O. Stringer. The Masons had charge of the services al the grave. Interment was in the Whitehorse cemetery. The pall bearers were Robt Lowe, J. P. Whitney, W. N. Carmichael, L. M. deGex, P. R. Peele and James Fairborn. The floral tribute was large and beautiful.
In the death of A. L Bindley a devoted and thoughtful husband, loving and indulgent father, kind and obliging neighbor, public spirited and valuable citizen, an all around good man and a gentleman always, was removed from our midst. He will be missed as but few would be.
Those who sent flowers were: Mr. and Mrs. Unsworth, cross; Mrs. Turner, a cross; Mr. and Mrs. White and Mr. and Mrs. Jas. Hume, cross, wreath and bunch; Mr. and Mrs. Chapman, cross; Miss Middlemiss, bunch of flowers; Mr. and Mrs. Jack Phelps, pillow; Mrs. Walters, bunch of flowers; Girls' Guild, shield and cross; Mr. and Mrs. Hicks, bunch of flowers; Dr. and Mrs. Scharschmidt, spray; Dr. Pare, cross; Miss Ryan, cross; wife and children, the broken family.
