Last Thursday Mr, Charles McConnell of Robinson, one of the real Old-Timers in Southern Yukon entered the local hospital to under-go an operation from which he failed to recover. He died Sunday at the age of 75 years. The funeral service was held in the Old Log Church Wednesday, Rev. Canon L. G. Chappell, Rector, officiating. The remains were laid to rest in the local cemetery.
Mr. W. D. MacBride. who had known the late Mr. McConnell intimately over a long period writes:
"With the passing of Mr. Charles McConnell, Southern Yukon has lost
another of our Pioneers of the Klondike Gold Rush days, a good citizen and a good friend.
Charles McConnell wes born in Pisguet, Prince Edward Island, on December 16th, 1871. As a youngster he came to the State of Maine, and was amember of a Fire Department there where he made a name for himself in weight lifting contests, and at Robinson he has often astonished us by juggling a full length of railroad rail.
Charlie followed the Gold Rush trail up the Stikine River to Telegraph Creek and was engaged as a packer on this famous trail. One of his interesting stories recounted a situation in deep snow where horses were trained to walk on special adapted
snowshoes. When Atlin, B. C., became a gold camp Charlie hauled his own sled from Teslin to Atlin. Later he joined the construction crew of the White Pass Stage Line between Whitehorse and Dawson, handling the reins on a Concord Stage and on winter stage sleighs.
Settling at Robinson many years ago his name has always been associated with any mining developments in the Wheaton and Watson River districts. He hewed his living from the Yukon hills in mining, wood-cutting, lumbering, and all activities the out of doors offered.
Charlie McConnell never saw Skagway, and never took a trip 'outside', and I believe he took a pride in this fact."
A real HE MAN was Charlie, and we hope he finds a place in Valhalla where his unusual talents will be appreciated. Certain it is that his name will long be remembered in the traditions of his home, Robinson, the Gateway to the Wheaton and the Watson country.
His nearest relative of record is a niece, Miss Isabel Rodgerson of
Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, although it is possible he may have other relatives in that area. To these relatives we extend our sincerest sympathy.
