Searching historic newspapers can be rewarding when searching for your ancestors or when researching a geographic area. Atikokan made the news, often because of forest fires, train wrecks, a smallpox epidemic, and a nasty scandal that as far as I can discover, seems to have been shrugged off. And even back in the 1890's companies were racing each other to develop (or at least sell shares in) the mother lode of iron ore near Atikokan. Steel smelters in Port Arthur were promised "next year" for years, and eventually one was built, but by 1935 it was an abandoned ruin. A Brandon Daily Sun article said of it: "Birds along the Port Arthur waterfront have a $5,000,000 home".
Some newspapers were pretty vague about Atikokan's spelling and location, and some of the news, while "truth-based", relied a lot on the writer's imagination.
And a hint for researchers – search for "Antikokan", "Akitokan", "Atikoken", and more, to find mis-spelled items when you search on-line.
As a result of a quarrel in a mine at Atikokan yesterday, an Austrian, whose Christian name is George, but whose surname could not be learned, is now lying at the point of death in the R. N. & G. Hospital, Port Arthur, having been struck with a miner's shovel by a Finlander named John Peck. The wound made a gaping hole in the Austrian's skull half an inch deep through the brain, and chances of his recovery are very slim.
His assailant took to the woods after the onslaught and is thought to be heading west. Constable C.W. Symons, of the Provincial Police, is on the case.
—The Medicine Hat News, Thursday, April 20, 1911, Pg. 1. (via Findmypast.com).
Victor Haapanen Fatally Injured on C.N.R. at Atikokan.
Port Arthur,—Victor Haapanen, a Finlander, was found on the C.N.R. tracks at Atikokan Tuesday morning with two legs and one arm crushed. He was brought to the hospital here and died the next day.
—The Stonewall Argus, Wednesday, July 26, 1911, Pg. 7. (via Findmypast.com).
Winnipeg, March 11.—J. Leonard Smith, who has been living at the Oxford Hotel since February 9, last night made a determined attempt to end his life shortly after midnight by stabbing himself twice below the heart. He is in a critical condition. No reason is known for the deed other than that the man had been drinking for some time. His father is a merchant in Delmeny road, London, England, and Smith signed Antikokan, Ontario, as his place of residence.
—The Leader-Post, (Regina, Sask.) Wednesday, March 12, 1913, Pg. 7. (via newspapers.com).
This is Allegation of Citizens of Fort Frances and Antikokan in Representations – Consul-General Demands Release.
Because he had taken an active part in an anti-liquor prosecution, F.D. Henion, formerly a resident of Winnipeg for seven years and for the last five years a locomotive foreman on the C.N.R. at Antikokan, has been made the object of a spite attack, with the result that he was arrested by the military authorities in that district and thrown into jail at Fort Frances.
Release Demanded
This at least, is the version of the affair offered by some citizens who are hotly indignant and who have deluged Winnipeg authorities with protests. That their side of the case is true seems to be borne out by the fact that Henion's release has been demanded by Frederick Ryder, American consul-general here, after a full investigation of the facts.
The local military information department has seen fit to send an officer to the scene to investigate, and a report from him is hourly expected. It is possible that Henion will take criminal action against those responsible for his incarceration.
Believe Error Made
It is stated that having incurred the emnity of certain liquor interests, Henion was lured into an argument during which it is said he made anti-British or pro-German statements, though this allegation seems to require proof, for Henion is a well-respected citizen. He was born in New York state, as was his father before him: his grandfather came from Holland. No alien blood flows in his veins and he is not credited with possessing alien sympathies.
Henion was arrested at Antikokan by Corporal Walker, of Winnipeg, upon representations made to the intelligence department. Local military authorities incline to the view that a mistake has been made.
Influence on Wife
It is said the prisoner, when arrested was not allowed to see counsel, nor given any specific charges. Indignation of fellow citizens, however, was prompt and speedily acted upon. That his presence was not desired by interested parties is substantiated by alleged influence brought to bear on Henion's wife to induce her husband to go back to live in the United States.
—The Winnipeg Evening Tribune, Friday, March 26, 1915, Pg. 1 & 12. (via Findmypast.com).
NOTE: See Fred and Mabel Hanion in the 1911 census listing for Atikokan, on this website.
Locomotive Foreman Arrested by Winnipeg Police Officers.
Fort Frances, Ont., March 25.—F.D. Henion of Atikokan, a locomotive foreman on the C.N.R., an American born citizen and resident in Canada for 12 years, was arrested by Corpl Walker of Winnipeg, brought to Fort Frances and lodged in jail. No charge was laid and all information was refused. The prisoner is not allowed to see counsel. Corporal Walker urged the wife of Henion to persuade her husband to go back and live in the United States.
The real trouble seems to lie in charges laid against the hotel in Atikokan. Henion was active in the prosecution, and threats had been made on the pretence that he is an enemy alien. The matter has been laid before the American consul at Winnipeg.
—The Manitoba Free Press, Friday, March 26, 1915, Pg. 1. (via Findmypast.com).
American Consul at Winnipeg Intercedes for Him.
Ft. Frances, Ontario, March 26—F.D. Henion, an American citizen, arrested at Atikokan, Ontario, yesterday by Canadian military authorities and lodged in jail here, was released tonight after American Consul General Ryder at Winnipeg had interceded in his behalf. Henion had been employed by a Canadian railroad company. He was born in New York State and said tonight he would return to the United States immediately. The charge on which he was arrested was not made known.
—Cincinnati Commercial Tribune, March 27, 1915, Page 2. Plus others. (via Findmypast.com).
Ontario License Commission Gets Down to Work.
Toronto, May 6.—Five tavern and one shop license granted by the retiring local license boards have been vetoed by Hon. W.J. Hanna under the authority detained by the legislation of last session. The Provincial License Commissioners were sworn in yesterday and started in upon consideration of the licenses recommended by the local boards, but the Provincial Secretary, acting upon his own initiative, relieved them of the necessity of dealing with the six licenses referred to.
Licenses were refused to the following hotelkeepers: W. Payne, of North Essex; W. Neunedorf, of Essex, and J. Rawn, proprietor of a summer hotel at Atikokan, Rainy River. The men who have been refused new licenses are T. E. Reilly, of Richmond, Carleton County, and Jas. Pelangic, of Cochrane, Temiskaming, who wanted to open hotels, and W. H. Wyatt, of Tormorden, who proposed to open a liquor shop.
The Provincial Commissioners settled down to work after being sworn in and approved of the issuing of licenses to all those recommended by the local boards apart from licenses about which some question or protest has been raised. There are still a number of these to be dealt with, and the commission will announce its decision in the course of a day or two.
The commissioners were sworn in before Hon. Mr. Hanna in the morning with the exception of Fred Dane. One of their first official acts was to formally appoint Eudo Saunders, Chief License Officer of the department, as general counsel and secretary of the board.
—Hamilton (Ontario) Daily Times, Thursday, May 6, 1915, Page 7. (via findmypast.com).
[Extracted from a list of 100's]
Wounded – Pte. William Alfred Richard Rooney, Atikokan . . . .
—Ottawa Free Press, Tuesday, June 20, 1915, Page 10. (via findmypast.com).
WARD–BARDWELL.–On August 5th, at St. Mary's Church, Shenfield, by the Rev. – Harding, Charles William Ward, to Dorothy Miriam, elder daughter of George and Ellen Bardwell, of Atikokan, Ontario, and granddaughter of the late Robert Hewitt, Assistant Overseer, Diss.
—The Diss Express, and Norfolk and Suffolk Journal, Friday, September 15, 1916, Page 5. (via findmypast.com).
[Extracted from a list of 100's]
Wounded – Pte. Herbert Nicholas Rooney, Atikokan, Ont. . . . .
—Ottawa Free Press, Thursday, October 19, 1916, Page 12. (via findmypast.com).
Port Arthur, Ont., Feb. 24.—Victor Tuomelo, a Finlander, aged 37 employed on the Canadian Northern railway near Antikokan, went into the woods yesterday and hanged himself to a tree. The rope broke. With a knife he slashed his throat, but couldn't find the jugular vein. Then he got a sharp hand hatchet and hit himself two blows in the face. The first severed the nose and the second made a deep cut in the forehead. When found he was bleeding profusely, but not dead, and was put on a train for Port Arthur. He died from loss of blood before reaching here.
—The Regina Leader-Post, Feb. 25, 1919, Page 1. (via newspapers.com).
The dance given by the Atikokan Station staff, held in the school house at Atikokan, Ont., on the evening of Friday, June 6, was a well attended one, and the proceeds were devoted to the school fund. Mrs. E. Russell and Miss C. Russell, Mr. C.E. Wendeborn and Mr. G. Cullen provided music for the entertainment.
—The Manitoba Free Press, Thursday, June 12, 1919, Pg. 6. (via Findmypast.com).
Mrs. C. Jones and family left for Atikokan, Ont., on Saturday. Mr. Jones preceded his family east last week.
—The Dauphin Herald and Press, Thursday, December 11, 1919, Pg. 14. (via Findmypast.com).
Says He Feels Fine and Enjoyed First Meal Yesterday
Saw Aeroplane Several Days Ago, But Aviator Did Not See Him
Fort William, Ont., Oct. 13.—Laying on an improvised stretcher, strapped in the bow of a motor launch, Dr. Graham Chambers, of Toronto, lost in the woods of Atikokan since Sept. 29, arrived at Atikokan at 5.50 o'clock this afternoon. He was strong enough to grant a short interview, although Dr. C.P. Fitzpatrick forbade him to talk too much.
"Did you have anything to eat since Sept. 29?" was the first question asked him.
Could Not Eat Raw Partridge
"No," replied Dr. Chambers, "I did not shoot any partridge because I hadn't any matches and could not eat them raw. I feel fine though, and I had my first meal today, bread and tea and a little partridge broth."
Dr. Chambers' only complaint was the condition of his feet, which, he said, were terribly blistered and appeared like trench feet. He said that he had tramped through the bush the first day and then, knowing that he was lost, he did not move around much as he knew it would be easier for the searchers to find him if he did not go too deeply into the bush.
Foolishly Dressed for Bush
"I was foolishly dressed for the bush," said Dr. Chambers. When I started out I had summer underwear on and a white shirt, but I had one good warm piece of clothing, a sweater coat. The first night in the bush I picked out some wild hay and packed it against my chest. When it rained I crawled under a great log and packed up the sides with sticks and moss. I am just a little sore about the body from lying on some stones."
Several days ago, Dr. Chambers said he had been greatly cheered by seeing an airplane circling over the bush. He had got to a small open space and waved his hat, but the aviator had not seen him.
Ordered to Stop Talking
Here Dr. Chambers' story was broken by Dr. Fitzpatrick ordering him to stop talking, as he feared it would be exhausting.
The trip from Deer Lake was made over some of the roughest of the north country. The distance from Deer Lake to Atikokan is 18 miles and nearly five miles of this had to be portaged. Dr Chambers was carried on a stretcher over the portages.
—Manitoba Free Press (Winnipeg), Friday, October 14, 1921, Pg. 1. (via Findmypast.com).
Port Arthur, July 7.—Steve Horvath, an Austrian, for 19 years an employee of the Canadian National Railways at Atikokan, 145 miles west of here, has left for his home in Austria, with $20,000 in cash, his savings since 1903. Horvath during the last 19 years never left Atikokan except for an occasional trip to Port Arthur to deposit his savings. He has denied himself any relaxation or extravagance in order to amass his comfortable roll.
—The Lethbridge Daily Herald, Friday, July 7, 1922, Pg. 11. (via Findmypast.com).
(AP) Port Arthur, Ont., July 29—In the depths of the Quetico forest reserve situated near Baril Lake, north of Atikokan, Ontario, the University of Chicago and the University High School of Kenilworth, Ill., has established a summer camp for students, who number 200. The camp will continue until the first week in September. It is called "Camp O'Wa-Kon-Z" and is equipped throughout by electric lights obtained from near-by water power and includes in its equipment ten buildings such as dinining, recreation, assembly and other public halls, a number of tents and several bungalows.
In locating the camp at Lake Baril, the university officers said it offered the best site in Canada for a study of nature and for means of offering the students a period of recreation in territory not available in the United States. For use on the lake, the students have at their disposal a flotilla of canoes, row boats, motor boats and several sailing craft.
—Brownsville (Texas) Herald, July 29, 1922, Page 1. Plus others. (via Findmypast.com).
RASMUSSEN–RANGER.—At St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Port Arthur, Ontario, on 20th September, Samuel L. Rasmussen, Atikokan, Ontario (late of 16 Hollybank Place, Aberdeen), eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. E. Rasmussen, Port Arthur, Ontario, to Minnette, only daughter of Mrs. J. Green, Rainy River, Ontario.
—Aberdeen (Scotland) Daily Journal, Monday, October 9, 1922, Page 1. (via Findmypast.com).
H.C. Jenks, 52, Port Arthur, one of the best conductors on the Canadian National railway, died suddenly on his train while entering the Atikokan yards last night. A widow and two daughters survive.
—The Brandon (Manitoba) Daily Sun, Friday, November 24, 1922, Page 1. (via Findmypast.com).
—The Lethbridge (Alberta) Herald, Saturday, November 25, 1922, Page 4. (via newspapers.com).
A baby boy weighing fourteen and a half pounds was born at Port Arthur hospital last evening to Mrs. William D. Whytie, of Atikokan.
—The Brandon (Manitoba) Daily Sun, Thursday, March 22, 1923, Page 1. (via Findmypast.com).
Toronto, Saturday—Bush fires are general over Northern Ontario and portions of Northern Quebec. As yet none of the chief towns has suffered, but the entire fire-ranging service and hundreds of volunteers have been organised to protect the threatened communities. Among the places in danger are White River, Hillsport, Fire River, Graham, Nipigon Reserve, Franz, Atikokan, Mabella, and Minski. At Graham, one hundred miles west of Port Arthur, people were forced to go on the lake in boats for safety. Two hundred and fifty men are fighting the fires in the White River and Franz districts. The whole of the Northern country is enveloped in smoke, but the forest officials are confident that there will be no such disaster as overwhelmed Haileybury last summer. The whole of Ottawa and the Gatineau district are also covered with a pall of smoke.
—The Londonderry (Ireland) Sentinel, June 5, 1923, Pg 3. (via findmypast.com).
Activity in Iron District of North Ontario Is Renewed
Port Arthur, June 3—Renewed activity in the iron properties is reported by W.J. Morgan, mining recorder.
The proposed assistance from the Ontario goverrnment is given by Mr. Morgan as the reason for the activity. He states that Thomas Rawn of Antikokan, and R. McCugan of Port Arthur, have shipped a drill to properties at Sand Lake and will operate this to prove up some of their best claims, which have been sold for years.
Two hundred claims in the Onaman River gold fields have been staked by prospectors to date, Mr. Morgan said.
—The Windsor Star, June 3, 1924, Pg 13. (via newspapers.com).
Details of one of the strangest experiments in the history of animal hunting are related by Stanley Clarkson, of St. Paul, Minn., who spent a winter in the Canadian wilderness seeking "hand to hand" combat with hungry timber wolves. Dressed in an armor made of heavy leather studded with 1,200 needle-sharp steel spikes, he invited attacks from wolf packs while armed only with a hunting knife. Although handicapped by an exceptionally open winter and an unusually large number of wild rabbits, which kept the wolves from suffering from hunger, he killed a number of the beasts with his ax. During a snowstorm on Steep Rock Lake, north of Atikokan, he was set upon by five timber wolves. He killed two of them and wounded a third. The wolves seized the hunter's arms and legs in their jaws, but could not do him injury because of the protruding spikes of the armoured suit, which is made of specially tanned thick cowhide that will turn water and will not harden from rain or snow. There also is a helmet and heavy wire mask that can be raised to protect the face.
—Popular Mechanics Magazine, as published by the Sedalia (Missouri) Democrat, Nov. 24, 1924, Pg 8. Plus others. (via Findmypast.com).
Braves Smallpox Scourge To Nurse Dying Friend In Lonely Trapper's Cabin
"Al" Smith, of Fort William, Hero of Atikokan Tragedy
[Special to The Tribune]
Fort William, Jan. 6—Al Smith, trapper, prospector and woodsman, known all through Northern Ontario for his prowess on the trail and for his hospitality and geneality, is the hero of the smallpox epidemic now raging in the district of Atikokan, some 70 miles west of here.
The heroism was not spectacular, but he rose to the occasion when unquestionably brave men quailed, and to the plaudits of doctors there fighting the dreaded disease he replied, "Shucks, 'taint nothing."
This is the story as given The Tribune by W.C. Miller, government sanitary inspector, who landed back in Fort William today after superintending the burial of the smallpox victim at Atikokan.
The latest victim to smallpox was stricken down in a lonely trapper's shack north of Atikokan. News of his awful plight was brought into Atikokan to Dr. Henderson by a passing traveller who had looked in at the sick man and had fled in horror.
Awake 10 Days
It was impossible to move the stricken man to town, and just as impossible for the busy doctor to nurse the sick man. No one would go near the shack, and the government authorities had been wired for when Al Smith landed in town with his dog team for supplies.
It only took the time to unhitch his dogs, give them over to the care of a friend until he was on his way to look after the sick man, who had been his friend on the trail for many years. Dr. Henderson gave him the necessary vaccination protection.
For 10 days and 10 nights Al Smith ministered to the wants of the delirious man, the only people visiting him being Dr. Henderson and another government official.
Al took his rest in a chair, as there was no room for an extra bed in the shack. Each day the physical appearance of the sick man changed as the dreaded disease spread all over his body, ultimately blinding him.
On the 0th [sic] day it became apparent that assistance must be given the tired out watcher, whose eyes refused to remain open in spite of his wonderful will power.
The decision was hastened by the delirious patient escaping from the shack when Al closed his eyes for a brief sleep. It was with difficulty that the sick trapper was got back in his bed.
Bert Grey, ex-soldier, trapper and world traveller volunteered to take Smith's place and arrived at the shack just as the victim died.
The undertaker sent out the coffin, but did not accompany it. The body had to be interred at once. It was Smith who aided in coffining the body, who dug the grave and who read the burial service.
Atikokan is taking up a public subscription to show their appreciation of Al Smith's bravery.
—The Winnipeg Evening Tribune, January 6, 1926, Pg. 1 & 2. (via Findmypast.com).
Exposes Himself to Death for 12 Days to Nurse Old Pal
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Jan. 6—(UN)—Far up in the silent north a tiny railway village is astir with tales of Al Smith, an obscure trapper who has won lasting fame by his heroism during the recent smallpox scourge in the Atikokan district.
Smith exposed himself to death for 12 days and nights for the sake of a friendship which had warmed his heart along the snow covered trails of the Canadian trappers.
The village of Atikokan was too busy with its own troubles to send aid when a woodsman, fleeing in terror from the plague, reported that an old trapper had taken to his bed with smallpox in a one room shack far back in the hills. Atikokan itself was stricken with the plague and all the doctors and nurses available were needed to care for the village's own victims.
Trapper Decides to Answer Call
Hope of obtaining help for the stricken man was about to be abandoned when Al Smith returned to the village with his dog team from a trapping expedition many miles in the other direction. Smith heard the report and decided immediately to answer the call.
Leaving his dogs behind, Al set out on foot. For two days and nights he mucked through snow and blizzard, reaching the little shack at night and finding that the stricken man was an old pal. The two trappers had hunted together along the streams of central Canada years before.
Then began a long vigil at the bedside of the sick man. The disease became more intense, the trapper went blind, suffered terribly and all the while his nurse did everything to make him comfortable.
The one room shack contained but one bunk so Smith slept only a few hours in a dilapidated chair.
Trapper Victim Of the Plague
On the eighth day – the plague had subsided in the village by that time – a physician made his way to the shack. But there was little he could do. He returned to the village to send out aid. In his absence the old trapper died.
Two days later two nurses and a doctor came upon Smith reading a Bible over a fresh mound of earth in the yard behind the trapper's shack.
The village of Atikokan is planning to give public recognition to Smith.
—Modesto (Cal.) News-Herald, Jan. 7, 1926, Pg. 1. (via Findmypast.com).
Two Fresh Cases of Smallpox in Atikokan; Inhabitants Terror-Stricken
Officials Hindered by Wild Country
[Special to The Tribune]
Fort William, Jan. 8.—Despite wholesale vaccinations and strict isolation of cases reported to medical authorities, the smallpox epidemic in the district around Atikokan, Northern Ontario, is spreading.
The toll to date is two dead and seven cases. It is hard, however, for the government medical officials to keep close tab, for Atikokan is situated in one of the wildest spots in Northern Ontario.
Trappers' shacks and lumber camps dot the territory and some of the patients now isolated were in communication with people before they realized from what they were suffering.
W.C. Millar, government sanitary inspector, has again returned to Atikokan to take charge of things.
Yesterday he arrived back in Fort William with the news that the scourge was in check, but late last night he received a wire telling him of two fresh cases.
Until he makes a report it will not be definitely known how serious the fresh outbreak is.
Malignant Type
The smallpox is reported by Dr. Henderson as being of a most malignant type.
It was brought into the area by a hobo, "Rambling" Johnson, who died of the disease some short time ago.
Johnson worked in several lumber camps for a few days and visited many trappers' shacks.
The small town of Atikokan is terror-stricken at the outbreak. Most of the citizens have been vaccinated and every stranger arriving there is looked upon with suspicion until he is seen by a doctor.
—Winnipeg Tribune, Jan. 8, 1926, Pg. 1. (via Findmypast.com).
Assays $26 a Ton and is 12 Feet Wide
A 12-foot vein of gold ore – almost a mother lode – assaying $26 to the ton, is one of the newest discoveries at Atikokan, Ontario, according to J.A. Johnston, miner of that community, who was in Winnipeg yesterday attending fur auction sales. Smelting pays at $3 or $4 to the ton, Mr. Johnston said, and this find is considered one of the best.
Atikokan is an old mining district, discovered 20 years ago, and is now staging a come-back after years of dullness. It shows rich deposits of iron ore, as well as gold. And there are considerable traces of silver, Mr. Johnston stated.
Quite a lot of free gold is found in the 12-foot vein mentioned. It is owned by the J.C. Hill syndicate, and is in the course of development.
—Manitoba Free Press (Winnipeg), Thursday, March 11, 1926, Pg. 2. (via Findmypast.com).
Finds Ex-Officer in Black Watch Washing Dishes.
Fort William, Ont.—From the lowly estate of a cookee or "bull cook" in a lumber camp to the exalted position of possessor of a fortune of $200,000, was the metamorphosis accomplished by delivery of a letter to Robert Pullar by the dog team post.
Pullar, a former officer in the famous Black Watch, and said to be the coveted owner of a Victoria Cross ribbon, arrived in Winnipeg recently broke and without a job. Something had to be done right away. He consulted an employment agency, but the only job offered was that of a second cook in a pulpwood camp near Atikokan, Ont. With characteristic Scotch thrift he decided that $35 a month and everything found was preferred to sleeping in the streets, so he took it.
The former kiltie was up to his elbows in dishwater at the Atikokan camp when the mail was brought in by dogteam. The mail driver, curious to know what might be in an official-looking document bearing a Perth (Scotland) postmark, delivered the letter in person.
"Been left a fortune?" laughingly inquired the postman, as he watched Pullar grab the letter and eagerly rip it open.
Pullar nodded his head and after he had finished reading it he resumed his work. Next morning the lumberjacks had to forage breakfast for themselves, for Pullar had deserted the camp long before daybreak.
It is understood that the relative to whose wealth he has partly fallen heir was the late Lawrence Pullar, owner of the Perth dye works.
Pullar enlisted in 1914 in the Black Watch and for intrepid bravery during the retreat from Mons is said to have been rewarded with the Victoria Cross. He served during the whole war, being wounded four times.
—Circleville (Ohio) Daily Union Herald, April 21, 1927, Pg 12. Plus others. (via Findmypast.com).
New Troops Formed
New troops in the country are being registered every week at Scout Headquarters. The latest is the troop at Atikokan, Ont. This troop has a membership of eight under Scoutmaster W. Ronne(?). It is expected that the numbers will be increased very soon.
—Manitoba Free Press, Winnipeg, Saturday, November 9, 1929, Pg 48. (via Findmypast.com).
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