11/13/1859 Born in LaCrosse, Wisconsin to Henry W. and Elsie Pruett McNeil

1865? – 1876? Elk Point, Union County, Dakota Territory; father died in 1872

1876 Family to Western Slope of Colorado, where mother Elsie marries Joseph Sargent

1887 Charles H. McNeil (age 28) marries Etta Isabelle Rexford, Delta CO

11/1897 Leaves Delta, Colorado for Alaska

1898-1924 McNeil in Alaska: first to Copper River and then to Cook Inlet and Bristol Bay. Camp at McNeil River established, perhaps around 1910 or 1911. Rest of time in Alaska spent in this area near Kamishak Bay. (McNeil describes his cabin as located on the “Little Kamishak River.”) Dated noted in records:

1904 photo of “Savanooski Volcano” (Mt. Katmai?)

1911 Stakes gold claim at Paint River area, 17 miles from Kamishak Bay

1912 Photos of camp after the Katmai eruption

1914 and 1918 Agreements for mining with partners

1921 Oil and gas permit for Douglas River area: Douglas Dome Oil Claim

1923 Copper Claims, Tut-Ankamon Group

12/23/1924 Married Etta C. Kennedy; settles in California; no record of any return to Alaska

1940s Charlie H. McNeil writes to nephew Elbert E. Sargent about his days in Alaska, especially his search for gold and copper.

1947-1948 Nephew Elbert E. Sargent visits old camp both summers, hunting and fishing and takes pictures of trips.

12/20/1948 Charles H. McNeil dies in Atascadero, CA

1950-1960s Elbert E. Sargent lives in Alaska and with daughter Joanne explores Iliamna and Kamishak mining district.

--Includes information contributed by donors Eleanor Brown, Rex Peterson, and Joanne E. Sargent Wolverton as well as researchers John Branson, Janet Klein, and Tom Walker (in his article “Charlie McNeil: explorer, miner, businessman,” Anchorage Daily News. WE ALASKANS, September 6, 1992, p. K-5).