Final resting place - The steamer Eliza Anderson, which had plied the treacherous northern waters since 1883 is shown beached at Dutch Harbor, Alaska, where she eventually broke up. The boys from Parkersburg were among the 40 passengers who had to be rescued from the ill-fated steamer. (Photo Provided)

The item that follows, written by Bob Enoch, appeared in the April-May-June 2010 issue of History & Preservation, newsletter of the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society.

“Where the river is winding and big nuggets they’re finding, they’re going north to Alaska…,” Parkersburg Boys Join the Rush!

The song North to Alaska by Johnny Horton immortalized the thousands of men who participated in the rush for Alaskan gold in the late 1890s.

Spawned by memories of the great California gold rush of 1849, the rush to the northern frontier had few similarities, the biggest difference however, was the unforgiving climate.

Yet, in the face of great adversity, four men from Parkersburg set out for Alaska. In early August of 1897, Ritchie (Dick) Camden, his brother Rolla Camden, C.A. Swearingen and Clarence Brown left for Seattle, Washington, where they would begin another part of their journey. The young men hoped to be counted among the small percentage of gold-seekers who “struck it rich.”

These four adventurers chose to begin their 7,000-mile trek by taking the quicker, but more expensive, route to Alaska, sailing from Seattle aboard the steamer Eliza Anderson directly to St. Michael. From St. Michael, the most arduous part of their journey would be the 2,000 miles inland into the Yukon. Perhaps though, the events of the first leg of their journey aboard the Eliza Anderson were an omen (see photo).

Another local man, Bob Wallace, was also headed north. He chose what was called “the poor man’s route,” going overland all the way, crossing icy mountains, inland waters and barren wastes, hoping to reach the headwaters of the Yukon.

Regardless of the route used to reach Alaska, the then 2,000 desolate miles remaining into the gold regions was most trying and dangerous, and all but impossible to traverse in the winter months.

Prior to boarding the “Anderson” which would take them to St. Michael, the four men had to obtain their “outfit” — all the supplies they would need for a full year. This included food, clothing, utensils, etc., all the while staying within the limit of 1,200 pounds per person for freight and baggage.

When forced to abandon the “Anderson,” the passengers were transferred to a sister ship of the fleet that continued them on to St. Michael.

Another Camden. Even though the Camden boys came from “upper-class” stock, they were still strongly influenced by the call of adventure. Adventure had called to not only the gold-seekers Rolla, who was a licensed doctor, and Ritchie, but also for another brother, Bernie, who was a crew member of the Revenue Cutter, Bear. Ironically, it was the Bear that rescued those aboard the Eliza Anderson. Thus, the three brothers Bernie, Rolla and Ritchie were strangely reunited, biding time at St. Michael, Alaska.

While the Bear was in port Bernie had the Parkersburg delegation aboard several times for meals.

To be continued…

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Bob Enoch is president of the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society. If you have comments or questions about Look Back items, please contact him at: roberteenoch@gmail.com, or by mail at WCHPS, PO Box 565, Parkersburg, WV 26102.