The Klondike Nightmare: A Millionaire’s Niece Returns Broken

Hard luck stories still continue coming down from the Klondike. One of the latest is told by Mrs. M. Van, of Spring Valley, Illinois, niece of a famous millionaire farmer and land owner. She arrived in Seattle completely penniless and broken in health and spirit. At relief headquarters she asked for assistance until she could communicate with her relatives. That was given, and until yesterday, when she left for the East, she was in the care of the kindly matron of the station, Mrs. Taylor.

Mrs. Van’s experience is but that of many others who went to the far north to find fortune. To all who have any idea of going there for that purpose she says: 'Keep away.' The story Mrs. Van told a reporter is interesting, partly on account of her social position in Illinois, and also on account of her terrible trials. She left her home in Spring Valley in January, 1898, with her cousin, Mr. Van, and two acquaintances. After reaching Dyea, the party pushed on to Stewart River. After passing through some very trying experiences, Mr. Nathan was attacked by scurvy and died. Another member of the party also succumbed. Almost penniless and with health out of repair, Mrs. Van learned how to cook and perform any kind of honest work that offered. Finally, she secured employment as a cook. She had to compete with other hungry people to earn enough money to flee civilization, and arrived in Seattle as described.