Joseph W. Ivey, a Cornish miner, immigrated to the United States as a young man in the mid nineteenth century. He served as U.S. customs collector in Sitka, Alaska, in 1897-1902, but was dismissed from his position after disagreeing with U.S. Treasury officials, whom he considered to be too conciliatory toward Canada in trade disputes concerning Alaska. His assertive actions in such disputes gained him a popular following and helped launch his Alaskan political career. From 1903 to 1906 he lobbied vigorously, but unsuccessfully, to have the U.S. Congress approve a Territorial Delegate for Alaska, with the hope of holding that position himself. Ivey also had mining interests in gold, coal, and oil on the Seward Peninsula, in the Gulf of Alaska, and in Southeast Alaska.
From the description of Joseph W. Ivey family papers, 1892-1908. (University of Alaska, Fairbanks). WorldCat record id: 313511112
