John MacKinnon, a native Scotsman, was in Dawson, Y.T., from 1901-1909, as a gold dust buyer for the British Bank of North America. When miners brought gold to the bank, he was to know what mine they came from and to distinguish the gold from ground brass. Although there was never a hold-up during his employment, a pistol was always on his desk and shooting practice was compulsory. The bank provided boxing, tennis, curling, skating and other sports to keep the employees in good health. John became the lightweight boxing champion of Yukon and received a gold medal as an amateur. He was also an intimate friend of Robert Service, who was employed by another Dawson Bank. He resigned in 1909, due to health, joined the U.S. Army and became a U.S. citizen. At the end of World War I, he met Mary M., another native Scot, and they married and had a son. They were married 50 years. He died at 84 in 1961 and was given a military funeral and buried in Sawtell National Cemetery in Los Angeles, California. [Information from Mary MacKinnon, 1977.].
From the description of Mary MacKinnon photograph collection [graphic], 1898-1909. (Alaska State Library). WorldCat record id: 56699671
