The Kusko Times

(Fairbanks News-Miner)

Because he was kind and friendly to a neighbor who appeared eccentric in his habits, Al Raap, who formerly mined on Goldstream and who now lives at Martinez, California, is richer by $50,000, according to William Gilcher, who got the story from the Outside. The money was left him by one Baumgart, a miner, who died in apparent poverty at the age of 85 years.

Baumgart, according to the report, was an enigma to the countryside where he had lived for many years, but his neighbors could learn little of his means of livelihood. His farm adjoined that of Raap, and the two men became friends, Raap extending courtesies to Baumgart, who seemed to be in need and dire penury. After his death it became known that at his advanced age he had walked 30 miles to an Oakland bank to deposit $10,000.

He died suddenly and his body was found in his lonely cabin. On the wall was a scrap of wrapping paper, which proved to be his last will and testament. In it he left all his worldly possessions, which investigation disclosed included $50,000 to Raap without reservation. The story created quite a sensation and was copied largely in the coast papers. Raap didn't really need the money, it is reported, because he had prospered here and in California since he left Fairbanks some years ago, still it made a tiny addition to his bank roll.