Stevenson, Robert, Colonel

Born on July 28, 1838 in Williamstown, Glengarry County, ON. Referred to by the Indigenous People as “Halo Quasch Copa Icta” the man afraid of nothing, he lived a life of adventure.  Word of gold brought Stevenson to British Columbia with his father in 1859 to Rock Creek and Similkameen Mines in June 1860.  He was appointed Custom House Officer under Sr. James Douglas at a salary of $250 per month.  Left for Cariboo in 1861.  Robert partnered with John A. “Cariboo” Cameron in the Cariboo.  Beginning in 1862, Stevenson was responsible for 4 funerals and 3 burials of Cameron’s wife, Margaret Sophia, who had died at Williams Lake.  Returned to the Similkameen from the Cariboo in 1877, married Caroline Williams and purchased 399 acres in Chilliwack, B.C.  They had four children.  Stevenson was active in mining and road building at Granite Creek. Continued exploration and one of the first to draw attention to this country. In 1913 still owns large interests in Copper Mt., Nickel Plate Mtn., Kelly Creek and Leadville.  Next to E.F. Voigt is the largest mine owner in the Similkameen. He was also known as The Father of the Similkameen. Has his family living at a ranch in Chilliwack, BC. Well known throughout BC. Story Jan. 17, 1919. Over 40 claims in Similkameen.  In 1888 he partnered with James Jamison and together they discovered Copper Mountain.  Stevenson died in November 1922 in Vancouver at St. Paul’s Hospital and is buried with his wife in Chilliwack.

B. Glengarry, Vankleek Hill. See Collins Expedition.