Demmert, Arthur James Sr. (1913-1985) | Sealaska Heritage Institute Archives

Arthur James Demmert, Sr. (1913-1985) was born April 12, 1913 in Wrangell, Alaska to Lillian and George Demmert. He was of the Tlingit Tribe, Taakwaaneidi Clan, and his Tlingit name was Yeilkoowu. He attended the Sheldon Jackson School in Sitka, Alaska and then continued his education at Central Washington University, earning a degree in both elementary and secondary education. His first teaching assignment was in Juneau, Alaska. Arthur taught for over 40 years throughout Southeast Alaska, including in the communities of Juneau, Klawock, Craig, Hydaburg, Kake, and Angoon, and also in other parts of Alaska, including on St. Lawrence Island. Along with teaching, Arthur Demmert was a life long fisherman and was the captain of the Billy & I. 

On September 11, 1948, Arthur married Virginia Yester in Klawock, Alaska. They had three children Lillian Demmert, Arthur J. Demmert, Jr. and John Embert. Arthur passed away July 28^th, 1985 in Craig, Alaska.

Source: Sarah Dybdahl, granddaughter of Arthur J. Demmert, Sr.