William A. Falconer Papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss 228

Staff Only

Scope and Content

The Falconer papers consist of four homemade, string-tied booklets containing the handwritten writings of Mr. Falconer. The paper used is pre-printed personal property tax forms from 1928 to 1932 on which he wrote on the back side. On the cover of each is the statement “Property of W.A. Falconer, 202 Avenue E, Bismarck, North Dakota.” Whether they are written in his own hand or by someone else is not known.

The Bismarck Tribune booklet contains excerpts of a number of articles printed in the newspaper. Articles include extensive material on the laying of the Territorial capitol cornerstone in 1883, as well as several military items including regarding Gen. George A. Custer. The next booklet has a one-page item on the formation in 1873 of the Bismarck County Pioneers association, and quite large articles on the Sibley expedition and the New Ulm massacre. The reminiscences of Mr. Falconer are recorded on twenty-three pages and begin with his train trip from Brainerd, Minnesota to Bismarck, D.T. in 1874. This booklet also contains fifteen leaves regarding the Sibley expedition. The final booklet contains excerpts from the Bismarck Tribune of interest to Mr. Falconer regarding 1877 events in the area. At the end is a copy of General Custer’s testimony in an 1876 U.S. War Office investigation.

Dates

after 1932.

Creator

Falconer, William A., 1859-1943. (Person)

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the NDSU Archives.

Copyrights

The NDSU Archives does not hold the copyrights.

Biographical sketch

William Falconer was born in Ontario, Canada in 1859 and came to Bismarck, N.D. in 1873 and worked in his brother-in-law's store. He held various county offices and was deputy state treasurer. He married Emma Butley and they had three children. He died at Bismarck on June 5, 1943.

Biography

William A. Falconer was born at Hawksburough, Ontario on February 26, 1859, the son of James Jane (McClennan) Falconer. In 1872 he left for Minneapolis, Minnesota with two brothers-in-law and then on to Brainerd, Minnesota looking to establish a grocery store. In 1873 they moved to Bismarck, N.D. He clerked in his brother-in-law’s store from 1873 to 1885 when he was appointed deputy register of deeds for Burleigh County. In 1891 he became Register of Deeds and in 1895 deputy county treasurer. In 1901 he became county treasurer and retained the position until 1905 when he was appointed deputy state treasurer. Between 1910 and 1920 he was a collector for the International Harvester Co. In 1920 he was appointed Bismarck city assessor and retained the position until 1930.

William Falconer was married to Emma Bentley on August 28, 1883. They had three children born to them, Addison, and two daughters. He was very interested in local history and documented it in his writings. He died June 5, 1943 and is buried at Fairview Cemetery in Bismarck.

Extent

.2 Linear Feet (.2 linear ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

Longtime Bismarck city official who kept handwritten notes on the back of pre-printed personal tax forms.

Provenance

Donated by Marion Pressler, 2000 (Acc. 2604).

Property rights

The NDSU Archives owns the property rights to this collection

Scope and content

Four homemade booklets containing handwritten writings, likely of Mr. Falconer, regarding early local history. The first notebook contains excerpts from the Bismarck Tribune from 1877 and much on the laying of the territorial capitol cornerstone in 1883. There are also several item on Gen. George A. Custer. The second booklet has a short item on change of county name from Buffalo to Burleigh, with the remainder about the Sibley expedition and the New Ulm massacre. The next booklet is autobiographical in nature regarding Mr. Falconer and his early years in Bismarck, and additional material on Gen. Sibley. The final booklet contains excerpts from the Bismarck Tribune in 1877 regarding items of interst to Mr. Falconer.