George I. Foster Papers

Collection

Identifier: Mss 136

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

The Foster Collection consists of several letters, a manuscript by Mrs. Foster, and various subject files. The correspondence consists of only ten in-coming letters, all of which date from 1874, except one in 1876. They deal mainly with Mr. Foster’s duties as Clerk of court for the Third District Court at Pembina. The collection includes letters from Judge J.H. Burdick, U.S. Attorney William Pound, A.H. Barnes, and Jefferson P. Kidder. The 1876 letter is from Andrew McHench while attending the Republican Convention in Cincinnati, Ohio. The manuscript by Mrs. Foster is entitled, “The Early History of Dakota Territory”. It is a thirteen-page, typed copy relating the early settlement of the Territory. The last three pages relate a trip by the Foster’s, and others, on the steamship “Dakota” from Fargo to Pembina, as well as social life in the Pembina community. The Subject Files Series include a copy of the Daily Press and Dakotanian for February 12, 1881 published at Yankton, Dakota; a share owned by Mr. Foster in the Fargo Republican Company (1881), and one in the Fargo Street Railroad Company (1882); a land patent assigned to Mr. Foster (1873); several Republican Party Campaign tickets; and a membership ticket in the Thespian Club of Fargo (1883). Of special importance is Mr. Foster’s 32-page scrapbook of newspaper clippings from 1871 to 1874. The newspaper clippings deal mainly with political events in the Red River Valley, including Fargo, Pembina, and Moorhead as reported in such newspapers as Union Dakotaian, Yankton Press, Union County Courier, St. Paul Daily Press, St. Paul Pioneer, Dakota Herald, Fargo Express, and Red River Star. Many of the articles were written by Mr. Foster to inform others of the good qualities of this region as well as counter charges made on some of the political events occurring in the Valley.

Dates

1871-1883

Creator

Foster, George Ingram, 1837-1912. (Person)

Access

The collection is open under the rules and regulations of the Institute.

Copyrights

The Institute does not hold the copyrights.

Biography

George Ingram Foster was born December 29, 1837 at Hillsdale, Columbia County, New York, the son of Albert and Clarissa M. (Maxson) Foster. He attended local schools and the Homer Academy. In 1861, he enlisted in the 76th New York Volunteer Infantry and saw action in the second battle of Bull Run, as well as Gainesville, South Mountain, and Antietam. In 1862, he was discharged as a second lieutenant due to a disability. Mr. Foster returned to New York until 1864 when he came to Yankton, Dakota Territory with a group of New York settlers, led by his brother, James. There he applied for land as well as working in the office of surveyor-general and as deputy United States Marshal. From 1864 to 1874, he served as Clerk in the Territorial Legislature and also as clerk, for five years, of the Territorial Supreme Court. In 1871, Mr. Foster became clerk of the Third District Court at Pembina and in 1872, he began to reside at Fargo. On December 17, 1873, Mr. Foster married Phila Smith at Davis, Illinois. She had earlier been a school teacher at Yankton where she had met Mr. Foster. She was born February 19, 1850. Mr. Foster remained as clerk of court until 1883, but earlier in 1876 he founded the first insurance agency in Fargo. Later he expanded into real estate and his son, Charles, became a partner. Mr. and Mrs. Foster had two children, Charles S. Foster, and Clara (Mrs. Richard Lathrop). Mr. Foster was a member of the Grand Army of the Republic, a Mason, and a member of the Methodist Church. Mr. Foster died July 22, 1912, and Mrs. Foster on October 28, 1930. They are buried at Riverside Cemetery in Fargo.

Extent

0.2 Linear Feet (0.2 linear feet)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Abstract

From 1864 to 1874, he served as Clerk in the Territorial Legislature and also as clerk, for five years, of the Territorial Supreme Court.

Provenance

Donated by Charles S. Foster, Fargo, N.D., 1953 (Acc. 136).

Separation Record

The following non-manuscript material has been removed from the George I. Foster papers and sent to the section indicated. Newspapers - (Institute newspaper collection) Dakota Republican, December 12, 1868