Legislator Details

Image of William Henry Foster
Image Description:
Portrait captured from Find-a-Grave.com 10/10/2024

William Henry Foster
AKA:
Number of sessions served 2
Sessions served
Gender: Male
Age at election: 37

Vital Records Information:

Birth
Date: 5/10/1859
City: South Manitou Island, MI
County: Leelanau County, MI
Country: US
 
Death
Date: 3/17/1904
City: Traverse City, MI
County: Grand Traverse County, MI
Country: US
Type of Burial: mausoleum
Burial
Date: 3/20/1904
City: Traverse City, MI
County: Grand Traverse County, MI
Country: US
Cemetery: Oakwood Cemetery

Marital Information:
married Ester Kinzie Phelps, around 1893; children: 2, William Phelps and Helen or Ruth M.

Number of Children: 2

Background

Religion:
Military Service:
Occupation: teacher, lawyer
Race: Caucasian or White

Education:
graduated from Traverse City schools in 1885; graduated from the State Normal School in 1887; 1890, graduated from the law dept of the University

Biographical Sketch:
Son of Phelps W. and Hannah Or Anna (Kitchen; Evans) Foster. He lived on a farm until the spring of 1880; he sailed that summer and fall before moving to Traverse City to improve his education. He taught school for 3 terms. He was principal of schools in Samonauk, DeKalb Co., IL in 1888. He began law school in 1889. He served as prosecuting attorney and circuit court commissioner.

Notable Facts:
Death certificate gives birth date as 5/20/1859.

Sessions Served:

Fortieth Legislature, 1899-1900
Chamber: House
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Judiciary , Public Health , State Public School, School for the Blind
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Traverse City
County of Residence Grand Traverse
District: Grand Traverse
District Description: Counties of Benzie, Grand Traverse and Leelanau

Date Elected: 11/8/1898
Date Sworn In: 1/4/1899
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: Unknown
End of Term Status: Departed

Maritial Status: Married
Notes:
Thirty-Ninth Legislature, 1897-1898
Chamber: House
Party: Republican
Committees Served On: Liquor Traffic , Revision and Amendment of our Present Statutes, State House of Correction
Postions Held:

City of Residence: Traverse City
County of Residence Grand Traverse
District: Grand Traverse
District Description: Counties of Benzie, Grand Travers and Leelanau

Date Elected: 11/3/1896
Date Sworn In: 1/6/1897
Date Left Office:

Reason for Leaving Office: N/A
End of Term Status: Re-elected

Maritial Status: Unknown
Notes:

Bibliography:

MIBiog 1:305; USCen 1900; Find-a-Grave.com, includes portrait; Michiganology
View Bibliographical Sources