Foster, Thomas H.

1898-1899

Summary: Bayard Taylor representing the Danbury and Alaska Gold Mining and Prospecting Company, will start for Alaska on February 16, along with Thomas H. Foster, of Bethel. Several others may accompany them. They are thoroughly equipped for the trip; Taylor has been in Alaska before, can speak the Indians’ language, and has experience placer mining. They will go to Orca and from there about 30 miles overland to the Copper River, which they will strike just above the great glacier that enters it. They will head in the direction of Dawson, although that is not their main goal, since the Klondike is already well-staked. The company he represents is composed of men of limited means, who have each put in small amounts of money. No one is permitted more than a small share of stock, and Taylor’s duties and privileges are strictly defined. News story in Danbury CT News, 2/9/98; Passenger list for the schooner Hera, departed Seattle for Copper River 3/22/98, Seattle Post-Intelligencer, 3/23/98; B. Taylor reports that Foster and [Chas. H.] Wilcox are well, Danbury CT News, 5/18/98; Christian Herald correspondent, With Wilcox, Golden Cross? Ch. 4; [Note: both Foster & Wilcox were on Hera]; Accompanies Bro. Benjaman in service in early July, Mrs. Dodge sings. Pearson Journal,CS1; p. 185; Summary: T. H. Foster has received a letter from Cape Nome from A.W. Fowler, who was a companion of his on his trip to the Copper River country last year. Fowler saw much gold in Nome, but believes the beach deposits will be exhausted shortly. He is currently making $20 to $30 a day on the beach. About 30,000 people are in Nome; many will leave in fall. Fowler wants to locate a claim for Foster and work it on shares, since the law limits a man to one claim. Fowler was Foster’s best friend in Valdez, nursing him faithfully when he fell ill. Danbury CT News, 8/1/99; Summary: A letter from B.Taylor states he will leave Seattle for Alaska on Sept. 12. He will go to Orca and locate a copper claim in that vicinity. He will stay about two months and return home for Christmas. C. H. Wilcox. JR. has joined a government expedition which will probably go further into Alaska. Thomas Foster, who was with Wilcox, is returning home; he is ill. Danbury CT News, 9/13/99;