Farnsworth family papers, 1899-1977.
Title:
Farnsworth family papers, 1899-1977.
Personal Author:
Physical Description:
1.75 cu. ft.
Abstract:
The Farnsworth Family Papers consist of the correspondence and photographs of army officer Charles S. Farnsworth relating to his years of service at Fort Gibbon and Fort Egbert, Alaska (1899-1901, 1910-11), and a memoir by Robert J. Farnsworth concerning the early career of his father, Charles, and recollections of his own childhood at various military posts, including Forts Gibbon and Egbert.
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Biographical/Historical Data:
Charles Stewart Farnsworth (1862-1955) was born on a farm in Lycoming County, Pennsylvania, and raised in Clarion, Pennsylvania. Upon graduating from West Point in 1887, he married Laura Galey, of Clarion, and embarked on a military career. His son Robert was born at Fort Shaw, Montana, in 1888; his wife died there two years later. From 1893 to 1897 he was assigned to teach military science and tactics at the University of North Dakota. There he married Helen D. Bosard of Grand Forks, North Dakota, in 1894. From 1897 to 1918, his army service took him all over the United States, as well as to Cuba, the Philippines, and Mexico, often accompanied by his wife and son. He served twice in Alaska, first as a captain with E Company, 7th Infantry, charged with building Fort Gibbon in 1899-1900 and Fort Egbert in 1900-1901, then as a major with the 16th Infantry, stationed at Fort Gibbon in 1910-11. During World War I he served in France and Belgium, and afterwards commanded the infantry school at Columbus, Georgia, and served five years as Chief of Infantry in Washington, D. C. In 1925, with the rank of major-general, he retired to Altadena, California, where he became active in civic affairs.
Restrictions on Access:
Access limited to Alaska and Polar Regions Collections research room hours.