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1851-1897 (Creation)
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11 cm of textual records
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Biographical history
William A. Foster (1840-1888) was a lawyer in Ontario and active member of the Canada First movement.
He was born in Toronto, was educated at the University of Toronto, was called to the bar in 1861, and began practising as a lawyer. In 1868, he helped found the Canada First movement, along with Charles Mair, George Taylor Denison, Robert Grant Haliburton, and Henry Morgan. The Canada First movement was a nationalist movement which advocated strong ties to Britain. During the Riel Rebellion, Canada First members advocated and promoted military action against Riel and the Metis. In 1871, Foster published a pamphlet which summarized the views of the Canada First movement, entitled Canada First or Our New Nationality. When interest in Canada First as a political movement waned around 1876, Foster returned to his legal practice, but maintained correspondence with many friends and former associates. In 1877, he married Margaret Bowes. In 1885 he was appointed a Q.C.
Custodial history
Scope and content
Fonds consists of records relating to William Alexander Foster's activities in the Canada First Movement, and as a lawyer. Included are: correspondence, invitations and programs, a passport, copies of currency certificates, commissions, handbills, a pass providing Foster unimpeded access to ferry in Fort Erie, a Canada First Address written by Foster, a business card of Foster, Clarke, and Bowes, Barristers, Solicitors, a eulogy to Foster, and a photograph of Foster. Correspondence relates to Foster's contributions to various periodicals, political matters, legal cases, personal matters, and also includes a letter from George Denison during the Second Northwest Rebellion, criticizing the newspaper media's and local settlers' conduct, and praising the conduct of the local native Indian population. Correspondents include John A. Macdonald, D.M McPherson, William McDougall (Lt.-Gov. of Rupertsland), and Goldwin Smith. Fonds also includes a collection of clipped autographs, including Bagot, Baldwin, Fawcett, Frechette, Metcalfe, and Tupper.
For a more detailed description, use this link to the Archives of Ontario's descriptive database: http://ao.minisisinc.com/scripts/mwimain.dll/144/PROV/PROV/REFD+F+70?SESSIONSEARCH
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Immediate source of acquisition
Fonds was acquired by the Archives of Ontario in 1969 from Mrs. Harold W.A. Foster of Toronto.
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No restrictions on access.
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Copyright for other portions of this fonds rests with the creator. These materials cannot be published without permission from the copyright holder.
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For a more detailed description, use this link to the Archives of Ontario's descriptive database: http://ao.minisisinc.com/scripts/mwimain.dll/144/PROV/PROV/REFD+F+70?SESSIONSEARCH
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