Henry Vernon Foster Collection

Collection — Multiple Containers

Identifier: WHC-M-2542

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

FULL FINDING AID (PDF)

Oil producer. Description (Series): The personal papers of Henry Vernon Foster detail the Foster lease in the Osage Nation which was initiated in 1896; early discoveries of oil in the Osage Nation where some major oil companies began; the history of the Indian Territory Illuminating Oil Company (I.T.I.O.); Foster's discovery well in the Seminole Field; and his Oklahoma #1 in the Oklahoma City field. They include contracts and other legal documents showing lease ownership and stock ownership of the I.T.I.O. Company, 2 c.f. (1900s-1940s); Correspondence of Henry Foster (Henry V. Foster's father); ledger of shares in I.T.I.O. company regarding start-up and leases; documents regarding negotiations of separation between Cities Service Oil Company and Foster Petroleum; and documents regarding Foster's businesses prior to his dealings in the Osage Nation. Chronological file (1875-1940) detailing the origins of the Phenix Oil Company to I.T.I.O. Company to Foster Petroleum (1.5 c.f.) Miscellaneous files (1900-1937) primarily relating to Foster's ranching activities. Biographical material regarding Foster (1.5 c.f.); and materials dating back to 1880s regarding Foster's interest in gold mining, the Independence Gas Company, Topeka Northern Railroad. The sale of I.T.I.O. Company stock to Foster Petroleum; and the beginning of Foster's discontent with top management at Cities Service Oil Company.

Dates

1872-1990

Creator

Foster, Henry Vernon, 1875-1939 (Person)

Restrictions on Access

Available for public access.

Extent

7.5 ft. (7.5 ft.)

Language of Materials

English

Additional Description

Ownership and Custodial History

Gift of Tom and Ann Preston.

Scope and content

They include contracts and other legal documents showing lease ownership and stock ownership of the I.T.I.O. Company, 2 c.f. (1900s-1940s); Correspondence of Henry Foster (Henry V. Foster's father); ledger of shares in I.T.I.O. company regarding start-up and leases; documents regarding negotiations of separation between Cities Service Oil Company and Foster Petroleum; and documents regarding Foster's businesses prior to his dealings in the Osage Nation (1 c.f.).

Scope and content

Chronological file (1875-1940) detailing the origins of the Phenix Oil Company to I.T.I.O. Company to Foster Petroleum (1.5 c.f.) Miscellaneous files (1900-1937) primarily relating to Foster's ranching activities. Biographical material regarding Foster (1.5 c.f.); and materials dating back to 1880s regarding Foster's interest in gold mining, the Independence Gas Company, Topeka Northern Railroad.

Scope and content

The sale of I.T.I.O. Company stock to Foster Petroleum; and the beginning of Foster's discontent with top management at Cities Service Oil Company (.5 c.f.).