Contra Costa County Biography

FRANK W. FOSKETT

Transcribed by Sally Kaleta, December, 2006.

This file is part of the California Genealogy & History Archives
http://www.rootsweb.ancestry.com/~cagha/index.htm


One of the most able, progressive, and enterprising business men in public life 
in Contra Costa County is Frank W. Foskett, president of the First National Bank 
of Concord. It has often been said that the banks of a community are a fair 
index of its commercial, industrial, and financial prosperity. Especially is 
this true of the First National Bank of Concord, which dates its origin from 
March, 1911. The institution was founded on a policy of progressiveness and 
conservatism, and this has been adhered to steadily, the result being seen in 
the excellent condition of the bank, which is today one of the leading financial 
enterprises in the county. Frank W. Foskett was born in Franklin County, 
Massachusetts, November 21, 1859. He is a son of John and Nancy (Stone) Foskett. 
His father was a native of Massachusetts, while his mother was born in New 
Hampshire. Mr. Foskett was educated in the public schools of Massachusetts. At 
an early age he came to Pittsburg, California, where he engaged in the butcher 
business with Mr. Elworthy. In 1885, the firm removed to Concord, and in 
September of that year purchased the store of William Hawes, and operated stores 
in Pittsburg and Concord, and in 1911 the firm purchased the store of Arthur 
Williams, of Walnut Creek, making a chain of three stores which was successfully 
operated by the firm. Also the firm held large land interests, and in 1911, they 
disposed of four thousand acres to the R. N. Burgess Company, at that time 
selling the wholesale and retail business. The firm of Foskett & Elworthy 
displayed sound judgment in the management of their business interests, and 
through their persistence of purpose won gratifying success in the business and 
the financial world. The firm erected the finest business block and bank 
building in Concord, which would be a credit to the larger cities of the Bay 
region. Mr. Foskett has served as trustee on the grammar-school and high-school 
boards, and gives his political support to the Republican party. He has served 
as treasurer of the town since it started. He was united in marriage to Alice L. 
Duncalf, a native of Canada, September 16, 1885. To this union have been born 
four children - Clifford John, Ethel Mae, Walter William, and Raymond Albert. 
Mr. Foskett is regarded as a reliable, far-sighted, and progressive business 
man. He has been a leading factor in the development and upbuilding of the town 
of Concord. He has one of the most imposing residences in the county, which is 
an evidence of the excellent results which he has achieved in a financial way. 
 
Source: "The History of Contra Costa County, California," Elms Publ. Co., 1917, 
pp. 540-541.