San Francisco County Biographies

ARTHUR W. FOSTER

Submitted by: Pamela Storm Wolfskill & Ron Filion

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


San Francisco Theological Seminary, 1907

BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCHES OF THE FOUNDERS AND PRINCIPAL SUPPORTERS 
OF THE SAN FRANCISCO THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY.

As the San Francisco Theological Seminary developed it outgrew its home on 
Haight street, and a new site became a necessity.  At such a time a stanch 
friend was raised up for it in Mr. Arthur W. Foster of San Rafael. 
Mr. Foster had married Miss Louise Scott, a daughter of Dr. Scott, and was 
familiar with the work and needs of the Seminary.  He was a capitalist of San 
Francisco and President of the San Francisco and North Pacific Coast Railroad 
Company, and later became a Regent of the University of California.  He was, 
therefore, able to assist the Seminary with his influence and money, and was 
disposed to do so.  Accordingly, on April 4, 1890, he deeded to the Seminary 
fourteen acres of ground at San Anselmo as a new site for the Seminary, on 
condition that not less than $25,000 be raised to erect buildings thereon.  His 
generosity moved Mr. Alexander Montgomery to make liberal contributions, as 
already stated, and the result is that we now have a Seminary equipped with 
large and fine buildings in one of the most beautiful, pleasant and healthful 
locations in California. 
Mr. Foster was largely instrumental in persuading Mr. Montgomery to have erected 
as his monument the Memorial Chapel, and was one of the trustees in directing 
the erection of that beautiful building.  He also for some time contributed $600 
per year on the salary of Professor Paterson.  He was elected a Director of the 
Seminary April 24, 1890, and continued as such for several years.  Although of 
late he has declined official connection with the institution, on account of the 
pressure of his business, yet it ever has his continued interest and generous 
support. 
 
Source:  Curry, James, D.D., History of the San Francisco Theological Seminary 
of the Presbyterian Church in the U.S.A. and Its Alumni Association 
Reporter Publishing Company, Vacaville, California, 1907.