Frank Sharon Foster.—In the progress and development of this great commonwealth, no factor has exercised more influence than the press, which not only reflects public opinion but forms it and plays an important part in the politics of the State. Ellsworth county has been fortunate in the character of its newspapers, which are progressive, ever advancing the interests of central Kansas and endeavoring to uphold justice in the community. Prominent among the men who control the journalistic interests of central Kansas is Frank Sharon Foster, who was born at Birmingham, Van Buren county, Iowa, November 12, 1862. He received his elementary education in the public schools of Bloomfield, Iowa, but while still a lad realized that a good education was essential to a man who would become a successful journalist. With this end in view he entered the literary department of the University of Kansas, graduating with the class of 1885. During the summer following the completion of his college course Mr. Foster came to Elisworth and purchased a half interest in the Eilsworth "News," which was founded in 1880 by Z. Jackson. The firm name of the new concern was Collett & Foster. They changed the name of the paper to the Ellsworth "Democrat," and in 1891 renamed it the Ellsworth "Messenger." Three years later Mr. Foster purchased his partner's interest in the publication, since which time he has been the sole owner and editor. The "Messenger" is a weekly, with a circulation of over 1,700. It reaches homes all over the county and exerts an influence that cannot be measured. In connection with the "Messenger" Mr. Foster has a job printing establishment, the largest in Ellsworth county, which has proved a most profitable investment under his able management. In politics Mr. Foster is an ardent supporter of the Democratic party. He was elected county clerk in 1892, but refused renomination. In 1896 he was a delegate to the Democratic State convention, and for many years has been secretary of the Ellsworth county central committee. Since 1894 he has served as city clerk of Ellsworth, a position which his training well qualifies him to fill. Mr. Foster's fraternal associations are with the Masonic order and the Ancient Order of United Workmen. He is a Knight Templar Mason and is a past commander of St. Aldemar Commandery No. 33. On June 8, 1891, Mr. Foster married Mollie B., the daughter of Alexander Sheriff, a pioneer resident of Ellsworth. There are two children in the family, Norman McLeod, born December 5, 1894, and Frank Sharon, Jr., born August 8, 1906. The family are members of the Presbyterian church.