Lucius Foote

Lucius Harwood Foote
1st United States Minister to Korea
In office May 20, 1883 – February 19, 1885
President	Chester A. Arthur
Preceded by	Diplomatic relations established
Succeeded by	George Clayton Foulk, chargé d'affaires ad interim William Harwar Parker (as Consul General)
Personal details
Born	April 10, 1826 Winfield, New York, U.S.
Died	June 4, 1913 (aged 87) San Francisco, California, U.S.
Relations	Lucius Foote (father) and Electa Harwood (mother)
Profession	state militia officer, U.S. Ambassador
Military service
Allegiance	California  United States
Service/branch	California National Guard
Years of service	1871-1875
Rank	Adjutant General

Lucius Harwood Foote (April 10, 1826 – June 4, 1913) was the first American minister to Korea and served from 1883-1885.

Early life

Lucius Foote was born April 10, 1826, in Winfield, New York ^[1] to Rev. Lucius Foote and Electa Harwood. He married in 1862 to Rose Frost Carter (d.1885).

Pre-Korea years

Lucius Foote was the Adjutant General of the California National Guard, from December 21, 1871-December 13, 1875.

U.S. Ambassador to Korea

In May 1882, Korea and the United States signed a treaty of commerce, in Chemulpo Port (modern day Incheon). This treaty required an American political presence in Korea. Foote was assigned a year later, with the title, "Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary". However, due to low trade volumes, in July 1884, Foote was demoted to the position of "Minister Resident". In August 1884, he purchased a hanok-style house, from the Min family and thus established the American Legation^[2] He shared the building with Horace Newton Allen. When Lucius Foote resigned and left Seoul, in January 1885, George Clayton Foulk replaced him.

Later years

Lucius Foote retired to San Francisco, California.

Death

Lucius Foote later died, on June 4, 1913.^[3]

References