American poet. Born in Missouri, James Foley moved with his family to Fort Abraham Lincoln in North Dakota, where his father was performing military service. They later moved to Bismarck, where Foley received his education. Graduating from Bismarck High School in 1888 (age 14), he moved to Medora, North Dakota, where his father was working for the Marquis de Mores, but one year later, he enrolled at the University of South Dakota, where he studied for one year. He spent some time in the Dakota Badlands, taught school in Medora, and wrote for and edited the Bismarck Tribune. He served as state secretary to the North Dakota Republican Party, secretary to two governors of the state, and secretary to the state senate. In the Badlands, he met President Theodore Roosevelt, who was acquainted with Foley’s father. He wrote both prose and poetry and was published in the New York Times and the Saturday Evening Post. With his wife, he removed to California in late 1913. His lyrics for “North Dakota Hymn,” which Foley was asked to compose, was first debuted in 1927 and became the official state song in 1947. Throughout his life, Foley composed twelve books of poetry, his most famous poem being “A Letter Home.” He is considered the unofficial poet laureate of North Dakota
American poet. Born in Missouri, James Foley moved with his family to Fort Abraham Lincoln in North Dakota, where his father was performing military service. They later moved to Bismarck, where Foley received his education. Graduating from Bismarck High School in 1888 (age 14), he moved to Medora, North Dakota, where his father was working for the Marquis de Mores, but one year later, he enrolled at the University of South Dakota, where he studied for one year. He spent some time in the Dakota Badlands, taught school in Medora, and wrote for and edited the Bismarck Tribune. He served as state secretary to the North Dakota Republican Party, secretary to two governors of the state, and secretary to the state senate. In the Badlands, he met President Theodore Roosevelt, who was acquainted with Foley’s father. He wrote both prose and poetry and was published in the New York Times and the Saturday Evening Post. With his wife, he removed to California in late 1913. His lyrics for “North Dakota Hymn,” which Foley was asked to compose, was first debuted in 1927 and became the official state song in 1947. Throughout his life, Foley composed twelve books of poetry, his most famous poem being “A Letter Home.” He is considered the unofficial poet laureate of North Dakota
Bio by: Eileen Cunningham
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