University of Wyoming
Francis P. Garvan (1875-1937) was born in Hartford, Connecticut. He graduated from Yale University and studied law at Catholic University in Washington D.C. and New York Law School. After graduating in 1899, he practiced law for one year when he was appointment to the staff of the District Attorney's Office of New York City. As Assistant District Attorney for eight years he distinguished himself as an investigator of crime and prosecutor of criminals. During World War I, Garvan was Chief of the United States Bureau of Investigation and was manager of the New York Office of the Alien Property Custodian. Through this work, Garvan conceived the Chemical Foundation, Inc., which was approved by President Wilson, to seize German patents to help build a stronger American chemical industry. As its first president, Garvan oversaw many projects including medical research. In the 1930s, he formed the National Farm Chemurgic Council to promote the utilization of farm products for industrial purposes.
The Francis P. Garvan papers consist of extensive files regarding the organization and operation of the Chemical Foundation, Inc. There are subject files and correspondnece files pertaining to projects that were funded or promoted by the foundation including those related to chemistry, dyes, the paper industry, textiles, insecticides, medicine, and national defense. Documents such as legislation, legal pleadings, correspondence, subject files, and newspaper and magazine clippings are also included regarding the Alien Property Custodian and the National Farm Chemurgic Council.
There are no access restrictions on the materials for research purposes, and the collection is open to the public.
The researcher assumes full responsibility for observing all copyright, property, and libel laws as they apply.
There are no known other archival collections created by Francis P. Garvan at the date of processing.
Finding aid available in repository.
Item Description, Box Number, Folder Number, Collection Name, Collection Number, American Heritage Center, University of Wyoming.
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