George Folsom

George Folsom (May 23, 1802 – March 27, 1869) was an American lawyer, historian, librarian, diplomat and senator from New York.

Early life Folsom was born on May 23, 1802, in Kennebunk, York County, District of Maine. He was the son of Thomas Folsom (1769–1844), a jeweler and tavern-keeper, and Edna (née Ela) Folsom (1775–1851). The family moved to Portland, Maine in 1809. and was a member of its publishing committee from 1834 to 1837.

About 1837, he removed to New York City, and practiced law there. He also became a member of the New York Historical Society, and was chosen the society's librarian, and one of the secretaries. In 1843, he translated and published The Despatches of Hernando Cortes (on-line copy; 431 pages).

He was an American Republican member of the New York State Senate (1st D.) from 1845 to 1847, sitting in the 68th, 69th and 70th New York State Legislatures. At the 1846 New York state election, he ran on the American ticket for Lieutenant Governor of New York. He was U.S. Chargé d'affaires to the Netherlands from 1850 to 1853.

In 1860, he received the honorary degree of Doctor of law from the University of Vermont.

Personal life In 1839, Folsom was married to Margaret Cornelia Winthrop (1801–1863), a daughter of Benjamin Winthrop and Judith (née Stuyvesant) Winthrop of New York City. Helen Stuyvesant Folsom (1843–1882), who became Sister Helen Margaret, CSJB.

Folsom died on March 27, 1869, in Rome, Italy. He was buried at St. Mark's Church in-the-Bowery.