Frank H. Dickinson was born December 12, 1857 at Battle Creek, Michigan, the son of John W. and Cynthia Ann (Stiles) Dickinson who were originally from New York.  Frank Dickinson received his education at district schools and the Indiana Normal School at Valparaiso.  He taught school for two winter terms in Michigan and in 1880 he came to North Dakota.  During his first year he was a store clerk in Fargo.  In the 1890's he started the Ayr Store, Co., but later sold it, devoting his time to his land sales.  Mr. Dickinson also served as postmaster, township clerk, and was a member of the 1902 North Dakota Legislature.  He died in 1923.

The Dickinson collection contains mainly correspondence as well as various business, tax and legal material of both Frank H. Dickinson and his son, Dean.  The correspondence is arranged chronologically and is mostly personal, the early letters mainly to Mrs. Dickinson, with some business correspondence.  Of note are letters from L. B. Hanna, his brother Robert Dickinson and Edward G. Clapp.  The subject files includes mainly business and financial records. 
 

Personal and Family Papers