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Surnames: Foster, Williams
Classification: Biography
Message Board URL:
http://boards.ancestry.com/mbexec/msg/rw/Hi.2ADI/2354
Message Board Post:
Combination Atlas Map of Tippecanoe County, Indiana; pg. 52
Kingman Brothers, publishers; 1878
WILLIAM T. FOSTER was born in Shelby Township, Tippecanoe County, June 17, 1832, and was
probably the first white child born in that township. His parents, WILLIAM and HANNAH
FOSTER, moved from Ross County, Ohio, and were among the earliest settlers of Shelby
Township. Their son WILLIAM received such an education as could be acquired at the
imperfect subscription schools of that period, which were taught only during the Winter.
The instructions received during childhood in the science of farming were by no means the
least valuable part of his education; and at the age of 16 years, the care of the family
and mangagement of the farm were thrown upon him by the death of his father. He applied
his energies heartily to the duties before him, performing his part manfully; and within a
few years he became the sole possessor of the homestead, by purchasing the interest of the
other heirs. As capital began to accrue from his labors, he wisely invested it in land,
adding from tim!
e to time to his original estate, until it reached 800 acres, the majority of which is
now cultivated by him, returning a handsome revenue.
In the year 1858, he was united in marriage with MISS MARY E. WILLIAMS. His choice was a
happy one, and through the years which have followed she has ever been a loving companion
and the light of his home. They are the parents of four children, named, respectively,
EMMA J. (deceased), ROSA IDA, ANNA LAURA and JOHN C. One of this number, EMMA J. was
called away by death in early childhood. With this exception the family circle remains
unbroken.
During the late war, MR. FOSTER was an earnest supporter of the Union cause; and although
he did not engage personally in the great conflict, he rendered valuable service in
procuring volunteers and contributing toward the support of families of poor and needy
soldiers who were summoned away too hastily to make provision for their support. So
numerous were his deeds of charity, that he was freqeuntly styled the "poor man's
friend."
He has been an active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church since 15 years of age.
Politically, he has ever been regarded as one of the most zealous Republicans in his
township. For a term of two years he filled the office of Township Trustee, discharging
his duty faithfully and to the satisfaction of all. With this exception he has never
consented to wear political honors, although he has been repeatedly solicited to become a
candidate for important positions of honor and trust.
Portrait of the Foster family.