L. FOSTER

FOSTER, BURGESS, MCLAIN, SMALL

Posted By: Sharon R. Becker (email)
Date: 11/17/2008 at 10:09:39

L. FOSTER

Biographical and Historical Record of Ringgold and Decatur Counties, Iowa
Lewis Publishing Company, 1887. pp. 390 - 391.

"L. FOSTER, proprietor of the Foster House, and also of a harness shop, Caledonia, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, October 16, 1842, son of James and Anna (Burgess) Foster. He was the second of a family of six children.

When two years of age his parents removed to Holmes County, Ohio, where he was reared and educated. At fourteen he commenced work at harness-making, serving an apprenticeship of three years. He then learned ornamental painting, and afterward, boot and shoe-making.

February 29, 1864, he enlisted in Company B, Sixtieth Ohio Infantry. His regiment was attached to the Army of the Potomac. In the engagement before Petersburg, August 17, he was wounded and taken prisoner, and was held the greater part of the time at Andersonville. He was paroled November 26, 1864, and held at Parole Camp until honorably discharged May 8, 1865, at Camp Chase, Ohio, then returned to Holmes County.

In 1872 he removed to Ringgold County, locating at Caledonia, and engaged in the manufacture of harnesses. He keeps a good assortment, and sells at reasonable prices. He also manufactures boots and shoes. The Foster House is truly a place where the weary traveler can find food and rest.

Mr. Foster is a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, Lodge 293, Caledonia, and also of the Christian church.

He was married February 7, 1864, to Miss Sarah Ellen McLain, and they have five children - Deanna, George William C., Margaret Emma, Etta Elmina, and Orpha Adella.

Mrs. Foster died June 5, 1880, and August 1, 1881, Mr. Foster was married to Loretta Small, of Harrison County, Missouri. Their two children are - Florence Edith and Rachel Ellen."

Submitted to the Ringgold County IAGenWeb Project by Christy Jay, email: Jaygenie@aol.com