J. W. Foster
J. W. Foster, merchant, Mantua, was born June 26, 1817, in Mantua Township, this county, son of Jonathan and Betsey (Eggleston) Foster, natives of New Hampshire and Massachusetts respectively, and who first came to Suffield Township, this county, subsequently moving to Mantua Township, where they remained until their death. Jonathan Foster was a farmer by occupation, alive to every improvement. He endeavored to raise sheep, but his efforts proved a failure, as the first night three of his six sheep were devoured by wolves. He was a Justice of the Peace for many years, a Representative of this county in the Legislature, Associate Judge, a man of very decided ability. His children were seven in number, three now living: Martha and Mary, maiden ladies residing on the old home farm, and J. W. Our subject was married in April, 1855, to Aurelia, daughter of Joel and Julia Chapman, latter the first white child born in Mantua Township, this county, a daughter of Elias Harmon. By the union of J. W. Foster and wife were born four children, only one now living—Jessie A. Our subject has been engaged in mercantile trade in Mantua for forty-four years, and as Postmaster of the village nineteen years. He is one of the substantial business men of this place.
From History of Portage County, Ohio, Warner, Beers & Co., Chicago, 1885