Howard Foster
Prominent in the affairs of his own locality and distinguished as a citizen whose influence is far extended beyond the limits of the community honored by his residence, the name of Howard Foster stands out a conspicuous figure among the successful farmers of the locality of which this volume treats. All of his undertakings have been actuated by noble motives and high resolves and characterized by breadth of wisdom and strong individuality and his success and achievements but represent the result of fit utilization of innate talent and directing efforts along those lines where mature judgment and rare discrimination lead the way.
Howard Foster, well known trustee of Paint township and one of the leading farmers of this section, was born on March 9. 1858, on the old Clever farm near Yatesville, this state, the son of Daniel Sturgeon (better known as "Doc") and Elizabeth (Clever) Foster. The subject's father was a native of the state of Pennsylvania, born in Uniontown. and when a young man he emigrated westward in search of better opportunities than his native section afforded. He decided to make Ohio his future home and did so, locating in Fayette county. He had been well educated in his native state and upon settling in this state decided upon farming as his life work, in which he was successful. He was the father of seven children, the immediate subject being the first-born. John was the second son: Irskine; Sturgeon; then followed Herbert; Alpha, widow of Al Sorrell and mother of one child, Zoe, and Frank.
When a boy, Mr. Foster attended the schools of the home district, later spending one year in the schools of Boomingburg. where he took the higher grades and finished his school days. During his school years he assisted in the work of the home place during his idle hours and vacation times and in this way acquired a liking for and knowledge of the life of a farmer. Consequently, it was but natural that he should decide upon this vocation as that of his life work, and in his venture he has succeeded admirably. He today operates the estate of one hundred acres of as fine land as the county boasts, splendidly located just on the edge of the city of Bloomingburg. Here he carries on general farming and kindred work, gixing particular attention to the raising of live stock, which he has found to be a profitable source of income. He gives intelligent direction to his efforts and has attained a degree of success commensurate with the effort and energy expended.
Mr. Foster is the father of an interesting family of nine children, Vere, Ray. Honor, Roscoe, Edna, Bernice. Florence and two infants which died when very young. Mrs. Foster before her marriage was Mary E. Bloomer, her marriage to the subject being solemnized on November 10, 1880. She is the daughter of J. G. and Jane (DeWitt) Bloomer.
Mr. Foster's fraternal affiliation is with the time-honored body of Free and Accepted Masons and he is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, taking intelligent and pleasurable interest in the work of these two societies. He is a stanch Republican, politically, and is active in the local affairs of the party. Mr. Foster has long had the best interests of this locality at heart and has sought to advance them in whatever way possible. His career has been characterized by untiring energy, uncompromising fidelity and an earnest desire to advance himself in his chosen vocation. He is quick of perception, forms his plans readily and executes them with alacrity, at the same time winning and retaining the high esteem of all with whom he comes in contact by the honorable course which he has pursued.
From History of Fayette County Ohio - Her People, Industries and Institutions by Frank M. Allen (1914, R. F. Bowen & Company, Inc.)