My Genealogy Hound

ROBERT FOSTER is a native of the county in which he now resides, and is a son of a family whose history was identified with the State in an earlier and a simpler day of living. He of whom we write is now possessed of a fine farm of his own on section 8, Niles Township, where he is known as a prominent farmer and stock-dealer. He was born February 20, 1850, and is a son of George and Margaret (Johnson) Foster.

George Foster was born in County Down, Ireland, and remained in his native country until after his twelfth birthday. Later he braved Neptune’s tender mercies and reached the coast of the United States, locating first in Indiana and later in Michigan. After reaching mature years, he married Miss Margaret Johnson and settled in Niles Township, where he died when seventy-five years of age. He was an honest, industrious citizen, and one whose career through life was marked by great uprightness and unswerving fidelity to any trust reposed in him. A hard worker all his life, he accumulated a comfortable fortune, and his latter days were passed in peace and quiet. His companion, who had stood shoulder to shoulder with him in his struggle for a livelihood, passed away when sixty-six years of age. She also had many warm friends.

Of the nine children born to this much-esteemed couple, Robert Foster was second in order of birth. He was reared in his native county, and early in life the characteristics of industry and economy that had marked his ancestors made their appearance in our subject, He received his scholastic training in the district schools, and divided his time between attending the same and in assisting his father on the farm. Thus he became thoroughly familiar with all the details of farm life, and when it became time for him to start out to fight his own way in life, agricultural pursuits were his chosen occupation.

In the year 1887, when twenty-seven years of age, he united his fortune with that of Miss Martha Burke, who was also a product of Michigan soil, her birth occurring in Berrien Township, Berrien County. Her parents were early settlers of that county and for many years were honored citizens of the same. Two children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Foster, a daughter and son, viz.: Margaret and Murry, both bright, intelligent little children. Mr. Foster is one of the prominent farmers of Niles Township and has two hundred and forty acres of excellent land, all under cultivation except thirty acres that are covered with timber. In carrying on his large farm, Mr. Foster does not neglect the stock-raising industry and has some fine animals on his place. In politics he is associated with the Democratic party and favors all its movements.