My Genealogy Hound

Below is a family biography included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published by W. H. Beers & Co. in 1880.  These biographies are valuable for genealogy research in discovering missing ancestors or filling in the details of a family tree. Family biographies often include far more information than can be found in a census record or obituary.  Details will vary with each biography but will often include the date and place of birth, parent names including mothers' maiden name, name of wife including maiden name, her parents' names, name of children (including spouses if married), former places of residence, occupation details, military service, church and social organization affiliations, and more.  There are often ancestry details included that cannot be found in any other type of genealogical record.

* * * *

JAMES FOSTER, Superintendent of Infirmary; P. O. Troy; was born in Pennsylvania March 26, 1830; and is a son of James and Sarah (Boher) Foster, who were also born and raised in Pennsylvania, but came and located in Miami Co. in the fall of 1854; they resided in Troy till their death; Mr. Foster dying Dec. 31, 1876, and his wife in February, 1878; they were parents of seven children, four of whom are now living, viz., Elizabeth, now Mrs. Miller, living in Nebraska; Susan, now Mrs. Burkholder, of Troy; John H. and James. The ancestry on the father’s side came from the North of Ireland, and on the mother’s side from Germany. Mr. Foster, the subject of this sketch, remained with his father in Pennsylvania till of age; receiving a limited education in the common schools. Sept. 15, 1851, was celebrated his marriage with Rosanna Miller, daughter of John and Theresa (Obold) Miller, who were also natives of Pennsylvania; by this union they have had five children, viz., Mary E., now Mrs. H. G. Knoop, living in Casstown; Sallie, now Mrs. J. A. Sterrett, of Troy; Theresa Helen, now Mrs. James Brooks, residing in Dunkirk, Ind.; Jennie and Maggie. Mr. Foster, after his marriage, remained in Pennsylvania about three years, and in the spring of 1854, came to Ohio and located at Troy, and, in the immediate vicinity of Troy, entered upon and followed agricultural pursuits for fifteen years; when by appointment of the Board of Directors of the Miami Co. Infirmary, he became Superintendent of that institution, which position he still holds, having held this office now for eleven years.

* * * *

This family biography is one of 964 biographies included in The History of Miami County, Ohio published in 1880 by W. H. Beers & Co.  For the complete description, click here: Miami County, Ohio History and Genealogy

View additional Miami County, Ohio family biographies here: Miami County, Ohio Biographies

Use the links at the top right of this page to search or browse thousands of other family biographies.