A[rlington] FOSTER, merchant, Caledonia, was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, April 21, 1841, son of James and Anna (BURGESS) FOSTER. He was the eldest of six children. When he was four years old his parents removed to Holmesville, Holmes County, where he was reared and educated.

He was married October 3, 1859, to Miss Lovisa WHEATON, a native of Holmes County, and daughter of David and Sarah WHEATON, who died in 1866, leaving three children - James Franklin, and two now deceased.

October [31], 1861, Mr. FOSTER enlisted [as a Private] in Company F, Sixty-fifth Ohio Infantry, and was in several of the most noted battles of the late war. He was in the engagement at Shiloh, Chickamauga, Franklin, Mission Ridge, Stone River, Nashville, Kenesaw Mountain, Big Shanty, and Peach Tree Creek. He was [ promoted to full Corporal on September 1, 1865 and was] honorably discharged in November, 1865. (sic, should be October 31, 1865, at Columbus, Ohio)

He resided in Holmes County until 1870, when he came to Ringgold County, locating in Caledonia, where he was engaged in buying and shipping stock until 1872, and then engaged in the mercantile business. Starting in a small way he has gradually increased his stock as his trade increased, until he now carries a large stock of general merchandise, and by fair dealing has secured the confidence of his patrons.

October 3, 1869, he was married to Miss Lou HUSTON, of Holmes County, Ohio, and their children are - Homer, Granville, Byron Lindell, Bessie Allelia, and Bertha.

Mr. FOSTER is a member of Lodge No. 293, I.O.O.F., and is a member of the Christian church. Politically he is a Republican.

NOTE: Anna (BURGESS) RANDOLPH FOSTER was born in July of 1822 in Virginia, and died December 27, 1888. James FOSTER was born June 5, 1818 in Ohio, and died August 15, 1889. Anna and James were interred at Caldedonia Cemetery, Caledonia, Ringgold COunty, Iowa.

Arlington FOSTER died February 29, 1912. Lou (HUSTON) FOSTER died January 28, 1914. Arling and Lou were interred at Ukiah Cemetery, Ukiah, Mendocino County, California. Also interred at Ukiah Cemetery is Arlington Lyndell FOSTER, born August 24, 1904 and died July 21, 1986, and his wife Opal Jewell FOSTER, born January 3, 1907 and died August 31, 1995.

Homer A. FOSTER was born November 26, 1871, and died March 11, 1945 with interment at Rose Hill Cemetery, Mount Ayr, Ringgold County, Iowa. Granville FOSTER was born in 1872, and died in 1937 with interment at Sweet Home Cemetery, Ringgold County, Iowa.

SOURCES:
Biography & Historical Record of Ringgold County, Iowa, Pp. 286-87, 1887.

Civil War Soldiers and Sailors System Database

American Civil War Soldiers, ancestry.com

WPA Graves Survey

Transcription and note by Sharon R. Becker, January of 2009

Biographical Sketches Pages Index: A - F,   G - L,   M - R,  S - Z