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HISTORICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ILLINOIS AND
HISTORY OF SANGAMON COUNTY Volume II - Biographical
Chicago: Munsell Publishing Company, Publishers 1912

This biography was submitted by a researcher and are abstracted from the above named publication.. Errors could occur, so one should always verify the correctness by obtaining copies of vitals and performing all necessary research to document what is contained herein.


Transcribed by Mary Ann Kaylor

Page 1235

FOSTER, Jacob F. - There are men in Sangamon County who have spent their lives in farming, having become convinced that in that calling there was more profit for them than in any other they might adopt. They have been successful through long years of persistent effort, and can point with pride to their well-tilled acres to show that they have not worked in vain. One of these practical farmers is Jacob F. Foster, of Section 34, Curran Township, where he was born March 11, 1854, being a son of William and Elizabeth (Shutt) Foster, native of Kentucky.

William Foster came to Illinois in boyhood, settling in Curran Township at a very early day. Later he bought a small piece of land, and still later bought the 100 acres his father had purchased, continuing to farm until his death, which occurred September 5, 1910, when he was eight-seven years old. His wife had passed away in 1891, having borne him nine children, seven sons and two daughters: George is a farmer of Sangamon County; Peyton lives in Kirksville, Mo.; Sarah E., Mrs. Henry Bivin, resides in Springfield; Douglas is a farmer of Sangamon County; Leonard is also a farmer of the county; Marion is a blacksmith, of Woodside; Eva J. is the wife of Simpson Williams, and lives in Hopkins County, Ky.; Jacob F. and Charles, farmers in Sangamon County. During the Mexican War William Foster served his country, and he was a brave and good man.

Jacob F. Foster went to the district school and worked on his father's farm, as did so many of the sturdy farmer boys of Sangamon County who have since developed into prosperous men in almost every line of business or profession. After attaining his majority he began farming for himself, continuing his work with such success that he now owns 150 acres in the township which gave him birth.

The marriage of Mr. Foster occurred in Springfield, March 15, 1893, when he was united with Mary Nelson, a native of Illinois. Her parents, who were early settlers of Macoupin County are both deceased. Six children, four sons and two daughters, were born to Mr. and Mrs. Foster: Frank, William, Louisa, Leola, Earl and Charles. Mr. Foster is a Democrat in political faith. Having lived all his life in Curran Township, he is deeply attached to the place and interested in everything looking towards the advancement of its best interests. He is a solid, substantial and practical farmer and a good business man, and stands well with his neighbors.


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