My Genealogy Hound

FOSTER, C. W., (of firm Dunlap, Miller & Foster, hardware dealers), P. O. Clarinda; born May19, 1833, in Fulton county, Illinois. There he grew to manhood, and received his education in the common schools. At the age of fifteen he went to learn the tinner’s trade with Bissell &Willard, of Peoria, with whom he remained about four years., When nineteen years of age he went to Abingdon, Illinois, where he opened the first hardware and tin store in the place. Four years later he went to Bushnell, Illinois, where he started, as in Abingdon, the pioneer hardware and tin store of that place. Came to Clarinda in May, 1857, opening a dry goods store, in which business he continued two years. In the spring of 1860 he moved to Tarkio township, and engaged in farming seven years, when he returned to Clarinda, to form one of the firm of Collins & Thompson. At the end of a year he withdrew from the firm, and purchased a farm in Nebraska township, on which he remained until January 15, 1877, when the present firm of which he is a member was formed. He has been deeply interested in the agricultural matters of the county; has been president of the county agricultural society, and is now one of its executive committee. Was married December 1, 1859, to Miss Ann L. Alden, of Ohio, by whom he has four children: Mary, Julia, Harriet and Ann.