My Genealogy Hound

B. F. FOSTER, Esq., was born January 10, 1829, in Rutherford County, and was the son of James and Celia (Gentry) Foster. The father was born April 22, 1800, and was a very successful farmer for his day. The mother was born in 1803, in Georgia. Our subject received a practical education in the district schools, and at the age of nineteen engaged in the saw-mill business. This he continued for about two years and then began teaching school. At the end of fifteen months he gave this up and engaged in farming. In 1870 he was elected magistrate, and served in this capacity for twelve years. January, 1877, he was elected chairman of the county court and held this position for about six years. Prior to this, in 1851, he wedded Nancy A. McBride, of this county, and the fruits of this union were three children: James J., Charles R. and the eldest, Harriet M., who died in infancy. The mother of these children died June 11, 1862. Mr. Foster was married to Frances Hoover, nee Rankin, August 27, 1871. This union resulted in the birth of one child. Lela G. Mrs. Foster was the mother of two children by her former husband: they were named Thomas R. and H. C Hoover. Mr. and Mrs. Foster are members in good standing in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, he is also a member of the Masonic fraternity and also a Chapter member of the same. He represented his lodge in the Grand Lodge in Nashville five years in succession. He is a Democrat in politics.