Lived first in Ipswich, afterward in Rowley, where he was received as an inhabitant in 1661, and lived in that part of the town which later was set off from Boxford. He was one of the leading men of the town, frequently held office, and served in positions of importance in both Rowley and Boxford. In 1675 he was collector of taxes, in 1677 and 1680 was one of three townsmen appointed to enforce proper observance of the Sabbath, and in 1685 served on a special committee to agree upon a “parting line betwixt the town of Rowley and the village.”235

William Foster settled in Boxford in 1661. The first town meeting was held at his house (used also as a house of public entertainment), and he was the principal man in the new jurisdiction.442