Transcription contributed by Arne H Trelvik 24 September 2005

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977

JAMES H. FOSTER (deceased) was born in New Jersey (near Salem), and was a son of Henry and Hannah (Simpson) Foster. In 1820 or 1821, they emigrated to Ohio, at which time James was 7 years old. After residing a few years in Deerfield, they removed to the Twenty-Mile Stand, where the remaining years of his (Henry) life was passed; he died Feb. 21, 1870, aged 90 years and 10 days. Five of his children grew to manhood and womanhood, and, at present, two survive, viz., Joseph M. and Emiline. The deceased are Thomas, James H. and Hannah. Our subject was reared to mercantile pursuits. He was married to Maria L., daughter of Col. George and Martha (Morrow) Ramsey, of Clermont Co., Ohio, after which event he located at the Twenty-Mile Stand, in which place he clerked in his father's store. In 1841 or 1842, he came to Foster's Crossing, where he opened a store and did business till 1865, at which time he disposed of his stock and sought the shades of retirement in his home in the bluff, in which he lived five years, enjoying the fruits of his labor, before the final end came; his death occurred Jan. 14, 1872, aged 57 years, 7 months and 7 days. To him were born three children, two living, viz., William S. and Kitty L. (now Mrs. Cooling); Joseph G., deceased. Mr. F. was successful in his business transactions, and was virtually a self-made man. He was respected by all who knew him, and his death was a blow to the business and moral interests of the community His son, William S., enlisted in 1862, in the 86th O. V, I., Company A, in which he was a 2d Lieutenant and served four months; in 1864, he enlisted in the 146th O. V. I., Company G, of which he was Captain, and served four months. Joseph G. was also a soldier in the war, and served in the regiment with his brother. Army life broke down his boyish constitution, and he returned to his home a mere wreck of his former self. He departed this life after a long struggle for life Jan. 30, 1875, aged 33 years, 5 months and 11 days. He left a young wife and four children to mourn his untimely death. His wife, however, did not long survive her husband, as one year later she died. The parents of Mrs. James H. Foster were