Foster History
Origin of the Name Foster
The first that is known of the name Foster was about the year 1050 when Sir Richard Forester went over to England. He accompanied his brother-in-law, William the Conqueror, and his father, Baldwin the IV, the Forester, whose wife was Adela, daughter of Robert, King of France, and participated in the victorious Battle of Hastings.
The name was first Forester then Forest and now Foster. In France it is Forestier. The name is derived from the Latin, Forestarius, from Foresta, a wood. The meaning is "One who has charge of a forest or forests, one who is charged with growing timber for an estate or one who lives in the forest.
The dictionary defines Foster: V (a)to feed, to nourish, to support; (b) to promote growth, to sustain, promote or forward; (c) to encourage, to pamper; (d) to cherish, to harbor, to indulge.
The Ancient Family of Foresters
The English and Flemish Ancestors of Reginald Foster and undoubtedly of all the emigrants to Massachusetts in an early day and in fact everyone now bearing this name are as follows:
A1. ANACHER GREAT FORESTER of Flanders died in 837 had a son,
A2. BALDWIN I, OF FLANDERS, (Anacher Great Forester) the Forester called "Iron Arm" on the account of his great strength, some say on account of his being constantly in armor. He married Princess Judith, daughter of Charles, the Bald, King of Aguitenia and Neustria, or in other words the greater part of modern France. He built castles at Bruges and Ghent to defend the country against the Normans. He died at Attas in 877, and was succeeded by his son:
A3. BALDWIN II, OF FLANDERS, (Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) the Forester, married to the Princess Alfrith, daughter of Alfred the Great, King of England. He made war against Endes, Count of Paris, who usurped the French Crown and defeated him. He died in 919 and was succeeded by his son, Arnulf of Flanders, the Forester who died in 988 and was succeeded by his son :
A4. BALDWIN III, OF FLANDERS, (Baldwin II, Baldwin I, ANACHER Great Forester) the Forester, called "of the handsome beard" married the daughter of the Count of Luxembourg. He was a great warrior and defended his country against the united forces of the Emperor Henry, King Robert of France and the Duke of Normandy. He died in 1034 and was succeeded by his son:
A5. BALDWIN IV, (Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, ANACHER Great Forester) the Forester called "Le Debonaire" married Princess Adela, daughter of Robert, King of France, by whom he had issue:
A6. i BALDWIN V, the Forester
A7. ii ROBERT FORESTER, surnamed "the Frislander", from his having conquered the Principality of Frisland.
A8. iii MATILDA married William I, surnamed "William the Conqueror of England". William, Duke of Normandy, was born in 1024. He was surnamed " the Conqueror", from his triumph over Harold at Hastings, on 14 October , 1066. He was crowned King of England by Aldred, Archbishop of York, at Westminster Abbey on the 29th of December 1066. His children were: (1) Robert, surnamed Courthouse, successor to the Duchy of Normandy, died at Cardiff Castle, 10 Feb. 1134. (2) Richard, killed as a youth by a stag in the new Forest. (3) William Rufus, successor to the crown of England, known as William II, died 2 August 1100. (4) Henry, successor to the crown of England, after his brother, known as Henry I. He died from eating to freely of lampreys December 2, 1135. (5) Cicelie, who took the veil at the monastery of Fescamp, and was afterward abbess to the Holy Trinity at Caen, where she died in 1126. (6) Constantia, married Alan Fergant, Earl of Brittany, and Died in September 1126. (7) Alice, contracted to Harold. (8) Adela, married Stephen, Earl of Blois, and had five children. (9) Agatha, died unmarried, but betrothed to Alphonzo, King of Galicia. (10) Gundred, married William de Warren, Earl of Surrey and died May 27 1085.
A9. iv SIR RICHARD FORESTER, Sir Richard and his father, Baldwin IV passed over to England with his brother-in-law, William the Conqueror, and received the honor of knighthood after the decisive battle of Hastings, being then in his sixteenth year, from whom sprung the Foresters of Etherston and Bambarough Castle in Northumberland, and the Blake Foresters of Ashfield and Knockmoy Abbey, County of Galway and Inchorey Castle, County of Clare.
The Forester family were the principal chieftains in Northumberland and allied by marriage with all of the eminent northern families.( viz... the Featherstones, Grays of Chillingham, the Fenwicks, the Lord Barons of Hilton, the Mitfords, Barons of Mitford, from whom the Earl of Redesdale , the Collongswoods of Dislington, the Radcliffes, Earls of Derwentwater, the Haggerston; the Russels from whom the Duke of Bedford, and others too numerous to mention.) Many of the families were distinguished for their deeds of chivalry and warlike actions, and at the siege of Acre A.D. 1191, a party of Saracens, having sallied forth and surrounded King Richard, he would have been over powered and made prisoner had not Sir John Forster, who seeing from a great distance the danger in which the King was placed, pushed forward with couched lance followed by his retainers shouting, "To the rescue !, a Forester ! a Forester" The King then cut down the Saracen leader whose troops retreated before Sir John, who for his bravery and timely assistance received from King Richard a grant to bear a Chevron vert on his shield. There is a monument to his memory in Bamborough Abbey bearing his effigy in full armor. In a song on the battle of Otherbowine, in 1238, the Foresters are placed first in the list of clans mentioned:
"The Forster, Fenwick, Collingwood, the heroes of renown,
High in the ranks of Lord Percy, the war axe hewed sown,
The Percies in that vengeful fight, both were prisoners taken,
But for the Douglas' dead body were yielded up again."
The Forsters of Bamborough Castle were the Lords of Blanchland in Northumberland, and for several generations they were Knights, Banuerets, Lord Warden of the Middle Marches, High Sheriffs of Northumberland and hereditary Governors of Bamborough Castle from the reign of
James I to that of George I. The Forsters of Etherston - the head of this house- from whom those of Bamborough descended, won their honors on the field of battle; and their descendants, of Huntdon (Hunsdon), by their profound skill in the legal knowledge. Sir Richard Forester, the son of Baldwin IV, was succeeded by his son.
A10. SIR HUGO FORSTER OR FORESTURIOUS, (Sir Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) who marched against Magnus, King of Norway, when he invaded England A.D. 1101. In the battle that ensued King Magnus was slain and his troops routed. Sir Hugo died in 1121, leaving a issue:
A11. i SIR REGINALD He was knighted by King Stephen for his valiant conduct at the battle of the Standard, fought August 22, 1138. He died in 1156, leaving a son and successor.
A12. ii SIR HUGO, a person of great eminence during the reign of King Stephen, who appointed him Chief Guard of the Royal Forests of England. He bore for arms a shield argant, three bugles or stringed gules.
Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) took an active part in suppressing two insurrections that broke out in wales A.D. 1165. In 1166 he took his departure for France, the people of Britany having rebelled against their Dule Conan, but the insurrection was quelled by Henry II with his usual promptitude, and afforded him a pretext for taking the government into his own hands. Sir William was then about returning to England, but Henry becoming involved in hostilities with Louis VII he remained and took part in all the engagements; but the war terminating by peace concluded at Montmirail, January 6, 1169, he returned to England and died in 1176. He was succeeded by his son Sir John.
A14. SIR JOHN FORSTER (Sir William, Sir Reginald, Sir Hugo, Sir Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) He accompanied Richard I to Plaestine, where he received the honor of knighthood for his valor. He was one of those who compelled John to sign the Magna Charta in 1215. He died in 1220 and was succeeded by his son.
A15. SIR RANDOLPH FORSTER (Sir John, Sir William, Sir Reginald, Sir Hugo, Sir Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) He accompanied Prince Richard, brother of Henry III, to France in 1225, the Prince being sent by the King for the purpose of regaining his French provinces. After a year's fighting an armistice was agreed upon, but the French King dying before it's expiration, the hostilities were again renewed, but ended in very little result. He died in 1256 and was succeeded by his son.
A16. SIR ALFRED FORSTER (Sir Randoph, Sir John, Sir William, Sir Reginald, Sir Hugo, Sir Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) He assisted Prince Edward after his escape from the rebel barons in raising an army for the purpose of releasing his father, Henry III and Prince Richard from their confinement and was appointed one of the King's officers. Having collected his army Prince Edward fought the battle of Eversham August 4, 1265, in which he was victorious, Sir Alfred received the honor of knighthood on the battlefield. He died in 1284 and was succeeded by his son.
A17. SIR REGINALD FORSTER (Sir Alfred, Sir Randoph, Sir John, Sir William, Sir Reginald, Sir Hugo, Sir Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) He fought at Bannockburn in 1314, and died in 1328. He was succeeded by his son. His descendants were great chieftains, many being knighted, and being closely allied to the Royalty in Scotland, Ireland, Wales and England. Sixty-one of his family held the offices of mayors or sheriffs of the town of Galway.
A18. SIR RICHARD FORSTER (Sir Reginald, Sir Alfred, Sir Randoph, Sir John, Sir William, Sir Reginald, Sir Hugo, Sir Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) He fought at Cricy August 25, 1346, and at Poiters September 19, 1356. He was knighted for his valor. He died in 1371 leaving a son.
A19. SIR WILLIAM FORSTER (Sir Richard, Sir Reginald, Sir Alfred, Sir Randoph, Sir John, Sir William, Sir Reginald, Sir Hugo, Sir Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) He took an active part against the French for Henry V, by whom he was knighted. He was succeeded by his son.
A20. SIR THOMAS FORSTER (Sir William, Sir Richard, Sir Reginald, Sir Alfred, Sir Randoph, Sir John, Sir William, Sir Reginald, Sir Hugo, Sir Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) He was of Etherston Castle, Knight, born 1397 married Joan Elwerden, co-heiress to the Earldom of Angus, which is now abeyance. He was succeeded by a son.
A21. SIR THOMAS FORSTER (Sir Thomas, Sir William. Sir Richard, Sir Reginald, Sir Alfred, Sir Randoph, Sir John, Sir William, Sir Reginald, Sir Hugo, Sir Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) He was knighted and married the daughter of Fetherstonbaugh, of Stanhope Hall, Durham, Chief of the Fetherston Clan. This Family is of Saxon origin, and was seated at Fetherston, in Northumberland, before the Conquest; that part of the country having been allotted to its progenitor, a Saxon officer, for his gallant conduct against the Britons. Sir Thomas' children were:
A22. i SIR THOMAS (Sir Thomas, Sir Thomas, Sir William, Sir Richard, Sir Reginald, Sir Alfred, Sir Randoph, Sir John, Sir William, Sir Reginald, Sir Hugo, Sir Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) He was knighted, was of Etherston, and married the daughter of Lord Baron Hilton, of Hilton Castle. His children were:
A24. i SIR THOMAS
A25. ii PATRICK
A26. iii ROGER
A27. iv REGINALD
A23. ii SIR ROGER
A24. SIR THOMAS FORSTER (Sir Thomas, Sir Thomas, Sir Thomas, Sir William, Sir Richard, Sir Reginald, Sir Alfred, Sir Randoph, Sir John, Sir William, Sir Reginald, Sir Hugo, Sir Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) He was of Etherston, Knight, who was High Sheriff of Northumberland in 1564, and also married Dorothy, daughter of Ralph, Lord of Ogle, and Baron of Bothall Castle by Mary his wife, daughter of William Gastroigne of Lawthrop, Knight of Yorkshire. His children were:
A28. i SIR THOMAS FORSTER, m. Feorina Wharton
A29. ii SIR JOHN FORSTER, Knight of Bamborough Castle
A30. iii REGINALD, who left only one daughter
A31. iv ROLLAND, who left only one daughter
A32. v ROBERT, ancestor of the family of Forsters of York, Baronets
A33. vi ELIZABETH
A34. vii AGNES
A35. viii DOROTHY, who married Henry Neville of Sir John Neville of Levassy
A28. SIR THOMAS FORSTER (Sir Thomas, Sir Thomas, Sir Thomas, Sir Thomas, Sir William, Sir Richard, Sir Reginald, Sir Alfred, Sir Randoph, Sir John, Sir William, Sir Reginald, Sir Hugo, Sir Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) He was a Knight of Etherston, married Feorina, daughter of Thomas, Lord of Wharton. He was of Adderstone, High Sheriff of Northumberland. His will is dated 4 April 1589, and had the following children;
A36. i SIR THOMAS FORSTER
A37. ii CUTHBERT FORSTER
A37. CUTHBERT FORSTER (Sir Thomas, Sir Thomas, Sir Thomas, Sir Thomas, Sir Thomas, Sir William, Sir Richard, Sir Reginald, Sir Alfred, Sir Randoph, Sir John, Sir William, Sir Reginald, Sir Hugo, Sir Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) He married Elizabeth Bradford. Will dated 1589. His children were:
A38. i SIR MATTHEW FORSTER, knighted 24 April 1617
A39. ii THOMAS FORSTER of Brunton Esquire, who married Margaret Forster daughter of Richard of Zungwell Hall, Esquire. Married second Elizabeth Carr, daughter of William Carr of Ford, Esquire. His will was dated 19 June 1648. His children were:
A40. i EPHRAIM FORSTER
A41. ii JOHN FORSTER
A42. iii REGINALD FORSTER
A42. REGINALD FORSTER (Thomas, Cuthbert, Sir Thomas, Sir Thomas, Sir Thomas, Sir Thomas, Sir Thomas, Sir William, Sir Richard, Sir Reginald, Sir Alfred, Sir Randoph, Sir John, Sir William, Sir Reginald, Sir Hugo, Sir Richard, Baldwin IV, Baldwin III, Baldwin II, Baldwin I, Anacher Great Forester) Born at Brunton England about 1595. Came to America with his wife Judith and seven children.
The Forsters of Bamborough and Etherston
Sir Walter Besant, the celebrated English novelist wrote a novel entitled "Dorothy Forster". In the second chapter of this novel he describes the Forster family history.
" There are in Northumberland (one may thank heaven for it) as many Forsters as there are Fenwicks and more. First it hath been said (but irreverently) the Lord made Adam and Eve; and then he made the Forsters. They are, indeed, as ancient a family as any in the country, as ancient in the country as the Percys, who belong also to Sussex, or the Radcliffes, who came from Cumberland. the ancient and original seat of the Forsters from time immemorial has been at Etherston, which is being interpreted, the Adder's Stone. An old ring of the family, now in the possession of John Forster, Esquire of Etherston, commemorates the origin of the name, being shaped like a twisted viper with tail in mouth, and set with a precious stone. There is a snake or dragon connected with many old and illustrious families. The legend of the Forsters'adder is lost. Mr Hilyard once made for me a ballad or a song about it, but so full of knights, shepherds, nymphs and cool grots (of which there are not many in our part of the country), that I thought it fantastical, although ingenious. The shield of the Forsters is: argent: a chevron vert between three bugle horns stringed gules, and for a crest a bent arm and a hand bearing a broken lance.The Etherston quartering is also argent: on a bend cottised sable three martlets. The motto is "Si fractus fortis" but, like the Fenwicks, we have our family legend, namely:
Let us dearlie then holde
To mynde ther worthines
that which our parents olde
Had left us to posses.
There are branched of the Forsters everywhere; at bamborough, at Stokesley in Yorkshire, at East Bolton, at Tuggall Hall, at Aldermarston, in Berwick, in Jamaica, descendant from Claudius, nephew of Sir Claudius Forster, in London, and I know not where else. With these branches we have nothing here to do, save to mention them with respect as flourishing offshoots of a brave old stock. Especially however to be considered is the noble branch of Bamborough, founded by Sir John Forster, the valiant and trusty Warden of the March, under good Queen Elizabeth fro twenty-seven years, and Governor of Bamborough Castle. It was to his son, Sir Claudius, that King James made a grant of the castle and manor. This made him a man of greater importance that his first cousin, Mr Forster, of Etherston. Yet it is a proud thing to be head of the house, which will be ever the happiness of the Forster who holds Etherston.
They have been like most Northumbrian families, blessed with numerous progeny. One of them had twenty-one sons and a daughter; being unsurpassed in this respect, even in Northumberland, except by Sir Walter Swinburne's father, who, to be sure, had thirty children. How great is the happiness to bring up so many valiant sons to fight England's enemies and maintain the glory of the country! By marriage, especially before the Reformation, into which many noble Houses of the North would never enter, the Forsters were connected with nearly every family of gentle birth in the North; videlicet, Lords Crewe, Wharton, Hilton and Ogle; the Radcliffes, Shaftoes, Swinburnes, Chaytors, Selbys, Herons, Carnabys, Crasters, Ridleys, Fenwicks, Salkelds, Greys, of Chillingham and of Howick; Coles of Brancepeth and Ordes.
The Foster family in America - Salem branch
First Generation
1. John FOSTER
born about 1626 in England.
married about 1649 in Salem, MA. Martha TOMPKINS, who was born about 1630,
daughter of Ralph TOMPKINS and Katherine ABORN,
They had the following children:
2 F i. Mary FOSTER was baptized 29 Mar 1650 in Salem, MA.
married Hugh JONES, 31 Dec 1672, his second wife. he died 1696.
+ 3 M ii. Samuel FOSTER was baptized 7 Mar 1652.
4 M iii. John FOSTER was bapt. 3 Jun 1655 in Salem, MA.
John married (1) Mary STUARD on 18 Mar 1672.
He died 1714 in Salem, MA. Mary died abt. 1690.
John also married (2) Mary COWES POMEROY widow of John.
5 M iv. Benjamin FOSTER was born 3 Jul 1658 in Salem, MA.
6 M v. Jonathan FOSTER was born 20 Dec 1660 in Salem, MA.
He died 28 Mar 1662 in Salem, MA.
7 M vi. Jonathan FOSTER was born 22 Nov 1662 in Salem, MA.
He died 6 Nov 1667 in Salem, MA.
8 M vii. Joseph FOSTER was born in 1664. Baptized July 1667.
Moved to Dorcester about 1704.
Joseph married 21 Nov. 1683 Anna TRASK
9 M viii. David FOSTER was born 16 Oct 1665. He died 1748.
David married 13 Jan 1687 (1) Hannah BUXTON
David also married (2) Elizabeth HERBUT in Dec 1732
10 F ix. Elizabeth FOSTER was born 22 Nov 1667.
11 M x. Jonathan FOSTER was bapt 12 Jun 1670.
He was a cordwainer living in Boston in 1725.
12 F xi. Hannah FOSTER was bapt. 21 Jul 1672.
13 F xii. Martha FOSTER was bapt in Sep 1674.
Martha married John DERRICK on 25 Oct 1698.
14 M xiii. Ebenezer FOSTER was born 5 Aug 1677.
Ebenezer married Anna WILKINS.
NOTE: I question the dates of Birth/baptism as in all documents John, Jr is referred to as the eldest son. Yet in the order of birth/baptism Samuel is the first born/baptized son.
March 19, 1627 a land grant was obtained from the council at Plymouth in Devon England, which conveyed "the soil extending three miles to the northward of the Merrimack River, and three miles to the southward of the Charles River and in length within the prescribed breadth from the Atlantic Ocean to the South Sea". Roger Conant accompanied by a group of 100 adventurers including John Foster and Christopher Foster, sailed from England upon Captain John Endicott's ship arriving September 6, 1628 first at Weymouth, but soon moved to the north shore. The settlement at Naumkeag ( Salem) had been for a long time a rendezvous point for English fishermen.
The first mention found in the Salem town records of John Foster is in 1657 when he was paid eight pounds for work on the bridge (Essex ii, p.185) He was owner of considerable property in the North Fields, though, curiously, the Land Grants of Salem and the Record of Deeds of Essex County show no lands of which he was the Grantee. However, by deeds given by him we learn that he was possessed of upland, swamp and salt marsh on the north side of the North Field, which formerly belonged to Thomas Scudder Sr. (Essex Deeds iv, p.79); also thirty acres "near unto the Ipswich river", within the limits of Salem, formerly granted him by the town (Essex Deeds iii, p.56); also salt marshes at Royal Side , and at the East Cove in the North Field (Essex Deeds ix, p.36).
Quoted from the town of Salem, County of Essex records:
"The land of John Foster - two acres and a half, first given to John Taylor, bounded on the east side with the land of William Weedon, on the west with land of Nicholas Bryan, on the north with the sea and the south with the land of Mr. Glover."
Essex Deeds, vol. iii p.187: John Foster to Nathaniel Putnam. Dated April 14, 1669 "thirty acres of land, formerly granted to me by the town of Salem, to be laid out within the limits of Salem, near to the Ipswich river"
Essex Deeds, vol. iii folio 99 The deposition of John Foster, Sr. aged about fifty-two years, saith that being with Aron Read, a little before he died, when Samuel Eborne asked him whether Joseph Small and he did not go forth as two brothers, he answered yea, yea. Samuel Eborne asked him again whether there were any private grudge between Joseph Small and himself, or whether the said Joseph did not shoot him willfully or not he answered with great affection, oh no, no, no, which were some of the last words he spoke. Taken upon oath II: 9: 70 Signed Wm. Hathorne, assistant. John Tompkins, Jr. age twenty-five; Samuel Eborne, age fifty-eight; Robert Pease, age forty-one; Martha Foster age about forty-three; each deposed in same manner. Evidently a case in which "he did not know it was loaded."
Essex Deeds, vol iv, p. 155 Be it known, etc, that I John Foster, Sr. of Salem, sd for divers good causes, especially the natural affection and fatherly care and love to my son John Foster, a parcel of upland, swamp and salt marsh, north side of the north field, having the land of Thomas Robins on the west, down to the river, that is on the north side of said field. Martha, wife of John Sr., yields her dower. Dated April 18, 1672.
Essex Deeds, vol. iv pp 610-11-12: John Foster, Sr., Husbandman, of Salem, to my son, Samuel three acres in North Field, on the north neck, as by some called, part of the land bought of Thomas Scudder, bounded by lands of my son John, upon the western side by Thomas Robbins. Witnesses: John Waters, John Foster, John Foster, Martha Foster, Richard Croad. dated March 25, 1678.
Essex Deeds, vol viii, pp 18-19: John Foster, of Salem, husbandman, eldest son and heir to John Foster, deceased, late senior, for twelve pounds paid by Martha Foster, widow and David Foster, husbandman, both of Salem, quit claim two-thirds of an acre of salt marsh at the great cove, in the north field, to said Martha, David, Samuel , Joseph, Jonathan and Ebenezer, expecting sd. (in accordance with my said father's will bearing date of November 16, 1687).
The last will and testament of John Foster, Sr. of Salem; dated November 16, 1687; probated at Boston, March 14, 1688: I, John Foster, Senior, of Salem, etc. - make this my last will and Testament, I give unto my eldest son John Foster ye land where he now dwelleth which formerly I gave him I give him forty shillings to be paid by my executor within seven years after my decease. Unto my son Samuel the piece of land which lies before his door containing about an acre and a half bounded with a path on one side and a swamp on ye other and John Waters and said Samuel's land on ye other two sides. Unto David Foster my son, all that my homestead viz: my dwelling house and about five acres of land more or less. Unto my other three sons, viz: Joseph, Jonathan and Ebenezer all ye rest of my land in ye north field and marsh and meadow in ye same with ye marsh at Royal side after my wife's decease or after her marriage provided they pay unto their three sisters Mary, Elizabeth and Martha four pounds in pay apiece in five years after they come to enjoy the above sd. land which is to be equally divided both as to quantity and quality. all wares excepting ye third of ye two pieces of marsh at ye great cove given my son by his Grandfather which I hereby confirm. To my said three daughters twenty shillings apiece. to my wife all my movables and stock and what shall remain at her decease shall be equally divided among the children. I appoint my wife and son David Executors. Signed John Foster Senior in presence of us: Stephen Sewall, James Seymonds, Steven Small; who made oath at Ipswich, March 14, 1687-8.
Inventory of the estate of John Foster, Senior late deceased. Taken January 19, 1687-8 by Isaac Cooke and Steven Small. Amount, 136: 18: 0 Debts due said estate: 12: 11: 2
This inventory exhibited by Martha Foster ye widow of ye said John Foster and David Foster his some Executors of his Will ye 4th day of April 1688. Suffolk County file no. 1625.
Essex Deeds, vol. viii p.715: Indenture, Richard Adams, of Salem, yeoman, and Martha Foster, relict widow of John, lately deceased, intended wife, November 16,1688 in consideration of a covenant and contract of marriage, etc. gives her his whole estate, real, personal, etc., providing, if she have some issue with him, his estate shall revert to his offspring, otherwise to her children.
The will of John Foster was dated November 16, 1687, and proved in the court at Ipswich, March 14, 1688, and on file on the Boston Probate Court - Wills 10, p. 266, file 1625.
Second Generation
3. Samuel FOSTER (John) was baptized 7 Mar 1652 at First Church in Salem, MA.
married (1) Sarah STUARD on 14 May 1676.
They had the following children:
15 M i. Samuel FOSTER was born 18 May 1677 in Salem, MA.
He died 16 Feb 1678 in Salem, MA.
16 M ii. John FOSTER was born 30 Nov 1678.
John married Margaret JACOBS.
+ 17 M iii. Samuel FOSTER was born 26 Jul 1680.
married Sarah Roberts
18 F iv. Anna FOSTER was born 26 Jul 1683.
Anna married 8 Mar 1714 John OSMOND of Beverly .
19 F v. Sarah FOSTER was born 9 Oct 1685. She died 1766.
Sarah married Toleration HARRIS. He died in April 1767.
They had ten children. Many of the best families in
Rhode Island were descended from this pair.
20 M vi. Joseph FOSTER was born 11 Mar 1687.
Joseph married widow Rebecca WALLIS GROVES.
21 M vii. Benjamin FOSTER was born 24 Mar 1689.
22 M viii. Richard FOSTER was born 19 Dec 1693.
23 F ix. Mary FOSTER was born 8 Nov 1695.
24 F x. Margaret FOSTER was born 3 Feb 1697.
25 M xi. Jonathan FOSTER was born in 1699.
26 M xii. Bartholomew FOSTER was born 23 Feb 1702.
3. Samuel also married (2) MARGARET.
They had the following children:
27 M xiii. William FOSTER was born 18 Aug 1703.
28 F xiv. Margery FOSTER was born 4 Feb 1705.
29 F xv. Lydia FOSTER was born 24 Aug 1709.
30 F xvi. Hannah FOSTER was born 7 Apr 1712.
31 M xvii. Timothy FOSTER was born 18 Aug 1714.
Third Generation
17. Samuel FOSTER (Samuel, John)
was born 26 Jul 1680 in Salem, MA.
Samuel married Sarah ROBERTS, daughter of Abraham and Sarah about 1701 in Lynn, MA.
He died at an "advanced age" according to his will made in February 1762. He resided in the westerly part of Reading near the Wilmington line and was the owner of much land.
They had the following children:
32 M i. Ebenezer FOSTER.* (deceased by 1762)
married Deborah ROBERTS.
33 M ii. Samuel FOSTER was born about 1702.
34 M iii. Abraham FOSTER was born about 1703. (deceased by 1762)
married Susanna HARTSHORNE.
35 M iv. Jonathan FOSTER was born 19 Jan 1712.
married Dorothy MORROW.
+ 36 M v. Benjamin FOSTER was born 16 Jan 1715 and died 3 Apr 1793.
married Elizabeth PROCTOR.
37 F vi. Sarah FOSTER. (deceased by 1762)
married Benjamin PARKER 1726. Resided West Parish of Reading.
38 F vii. Elizabeth FOSTER.
married Jonathan BOUTWELL in 1733. b.1709 d. 9 Dec 1809
She died in Lunenbuerg, MA at the age of eighty.
Elizabeth (FOSTER) and Jonathan BOUTWELL's Great-Grandson George Sewall Boutwell, by their son Jonathan and Grandson Sewall was born in Brookline. The family moved to Lunenburg to farm when he was two years of age. At age thirteen he became an apprentice at the country store in Groton Centre where he became Clerk and Partner. He self educated himself after business hours by
the tallow candle and was elected to the State Legislature in 1842. Harvard College conferred upon him the degree of LL D. He was elected Governor of Massachusetts in 1851.
*Two son's of Ebenezer and Deborah Roberts were Ebenezer and Samuel who were minutemen who marched thirty miles and forty five miles respectively with Timothy Walkers Militia Company of Col. David Greene's Regiment 19 Apr 1775. Samuel is also on the list of those who submitted losses of property at the battles of Lexington and Bunker Hill.
Ebenezer, b. 10 Apr 1743 married Mary Jones 8 Mar 1768. He died 2 Oct 1809 at age 67. Samuel b. 14 July 1746 married Judith ? produced eleven children. Died 13 August 1808 age 63. Both are buried in the old section of the Wildwood Cemetery in Wilmington, MA.
Last Will & Testament of Samuel Foster (17) - probated February 22, 1762
I, Samuel Foster of Reading in the county of Middlesex and the Province of Massachusetts Bay in New England, Yeoman being of advanced age but yet of a sound and disposing mind and memory knowing that it is appointed unto all once to die. Do make and ordain this my last Will & testament: principally and first of all I commend my precious and Immortal Soul into the hands of my Great Redeemer and my body I commit to the dust to be decently buried at the discretion of my two Sons, Jonathan and Benjamin Foster: Nothing doubting but I shall receive again at the General Resurrection; and as Touching that Worldly and Temporal Estate it hath pleased Almighty God to Bestow upon and bless me this life I do give and dispose thair of in the following manner (viz)
Impremiss My Will is that all my just Debts and funeral charges be paid out of my quick stock or out door Movables by my Executor hereafter to be named and the remaining part of my quick stock and outdoor movable Estate I do give the one half to my two sons, Jonathan and Benjamin Foster and the other half to the children of my son Abraham Foster deceased to be equally divided amongst them or those that represent them.
Item: My will is and I do give to my sons Samuel Foster, Jonathan Foster and Benjamin Foster three quarters of my wearing apparel of every sort and the other quarter I give to the children of my son Abraham Foster deceased to be equally divided amongst them or those that represent them.
Item: My will is and I do give to my Son Jonathan Foster and his Heirs forever the Southward part of my homestead with the Buildings thair on bounded Eastwardly by a Town Road leading to Hundred Acors so called so Running on said Road Northwardly to a Stoney (Swamp?) and the stones near sd Road at the Eastwardly side with the letters I F and on the Northwardly side with the letters B F thence turning a littell more Southwardly to a Poplar Tree marked which is the North Westwardly of said land at Stephen Weston's land. Also I give to my son Jonathan a piece of meadow and upland lying in the Hundred Acors so called Known by the name of Fitches lot the south end bounds is a chroched Maple tree marked from thence Eastwardly to a White Oak tree marked it being a straight line by sd trees to Nichols line to a piece of meadow called Samuel Weston's meadow. Also I give to my son Jonathan the Southwardly part of a lot of meadow and upland Commonly called Fitches lott the Northeast corner is a Cedar stake marked with the letters
S W and E N then running Southwardly to a stake on the west side of the meadow. I also give to my son Jonathan a wood lot that was formerly Brown's lot lying on the East side of the Road leading to the Deredant (?) so called. Furthermore I give to my said don Jonathan one-half of a lot lying in the Great Cedar Swamp also I give to my don Jonathan my half of a saw mill which I have in partnership with my Grandson Abraham Foster all of which pieces of lands and buildings I do hereby give to my sd son Jonathan his Heirs forever he doing paying and performing all and whatsoever I shall have in this my will ordered him to pay do and perform.
Item: I do also give to my son Jonathan Foster one bond of twenty pounds lawful money which I tuck of my son Jonathan Boutell.
Item: My will is and I do give to my Son Benjamin Foster and his Heirs forever the Northward part of my homestead bounded Eastwardly partly by land of Nathan Parker and partly by a Town Road leading from Hundred Acors to Reading meeting house and so down sd Road to a Stump and Stones at the Eastwardly side of a hill then turning Westwardly to a Red Oak tree marked on the North side with the letters B F and on the South side wit the letters E F, then turning a little more Southwardly to a Poplar tree marked which is the South west Corner of said lands at Stephen Weston's land. I also give to my said son Benjamin a lot lying upon the Great Island formerly Stephen Weston's bounded by land of Jonathan Foster and so a straight line to a stump(?) at the South east Corner and Westwardly to a Cedar stake marked S W I N and so Westwardly to another stake on the Westwardly side of the meadow. Also my will is I do give my said son Benjamin a piece of upland called Brown lot and meadow called Samuel Weston's meadow and swamp called Hogmans Swamp bounded at a crotched Maple tree marked standing near the Northwardly Corner thence Eastwardly to a White Oak tree marked and so a straight line by said trees to Nichols line to a piece of meadow called Samuel Weston's meadow said land lyeth on the West side of the Road leading to the Deredant as also the one half of a lot lying in the Great Cedar Swamp all which pieces of land I give to my said son Benjamin Foster and his Heirs forever provided he pay the sums do and perform what I shall in his my will order him to pay and perform.
Item: My will is and I do give to my Grandson Abraham Foster eldest son of my son Abraham Foster deceased and his Heirs forever about fifty acors of meadow and upland lying at a place known by the name of Eaton's plain adjoining to the said Abraham's homestead. Also I give to my said Grandson Abraham about four acors of meadow lying upon hundred Acor River so called, known by name of Eaton's meadow bounded upon a piece of meadow that was lately Fitches meadow. All which pieces and tracts of land I give to my said Grandson Abraham Foster and his Heirs forever he doing and performing and paying all and whatsoever sums of money I shall in this my last Will and Testament will and order him to pay and perform.
Item: I give to my Grandchildren: Children of my son Ebenezer Foster deceased the sum of Twenty pounds lawful money to be paid by my Executor here-after named in three years after my decease which said sum shall be equally divided amongst said Grand Children.
Item: I do hereby Will unto and give to my Grandchildren of my Daughter Sarah Parker deceased the sum of Fifty-three pounds Six Shillings and Eight Pence lawful money. Which sum of money I do hereby will and order to be paid to said Grand Children by my executor here-after named the one half to be paid in one year after my decease and the other half in two years next after my decease which sums shall be equally divided amongst said Grand Children or those that shall legally represent them.
Item: My will is and I so hereby order that my Books be equally divided amongst my Children.
Item: I give to my Daughter Elizabeth Boutell the one half of all my indoor movables (excepting the cask in the cellar and my Corn Chists) to be hers at my decease.
Item: I give to my Grandchildren: Children of my Daughter Sarah Porter deceased the one half of all my indoor movables (excepting as above excepted) to be thairs at my decease.
Item: I give to my Grandchildren: Children of my son Abraham Foster the one half of all my bonds and notes or whatsoever else which I have not disposed of in this my will to be equally divided amongst them or those that shall legally represent them: and the other half of said bonds notes and whatsoever else I have not herein disposed of I give to my sons Jonathan and Benjamin to be equally divided between them.
Furthermore, my will is and I do hereby order my son Jonathan Foster to pay to my Grandchildren, Children of my sd son Abraham deceased or those that legally represent them the sum of Nineteen Pounds Six Shillings and Eight Pence in Lawful money the one half to be paid in one full year next after my decease the other half in two years next after my decease to be equally divided amongst them or those that shall legally represent them.
Item: Also my will is and I do hereby order my son Benjamin Foster to pay to my Grandchildren, Children of my said son Abraham Foster deceased the sum of Thirty Pounds Lawful money the one half to be paid in one full year next after my decease the other half of said sum to be paid in two years next after my decease which said sum will be equally divided amongst my said Grandchildren or those that shall legally represent them.
Item: Also my will is and I do hereby order my Grand Son Abraham Foster to pay to each of his Brothers and Sisters: namely David, Edmund, Susannah and Elizabeth, children of my son Abraham Foster deceased to each of the four said children the sum of Sixteen Pounds Thirteen Shillings and Four pence lawful money the one half to each at the end of one year after my decease and the other half at the end of two years after my decease and in case that one or more of said children should die before said time of payment without Lawful Issue then thair part of said payment to be divided between said Abraham and the surviving children.
The reason why I do give my son Samuel Foster no more than this in my will is because I have given him his full part and portion out of my Estate already in my life time furthermore I do hereby ordain Constitute and appoint my Dutiful son Jonathan Foster to be my sole Executor of this my last Will and Testament utterly revoking all other or Former Wills or Testaments ordaining this and only this to be my last Will and Testament in Testimony whereof I do hereunto set my hand and seal this Sixth day of February Seventeen Hundred and Sixty Two in the Second(?) year of his Majestys Reign George the Third & c.
Signed Sealed Pronounced and Declared by the Said Samuel Foster to be his Last Will and Testament in the presence of us: Joshua Nichols, Richard Nichols, Samuel Bancroft, Jut.
Samuel died between the 6th (date of the will) and the 22nd (date probated) of February 1762.
Fourth Generation
35. Jonathan FOSTER (Samuel, Samuel, John)
was born 19 Jan 1712 Reading, MA
married Dorothy MORROW in 1733, born in 1712 daughter of John and Ann.
He was a soldier in the French and Indian Wars of 1745-1759.
He married 2nd Abigail -?
He died April 19, 1775 the day of the Battle at Concord.
He had eight children, (Ann, Jonathan, Dolly, Sarah, Sarah, Samuel, David, Abraham)
39 M vi. Samuel FOSTER. born 1743
married Judith FOSTER, (42) daughter of Benjamin FOSTER and Elizabeth PROCTOR.
36. Lieutenant Benjamin FOSTER (Samuel, Samuel, John)
was born 16 Jan 1715 in Reading, MA.
Benjamin married Elizabeth PROCTOR.
He died 3 April 1793 in Reading, MA.
They had the following children:
40 M i. James FOSTER was born 30 Apr 1742 in Reading, MA.
James married Elizabeth FLINT.
41 F ii. Elizabeth FOSTER was born 5 Mar 1744 in Reading, MA.
Elizabeth married ‑‑‑ JOHNSON.
42 F iii. Judith FOSTER was born 9 Dec 1746 in Reading, MA.
married Samuel FOSTER Jr, her cousin,
son of Samuel FOSTER and Ruth SNOW.
43 M iv. William FOSTER was born 10 May 1749 in Reading, MA.
William married Ann BUTTERS.
44 M viii. Samuel FOSTER
Samuel married Mary EAMES.
+ 45 M v. Benjamin FOSTER was born 11 Mar 1753.
married Jemima Eaton
46 F vi. Mehitable FOSTER was born 18 Nov 1755 in Reading, MA.
Mehitable married Amos TAYLOR in 1774
47 F vii. Martha FOSTER was born 24 Feb 1758 in Reading, MA.
married John Gould of Wilmington
Benjamin Foster resided on Grove Street, in Reading near the Wilmington line. The house was built in 1760. His son, Samuel succeeded to the homestead after his father's death. Benjamin Foster was First Lieutenant under Captain John Wright, in the Old French war, on the Eastern Frontier. (Papers dated 13 December 1754)
Last Will & Testament of Lieut. Benjamin Foster (36) - probated 3 April 1793
In the Name and Fear of God, Amen the Twenty -sixth day of August in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and ninety one, I Benjamin Foster of Reading in the county of Middlesex and Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Gentlemen, being weak in body but sound of mind and memory thanks be given to God therefor calling to mind the mortality of my Body and knowing that it is appointed for all men once to die, Do make and ordain this my Last Will and Testament. That is to say Principally and first of all I give and Recommend my Soul into the Hands of God that gave it and my Body I Recommend to the Earth to be Buried in Decent Christian Burial at the Discretion of my Executor hereafter named, and as Touching such worldly Estate as it has pleased God to bless me with in this Life I Give and Dispose of the same in the following manner and form after my Just Debts and Funeral charges are paid.
Imprinnis: I give and bequeath to Elizabeth my Dearly beloved wife all the privileges contained in a lease given to me by my son Samuel Foster and also the interest of Fifty Pounds of lawful money yearly during her natural life to be paid by my son James and also the use of all indoor movables during her natural life and what shall remain of them at her decease to be equally divided between my two sons James and Samuel.
Item: I give to Eldest son James five pounds to be paid by my executor hereafter named.
Item: I give to my son William five shillings.
Item: I give to my son Benjamin five shillings.
Item: I give to my daughter Elizabeth Johnson five shillings.
Item: I give to my daughter Judith Foster five shillings.
Item: I give to my daughter Mehitable Taylor five shillings.
Item: I give to my daughter Martha Gould five shillings.
Item: I give and bequeath all my Estate both real and personal that shall remain not disposed of at my decease to two sons James and Samuel that is to say, for James to have one third and Samuel to have two thirds of the same. Finally I do Constitute and Appoint my son James Foster to be my Sole Executor to this my Last Will and Testament and I do hereby utterly Disallow and Revoke all former wills and Testaments by me willed and bequeathed Ratifying and Confirming this to be my Last Will and Testament in witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and seal day and year above written.
Signed Sealed Published and Pronounced by the said Benjamin Foster as his last will and Testament in the presence of us the subscribers; Caleb Eames Jr, Jesse Foster, Timothy Walker.
Fifth Generation
45. Benjamin FOSTER (Benjamin, Samuel, Samuel, John)
was born 11 Mar 1753 in Reading, MA.
Benjamin married Jemima EATON on 1770 in Reading, MA.
They had the following children:
+ 48 M i. Timothy FOSTER was born about 1782 and died 25 Mar 1827.
49 M ii. Benjamin FOSTER was born about 1780.
Benjamin married Hepzibah BEARD.
50 F iii. Lydia FOSTER.
married Jonathan KENDALL on 1 Feb 1797 in Wilmington, MA. Jonathan was born in Wilmington, MA.
51 F iv. Ester FOSTER.
Ester married Daniel KITTREDGE.
Sixth Generation
48. Timothy FOSTER (Benjamin, Benjamin, Samuel, Samuel, John)
was born about 1782 in Wilmington, MA. He was a Contractor and Builder and was
killed in a construction accident 25 Mar 1827.
Timothy married Eunice JENKINS, daughter of Joel JENKINS and Elizabeth WALKER,
on 14 Aug 1806 in Wilmington, MA. Eunice was born 30 Aug 1784 in Wilmington, MA.
She died 25 Oct 1825.
They had the following children:
52 F i. Eunice W. FOSTER was born 28 Dec 1806 in Wilmington, MA.
Eunice married James TAYLOR on 20 May 1824 in Reading, MA. James was born Jun 1779. He died 2 Jul 1871 in Woburn, MA.
James Taylor was a Shoemaker.
53 F ii. Elizabeth Walker FOSTER born 21 Nov 1810 in Wilmington, MA. She died 13 Nov 1892. She was a Pattern Maker.
Elizabeth married Franklin MASUR on 6 Apr 1830.
+ 54 M iii. Timothy FOSTER was born 17 Aug 1815 and died about 1855.
55 M iv. Charles FOSTER was born 28 Jun 1820 in Wilmington, MA.
Seventh Generation
54. Timothy FOSTER (Timothy, Benjamin, Benjamin, Samuel, Samuel, John)
was born 17 Aug 1815 in Wilmington, MA. His occupation is listed as Clerk.
He died about 1855 in Woburn, MA.
Timothy married Susan M. BARNES on 12 Jul 1840 in Woburn, MA.
Susan was born about 1823. She died about 1895.
They had the following children:
+ 56 M i. Willis Hamilton FOSTER was born 18 Jun 1842.
57 F ii. Laura FOSTER.
58 F iii. Susan Emma FOSTER was born 2 Jun 1850 in Woburn, MA.
Susan married Thomas B. EVANS on 25 Mar 1874 in Woburn, MA. Thomas was born in Woburn, MA
Eighth Generation
56. Willis Hamilton FOSTER (Timothy, Timothy, Benjamin, Benjamin, Samuel, Samuel, John) was born 18 Jun 1842 in Woburn, MA. His occupation is listed as Foreman - Cabinet Maker.
Willis married Sarah Enerline KIMPTON, daughter of John P. KIMPTON and Esther T. PARKER, on 24 Feb 1869 in Woburn, MA. Sarah was born 15 Feb 1848 in Stoneham, MA.
They had the following children:
+ 59 M i. Linnell FOSTER was born 22 Mar 1871 and died 1961.
60 F ii. Carrie F FOSTER was born about 1875.
Carrie married Charles MURRAY.
61 F iii. Fern FOSTER was born Oct 1885.
Fern married Harry CAREY.
Aunt Fern was an actress. She moved to California and appeared in two silent movies. Her career was cut short due to her complexion not filming well on the old black & white film. She appeared in the following films: (1) "McVeagh of the South Seas" (1914) as Liana this movie was also known as " Brute Island". (2) The Master Cracksman (1914) in the role of Harold's Sister. This movie was re-released twice, in 1915 as "The Martin Mystery" and in 1920 as "Square Shooter". Harey Carey was a famoushollywood silent screen star. The couple divorced and are not believed to have had any children.
57. Laura FOSTER (Timothy, Timothy, Benjamin, Benjamin, Samuel, Samuel, John).
Laura married William EVANS.
They had the following children:
62 F i. Laura EVANS.
Laura married William HICKS. He was a Music Teacher and Singer.
Toured Europe with the Lotus Male Quartet (Tenor), popular vocalist.
This couple, William & Laura Evans were referred to by our mother, Laura Irving as Uncle Will and Aunt Laura. They assisted in many ways including financially with the raising of Linnell and (Annie) Gertrude Foster's children after Linnell deserted his family. They bought clothes for the children and paid for Laura to attend summer camp on the coast of Maine.
Ninth Generation
59. Linnell FOSTER (Willis Hamilton, Timothy, Timothy, Benjamin, Benjamin, Samuel, Samuel, John) was born 22 Mar 1871 in Woburn, MA. He died 1961.
Linnell married Annie Gertrude PREBLE, daughter of Granville Augustus PREBLE and Sarah Reed KNIGHT, on 4 Oct 1893 in Everett, MA. Annie was born 27 Feb 1874 in Somerville, MA. She died 23 Nov 1960 in Ashland, MA. She supported her family as a Seamstress after her husband left her.
They had the following children:
63 M i. Evans Linnell FOSTER was born 30 Oct 1894 in Wakefield, MA. Served in World War I. Resided much of his life in Georgia.
Employed at the ________ Country Club in Augusta Georgia.
64 F ii. Eula Lorraine FOSTER was born 17 Jun 1898 in Wakefield, MA.
She died 1 Aug 1991 in Natick, MA. She was employed at M.I.T. as a lab assistant and was a lifelong member of the Appalachian Mountain Club. She loved to travel and to hike. She climbed all of New Hampshire's 4000 footers as well as much of the Appalachian trail. traveled extensively visiting many countries. Her ashes were released on the summit of Mount Washington in New Hampshire Sept. 1991.
+ 65 F iii. L A FOSTER.
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