William Stewart Foster
William Stewart Foster, attorney and Mayor of Manchester, was born in the old Buckeye Station residence, October 19, 1868. Attention is called to the article on "Buckeye Station" for the historical character of his birthplace. His father was Charles Wilson Foster, born January 13, 1839. His wife was Miss Laura Jane Stewart, daughter of William K. Stewart. Charles Wilson Foster enlisted in Company G, 70th O. V. I., October 17, 1861. He was promoted to Corporal, Sergeant, First Lieutenant and Captain. He veteranized, and at muster out, August 14, 1865, was Captain of the company he
had entered as a private.
In 1867, he bought the Buckeye Station farm, and the same year, on November 21, 1867, he was married. He has our subject and another son, Charles Damarin, born September 20, 1877. Charles Wilson Foster lived on the Buckeye Station farm for nine years. He then conducted a store at Soldier's Run for two years. From 1878 to 1883, he was a merchant at Wrightsville. Since October. 1883. he has resided at Manchester.
Our subject began the study of law in 1886. with Dudley B. Phillips in Manchester. In 1887 and 1888, he attended the Cincinnati Law School, and completed the course. On October 21, 1889, he was admitted to practice law. He opened an office in Manchester, where he has since resided. In 1890, he was the Republican candidate for prosecuting attorney of the county, but was defeated by Cyrus F. Wikoff. In April, 1891. he formed a law partnership with his preceptor. Mr. Dudley B. Phillips. In the Fall of 1891, when Mr. Phillips was elected to the State Senate, Mr. Foster was elected Mayor of the village to fill the vacancy caused by Mr. Phillips' resignation to take the office of Senator. He was married December 4, 1892. to Miss Grace Hundley, daughter of James P. Hundley.
In 1894, he was elected Solicitor of the village of Manchester, and served one term. In 1900, he was elected Mayor of Manchester on a straight Republican ticket over an Independent Republican on a reform ticket, of which office he is the incumbent.
From History of Adams County, Ohio from its Earliest Settlement to the Present Time - by Nelson W. Evans and Emmons B. Stivers - West Union, Ohio - Published by E. B. Stivers - 1900