1881 personal census, Mersea Twp, Essex Co., ON, LDS 1881
census household record:
Foster Ralph, M, Married, 61, born Ont, origin: English, Methodist, School Teacher;
Ann, F, Married, 41, born Quebec, origin: English, Methodist;
Thomas J. J., M, 18, born Ont, origin: English, Methodist, Farmer;
Laura Victoria, F, 16, born Ont, origin: English, Methodist;
Aurelia Ann, F, 14, born Ont, origin: English, Methodist.
Commemorative Biographical Record of the County of Essex, J. H. Beers & Co., Toronto, 1905, p. 412-415:
Foster. The family of this name in Mersea township is one of the oldest and most influential in that section of the County of Essex, where they have owned land for nearly eighty years.
The Fosters are of English descent, Ralph Foster, the founder of the family in this country, having been a native of England, born Dec. 27, 1795, in the parish of Wardell, County of Durham, son of John Foster, of the same parish... He married in Hexham, County of Northumberland, England, April 25, 1817, Ann Wilthew, who was born May 16, 1796, in the parish of Hexham. Shortly after their marriage they embarked for the New World, ... eventually coming to Ontario, and making their way to the County of Essex in about 1826, nearly ten years after they first landed on the Canadian shore. He located in Mersea township, on the farm now owned and operated by his sons, James W. and George, and was one of the first settlers in that region... He attained the ripe old age of eighty-two years, a strong, active man to the last, and died, full of years and honor, Aug. 21, 1877; he is buried in Lake View cemetery, at Leamington.
... By his first marriage Mr. Foster became the father of eight children: ... Ralph, born March 3, 1830,
in Mersea township, is mentioned below... The mother of these children died May 22, 1867, and was buried in Lake View cemetery. She was a true Christian woman, a loving wife and mother, and shared with her husband the trials and hardships of pioneer life...
Ralph Foster, Jr., son of Ralph and brother of William Henry, was born in Mersea township, on the homestead, March 3, 1830. He attended the little log schoolhouse in which his brothers also received their training. Preferring a professional life to that of a farmer, he gave himself to hard study, and while working on the homestead with his father, helping to clear up the farm, splitting rails, etc., studied hard. His early ambition was attained when he received a third-grade certificate, and he taught his first school in Romney township, County of Kent. He also taught his home school. But not content with a third-grade certificate, he continued his studies, and after saving a little money went to Toronto, where he attended the Normal school, and where his ambition was rewarded with a second-grade certificate. He returned to the home school and taught for two years, but he was a man of high spirit and one who knew his position, and when a dispute arose between the school trustee and himself he threw up his position. Returning to the Normal school at Toronto, he took up further study, and obtained a first-class certificate, after which he taught in Macville, County of Peel, and township of Albion, and from many places where he taught
he was presented on his retirement with an address and a present by the pupils. These are now in the possession of his widow, who treasures them, and among other things there is a handsomely bound Bible. Besides the places previously mentioned Mr. Foster taught five years at Blytheswood, and three years at Olinda, and in the schools of Leamington, where he acted as principal, spending in all upwards of thirty years in the school room, which he loved faithfully and well, and to which he gave his entire attention. He bought a tract of land on the 5th Concession, where, in February, 1883, he built a fine brick dwelling house, at a cost of over three thousand dollars, retiring to that place when he gave up his profession, and spending the remainder of his life in farming. He taught his last school in No. 4 school section, for which he struggled hard to have established. He died at his home Jan. 9, 1894, after a seven weeks' illness, and was buried in Lake View cemetery. Mr. Foster was a scholar; a man of refined tastes and culture, and was the first young man in the township to take up the profession of teacher. He became converted at the age of twenty-seven years, and from that time until his death led a Christian life. For many years he was a member of the Wesleyan Church, and when the union of that church and the Methodist took place he still attended but when a rupture took place he joined the Presbyterian Church at Blytheswood, of which he remained a faithful member until his death. He performed the duties of Sunday-school teacher, and was superintendent of the school, and quite active in all church matters. He was a stanch Liberal in politics, but never sought nor accepted office, though he was a trustee of school section No. 4. Socially he was a member of the Masonic fraternity, joining the lodge at Kingsville. He was a member of the Sons of Temperance, and a stanch temperance man, and was a member of the Patrons of Industry. He was a domestic man, much devoted to his wife and children, a good neighbour, and a friend to all who needed assistance or advice.
Mr. Foster was married in Mersea township, Oct. 29, 1858, by Rev. Thomas Atkinson, to Ann Whealy, who was born Aug. 6, 1836, in County Huntingdon, Quebec, daughter of Thomas Whealy (Sr.) and Margaret Dowler, of County Huntingdon. Mrs. Foster has proven herself a willing helpmate, and much of her husband's success in life is due to her, for she made many sacrifices that he might succeed, helping and encouraging him in every way. He sought her advice in his every undertaking. She was devoted to him during life, and still cherishes his memory. Mrs. Foster is active for her years and a good Christian woman, a member of the Presbyterian Church, attending at Blytheswood. Mr. and Mrs. Foster had three children, viz.: (1) Thomas Jefferson Jackson, born Nov. 16, 1862, at Albin, County of Peel, Ont., married Priscilla Minnis, daughter of John Minnis, and now resides in Gosfield township, where he is engaged in farming; he has two children, Addie and Raymond. (2) Laura Victoria, born Nov. 6, 1864, at Albin, County of Peel, was a school teacher. She married George Switzer, and resides in Maidstone township. They have three daughters, Pearl, Viola and Ethel. (3) Arilla, born in Mersea township, May 18, 1867, married Rev. Benonj Gibson, a pastor of the Methodist Chruch of Oseco, Michigan, and their children were, Floyd M., Essie A., Ivan S., Effie G., Roy DeL. and Leon E., the last two deceased. Mrs. Foster is now living on the homestead, esteemed and beloved by all who know her, rounding out a Christian life in the calm enjoyment of the love of her children and the memories of a happy, useful life.
Laura Victoria
Foster
Thomas Jefferson Jackson Foster 1862-
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