The American ancestor of this branch of the Foster family came to this country from Exeter, Devonshire, England. He brought with him his wife Judith, five sons and two daughters. He settled in Ipswich, Massachusetts, about 1638, being one of the earliest settlers of the town. His descendants are many, and are to be found in every state in the Union.
(I) Asa Fitch Foster, the first of the line herein recorded, married and had a son, John Newton, see forward.
(II) John Newton, son of Asa Fitch Foster, was born in Utica, New York, June 28, 1836. He lost both parents while he was yet an infant, and the persons who reared him removed to Albany, New York, in 1836. He received his education in the Albany public schools, and on arriving at a suitable age was apprenticed to Lawson Annesley, who taught him the gilding trade. He later formed a partnership, and as Chapin & Foster was engaged in business in Albany, dealing in gilders' materials, pictures and frames. In 1873 he first connected with the fire insurance business patrol of Albany, and was appointed superintendent. He was prominent in public life, and held important public office. In 1878 he was elected to the state legislature and made a good record. For two years he was superintendent of the poor for Albany county, and during the panic years following 1872 was in charge of the relief store maintained in Albany. He married Mary A. Snyder, who bore him six children. He died April 13, 1895.
(III) Henry S., son of John Newton and Mary A. (Snyder) Foster, was born in Albany, New York, July 16, 1865. He attended the public schools until he reached the age of fifteen years, and then became a clerk in the office of the Mutual Fire Insurance Company of Albany (incorporated 1836). His entire business life has been spent in the service of this company, and to no one man should more credit be given for the high standing of this company. He has been successively bookkeeper, cashier, and in November, 1893, succeeded George Cuyler as secretary and general manager, the office becoming vacant by death. This is one feature only of Mr. Foster's activity. He maintains close relations with many of the leading home and foreign insurance companies, representing them in all lines, life, fire and accident. His business is a large one, and is thoroughly systematized and ably managed. He is also a director in other associations, and connected with various business interests. He is a member of Temple Lodge, No. 14, Free and Accepted Masons, of Albany. He is prominently connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, and was an officer of the Grand Lodge. He is a member of the Albany Club and numerous associations, and politically a Republican.