The Foss Family

E. B. Foss in History of Black Hawk County, Iowa

The full biographical sketch as printed, transcribed from the public-domain book. Spelling and wording are the original author’s; a few scanning errors may remain.

E. B. FOSS.

E. B. Foss is proprietor of the Rural Home Stock Farm, situated on section 26, Big Creek township. He was born in Illinois in July, 1853, a son of B. V. and Elizabeth (Gray) Foss, who were natives of New Hampshire and New Brvinswick respectively. In early life the father went to Illinois, casting in his lot with the pioneer settlers of that state, and again he became connected with pioneer life when in 1855 he arrived in Black Hawk county, where he carried on farming for three years. At the end of that time he returned to Illinois and again engaged in farming in that state until 1871, when he once more came to Black Hawk county. At that date he purchased land near La Porte City, in Big Creek township, and at once began to improve and develop the place, con- tinuing its cultivation until his death, which occurred in January, 1904. He had survived his wife for almost a year, her death having occurred in February,

E. B. Foss spent the days of his boyhood and youth in Illinois and in Black Hawk county, remaining with his parents until he attained his majority. He was content to follow the occupation to which he had been reared and rented land for four years, during which time he carefully saved his earnings, so that he was able to purchase eighty acres in Big Creek township. This he at once began to cultivate and further improve, remaining upon that farm until 1889, when he sold out and bought two hundred acres on section 26, where he now resides. To his holdings he added from time to time, thus extending the boundaries of his farm until he now owns four hundred acres of fine land on which are two sets of excellent farm buildings, all erected by him. He has operated his farm in most systematic, practical and progressive manner, keeping in touch with modern methods and using the latest improved machinery to facilitate the work of the fields. In connection with the tilling of the soil he engages in stock-raising, making a specialty of Duroc-Jersey hogs and shorthorn cattle.

In February, 1876, Mr. Foss was united in marriage to Miss Ida P. Finch, a daughter of Richard and Catherine (Pray) Finch, who were natives of Bath, England, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, respectively. The father was a car- riage maker by trade, but after coming to Black Hawk county in 1867 turned his attention to farming, which he followed for eight years. On the expiration of that period he returned to the east and purchased a fruit farm in New Jersey upon which he spent his remaining days. He died in April, 1890, while his wife passed away in November, 1891. To Mr. and Mrs. Foss have been bom ten children, as follows : Clyde E., who is a resident of Webster, South Dakota ; Amy E., who passed away in April, 1914, leaving two children, Morris and Evelyn, who now make their home with our subject; Delbert R., whose demise

occurred in July, 1881 ; Ray F., who died in September, 1898; Monte G., who cultivates one hundred and eighty acres of his father's farm; and Glenn R., Floy E., Shelby W., Ralph R. and Alan B., all at home.

Mr, Foss exercises his right of franchise in support of the men and measures of the republican party and has been called to some local offices. He served as assessor of his township for a number of years and at the election of November, 1914, was chosen a trustee. He never falters in the performance of his political duties and is actuated at all times by a desire to advance the public welfare. His religious belief is that of the Methodist church and to its teachings he is loyal, his life being in consistent harmony therewith.

Source: History of Black Hawk County, Iowa. See the original pages at the Internet Archive.