In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
From 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908)
WILLIAIM FOOS, formerly president of the Second National Bank at Springfield, the founder of the village of Foosland, Illinois, and a citizen of enterprise who devoted time and capital to many public-spirited movements both in this and other localities, was born in 1814, in Franklin, now West Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio, and is a son of General Joseph and Margaret (Phifer) Foos.
From the age of fourteen years, William Foos displayed business capacity. About that time he rented land from his grandfather and successfully engaged for a time in its cultivation, and although other interests and occupations concerned him through many years of his subsequent life, he always kept in touch with agricultural pursuits and retained farming lands which it was his delight to improve. During early manhood he embarked in mercantile enterprises both at Springfield and in Logan and Madison Counties, and during his time of residence in the latter county, he improved a farm. From 1846 until 1854 he was interested in a mercantile business at Springfield, but during this time he was also concerned in other enterprises. He was a man of great foresight and most excellent commercial comprehension, and as he saw other avenues where investments of capital promised favorable returns, he knew how to use his means and reap certain advantages. In association with Ms brother, the late Gustavus Foos, he bought a large tract of land for a merely nominal sum, and this is now one of the most valuable additions to Springfield. It was but one of many successful enterprises.
The banking house which was established by William and Gustavus Foos, in 1859, in 1863 became the Second National Bank of Springfield. Of this institution, William Foos was president and his son, Fergus W. Foos, was cashier. In 1866
William Foos became a member of the manufacturing firm of James Lelfel & Company, with which he remained connected for a period of ten years. At the time of his death, Mr. Foos was interested in the development of a magnificent estate of 4,000 acres of land, which he owned in Champaign County, Illinois. The prosperous village of Foosland, in that county, was named in his honor and he laid it out and generously endowed it.
In 1837 William Foos married Sarah Mark, who was a daughter of James and Nancy (Van Kirk) Mark, of Madison County, Ohio.
Mr. Foos died in February, 1892, at his home in Springfield, Ohio.
As printed in 20th century history of Springfield, and Clark County, Ohio, and representative citizens (1908). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1908. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.