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Submitted by Cheryl Van Wormer.



				WILLIAM AND JANE (RENWICK) FOULKS.

MRS. JANE FOULKS, an aged and venerable pioneer lady of Keene Township, Ionia County, on section 
24, is a native of St. Lawrence County, N. Y., where she was born July 29, 1819.  Her father, 
Thomas Renwick, was a native of Scotland, and her mother, Jane (Turnbull) Renwick, was born in 
the same land.  Her parents emigrated to America immediately after marriage, and made their home 
in St. Lawrence County, N. Y.  When she was eighteen years old her parents decided to remove to 
Brant County, Ontario, Canada, and in 1855 they removed thence to Ionia County, Mich., where they
both died.  They were the parents of eight children, four of whom are still living, namely:  Mrs. 
Foulks, Walter, John T. and William.
	The marriage of Jane Renwick and William Foulks took place in Ontario, March 17, 1841.  
Mr. Foulks was an Englishman, the son of Thomas and Sarah Foulks.  He was born in England, May 
22, 1816.  When sixteen years old the lad emigrated with his parents to Ontario, Canada, and 
settled in Brant County.  The union of this couple resulted in nine children, three of whom are 
living:  John, William, and Adelaide, who is the wife of Emory Bowen.
	Mr. Foulks brought his family to Ionia County, Mich., in 1856, and then settled upon the 
farm now occupied by his widow.  A log cabin formed their first home in the new land.  Here they 
made a happy home for several years, until he erected the handsome residence which now adorns 
the farm.  He departed this life October 2, 1889, respected by all who knew him.  In his death 
the county lost one of her best citizens and his family a loving husband and father.  In politics
he held to the Democratic party, and in local affairs was in favor of all progressive movements.
In every relation in life he made his mark as an upright and successful man.  He was a man of 
sterling integrity and principle, and he believed in treating others as he desired himself to be 
treated.  His widow is now residing on the home farm, and she is esteemed as one of the venerable
pioneers and true Christian women of Keene Township.  None know her but to love her.
	Mr. Foulks at his death left a fine estate of one hundred and twenty acres, the result 
of a life of labor and industry.  He was a man of extensive general information, well known for 
his liberality to all good and charitable enterprises and an obliging neighbor.  He had a keen 
sense of honor and his integrity was never questioned.  Although his form is now seen no more yet
his memory is green among those who loved and honored him.  That "Grandma Foulks," as his widow 
is famililarly <i>(*sic.)</i> called, may yet survive the snows of many winters is the sincere 
wish of her numerous friends.


<i>(*sic.: This is how the word is spelled in the original text of the book.)</i>

This biography is taken from "PORTRAIT AND BIOGRAPHICAL ALBUM OF IONIA AND MONTCALM COUNTIES, 
MICH."  Chapman Brothers.  Chicago, Illinois.  1891.  Page 237.