Biography of Charles M. Foster, Baker Co. Oregon: Surnames listed: Foster, Erland.

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Transcribed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
W. David Samuelsen - December 2001
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An Illustrated History of Baker, Grant, Malheur and Harney Counties, pub. 
1902 by Western Historical Pub. Co. of Chicago. 

page 235

CHARLES M. FOSTER

The birth of Mr. Foster occured in Caledonia county, Vermont, on October 3, 
1835, and there he passed the years of his minority, gaining in the public 
schools the primary educational training and later taking a degree from the
Barre academy, near Montpelier, the same institution from which Admiral Dewey 
graduated about that time. Following his graduation he took up a special course 
that thoroughly fitted him for his profession, that of civil engineering. Having 
received his degree, he engaged for a time with different railroad companies in 
the capacity of civil engineer, but in 1859 he crossed the plains to Pike's Peak 
and later to California, being transported by ox teams. The train was very small, 
having but three wagons, and although those preceding and following had much
difficulty with the Indians, the company of Mr. Foster was unmolested. For one 
year he mined in the Golden state, then came to Portland in 1861 and served as 
clerk to the superintendent of Indian affairs, Edward R. Geary, there for a time, 
following which he wen tto Walla Walla and opened a mercantile establishment for 
six months and then went to Florence during the gold excitement in 1862. 
Succeeding this he removed to Auburn in Baker county and followed mining for a 
time, and then was elected clerk of Baker county, being the first incumbent of 
that office elected. After his term of two years in this service he gave his 
attention to his profession and this has occupied him since. in 1868 he was 
elected county surveyor, and excepting about eight years he has served in that 
capacity since, which continued term of faithful discharage of public trusts 
is in itself a most convincing proof both of ability and sound principles. In 
addition to this he has also served as city councilman and city surveyor and 
has always given entire satisfaction. he is possessed of a elegant residence 
at 1524 Dewey avenue, besides much other property, as houses and lots, farms 
and mines. He is also a member of the I.O.O.F. in Baker City.

The marriage of Mr. Foster and Miss Alice Erland took place in Auburn in 1869 
and they have become the parents of three children: Leo L., married and living 
at the Bonanza mine, where he is bookkeeper; Harry E., bookkeeper at the Elkhorn 
mine; Calleen E. Mrs. Foster is a member of the Presbyterian church and active 
in the interests of her faith.
--End--