BIO: Abraham R. FOSTER, Huntingdon County, PA

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Commemorative Biographical Encyclopedia of the Juniata Valley: 
Comprising the Counties of Huntingdon, Mifflin, Juniata and Perry, 
Pennsylvania, Containing Sketches of Prominent and Representative 
Citizens and Many of the Early Settlers.  Chambersburg, Pa.: J. M. 
Runk & Co., 1897, pages 321-322.
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  ABRAHAM R. FOSTER, Mapleton, Huntingdon county, Pa., was born in 
Mifflin county, Pa., September 22, 1848. He is the son of George and 
Mary (Jackson) Foster. Mr. Foster's grandparents were natives of 
Lancaster county, Pa. His grandfather was a carpenter. Mr. George 
Foster, father of Abraham Foster, a native of Ireland, came to America 
when he was ten years old and made his home in Mifflin county. His 
whole life was spent on the farm. He married Mary, daughter of William 
and Sarah Jackson. Their children are: Sarah, widow of William Coder; 
Andrew J.; George; Abraham R.; Mary; John, deceased; Nancy, deceased; 
and one who died in infancy. Both the parents are dead. Mr. Foster died 
April 2, 1872, aged seventy-two. He and his wife were members of the 
United Brethren church.
  Abraham R. Foster attended the public schools of Mifflin county, Pa., 
until he was nineteen. He learned carpentry, serving a three years' 
apprenticeship. For three years Mr. Foster worked as a journeyman 
carpenter, increasing his practical knowledge of the trade, and then 
opened a carpenter shop of his own. In 1874 Mr. Foster turned his 
attention to the cultivation of the soil, and is still engaged in 
farming. Mr. Foster is active and intelligent, interested in all that 
pertains to the good of the township. In 1884 he was elected 
supervisor; he has served as school director for three years. Mr. 
Foster is a member of the P.O.S. of A., Lodge No. 662.
  Abraham R. Foster was married, March 16, 1870, to Mary M., daughter 
of Daniel and Mary (Webb) Decker. They have eight children: Harry; 
Charles; Edward; John; Mary; Elmer; Cloyd, died March, 1891, aged ten; 
Mary Ellen, died August, 1879, aged eighteen months. Mr. Foster and his 
wife are members of the Methodist church.
  Mrs. Foster's parents were natives of Huntingdon county, Pa. Mr. 
Decker was a farmer, but later in life became a merchant, and at the 
time of his death was a dealer in shoes. He was kind and friendly to 
all, and much esteemed in the community. He served his township as 
school director and in various other capacities. He married Mary Webb. 
Four of their children: James; John; and two infants, are dead. Those 
who survive are: Mary (Mrs. Abraham Foster); Lydia, widow of A. Miller; 
Margaret (Mrs. Nicholas Bremen); Thomas; Jennie (Mrs. George Snyder); 
and Harry. Mr. Decker and his wife are members of the Methodist church. 
Mr. Decker was a faithful worker in the church, in which he was an 
office bearer for many years. He was steward, deacon, and for a long 
time a class leader.