David Jack Foster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Jack Foster
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| Born | November 2, 1859 Princeton, Illinois |
| Died | September 10, 1948 (aged 88) Illinois Central Hospital |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Service/ |
 United States Army |
| Years of service | 1877–1918 |
| Rank |  Brigadier general |
| Battles/wars | Spanish–American War Border War (1910–19) World War I |
| Spouse(s) | Caroline Horton |
David Jack Foster (November 2, 1859 – September 10, 1948) was an important officer in the United States Army during the late 1800s and early 1900s. He served in major conflicts like the Spanish–American War and World War I.
Contents
Life and Military Career
David Jack Foster was born on November 2, 1859, in Princeton, Illinois. When he was young, his father passed away. After finishing school, David moved to Chicago to find more opportunities. Other family members soon joined him there. He worked selling insurance and at the local post office. On July 17, 1877, he decided to join the military. He enlisted in the Sixth Illinois Infantry.
Rising Through the Ranks
Just one year after joining, Foster became a second lieutenant. This was his first officer rank. On February 11, 1879, he was promoted to first lieutenant. He kept moving up the ranks. On July 27, 1880, he became a captain. As a captain, he took command of Company B of the Fourth Illinois Infantry.
Later, on January 6, 1893, he was promoted to colonel. This meant he was in charge of the entire Sixth Illinois Infantry regiment.
Serving in Wars
On May 11, 1898, Colonel Foster and his regiment were called into active service. This was because of the Spanish–American War. They traveled to Cuba and Puerto Rico. They stayed there until September 7 of that year. After their service, they were officially released from duty on November 25.
On August 3, 1903, Foster was promoted again. He became a brigadier general in the Illinois National Guard. He took command of the 32nd Infantry Brigade in Chicago. In 1907, he moved to command the First Infantry Brigade.
From June to October 1916, General Foster and his brigade were stationed near the border with Mexico. This was during the Border War.
World War I and Retirement
On July 25, 1917, Foster and his brigade were called to serve in World War I. He was officially commissioned as a brigadier general on August 5, 1917. He commanded the 64th Infantry Brigade, which later became the 66th Brigade.
However, General Foster did not pass a physical exam required for general officers. Because of this, he retired from the military on January 8, 1918.
After leaving the army, Foster worked as the superintendent of the Chicago Post Office. He lived at the Gladstone Hotel in Chicago. He passed away on September 10, 1948, after being ill for three weeks.
Personal Life
David Jack Foster married Caroline Horton in 1910. She was from the same town as him. They did not have any children. Caroline passed away 20 years before David did.
