William Barclay Foster facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
William Barclay Foster
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William Barclay Foster
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| Occupation | Businessman; merchant |
| Known for | The father of Stephen Foster. |
| Board member of | Cannonsburg Academy |
| Spouse(s) | Eliza Clayland Tomlinson (1788 - 1855) |
| Children | Charlotte Susanna Foster (1809 - 1829), Anne Eliza Foster Buchanan (1812 - 1891), Henry Baldwin Foster (1816 - 1870), Henrietta Angelica Foster Thornton (1819 - 1879), Dunning McNair Foster (1821 - 1856), Morrison Foster (1823 - 1904), Stephen Foster |
William Barclay Foster (1779 - 1855) was an important businessman and politician. He was the father of Stephen Foster, a very famous American songwriter. People have called William Foster one of the most successful merchants (business people) in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
He also worked in government. He was a state legislator, meaning he helped make laws for the state of Pennsylvania. He was even elected mayor of Allegheny City two times. Allegheny City is now part of Pittsburgh. William married Eliza Clayland Tomlinson in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, on November 14, 1807.
Early Life and Education
William Barclay Foster's father, James Foster, was born in 1779 in Berkeley County, Virginia. After the Revolutionary War ended, James and his family moved to western Pennsylvania. Many other Scottish and Irish families also moved there.
Canonsburg Academy
James Foster was one of the people who helped start Canonsburg Academy. This school was founded in 1791. James was also one of its first trustees, which means he helped manage the school. William attended Canonsburg Academy until he was sixteen years old.
Moving to Pittsburgh
Soon after Pittsburgh became an official city, William moved there. Pittsburgh is located where the Monongahela and Allegheny rivers meet. William Foster started working for a company called Denny and Bellen. This company sold "Dry Goods, Hardware, etc."
Business Career
William represented Denny and Bellen. He did so well that he was promoted to a partner in the company. This meant he owned part of the business. He traveled to many places for his work.
