R. W. FOSTER was born in Oldham County, Ky., September 7, 1817, and is a son of Archibald G. and Lucy (Duerson) Foster; the former born in Spottsylvania County, Va., and the latter in Caroline County, Va. His parents come in an early day to Kentucky, where the father died in 1832, the mother in 1826. The father was a member of the Masonic fraternity, and had taken all the degrees. Subject is the eldest of four children, of whom three are now living: R. W., Anthony M. in Missouri, and Susan, widow of W. M. Threlkeld. R. W. began life for himself at the age of fifteen years, and first learned the house-joiner's trade, at which he worked as an apprentice for four years. He subsequently followed the trade for himself for five years. He resided in Oldham County until 1852, when became to this county, and settled on part of his present farm. He first bought about 265 acres, and now owns about 725 acres, of which there are about 200 acres cleared. He also pays some attention to stock raising and trading. Mr. Foster has never been married, and for some years past his sister, Mrs. Threlkeld, has been acting as his housekeeper. In 1867 Mr. Foster was appointed postmaster at Hurricane and still holds the office.
Source: J. H. Battle, W. H. Perrin, & G. C. Kniffin. Kentucky. A History of the State. Louisville, KY, Chicago, IL: Battey, 1885. Pages 728-729.