This site would not be possible without special thanks to several who have helped with the genealogy of the descendants of Francis Foster and Amy Edwards.First and foremost I have to acknowledge Jonalee (Robertson) Dempsey (1914-2000) and Rupert Farnham Thompson (1920-1994). Though they are no longer living, I had the opportunity to correspond frequently with both between 1969-1973. Jonalee, as a child, knew many of the descendants personally. Mary Elizabeth Lindsey (1845-1929) who was married to John Edwards 'Jack' Foster, Jonalee's grandmother, had written a family history in 1920. Jonalee was a DAR member. The Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has accepted Francis Hardin Foster as the son of John Hardin Foster.
Rupert, though he concentrated more on the Boon heritage, was responsible for preserving much of our family history.
Must also thank Zada (Mears) Sharp, a 1st cousin to my father. When I first started this back in the late 1960's, she was busy writing down the stories that her father, Uncle Tom Mears was remembering. She was very willing and anxious to share with a young girl just acquiring an interest.
The Foster search was resumed more recently by Houston S. Foster. In the past few years, Houston has studied history, travelled, and diligently researched the families and times in which John Harden and Frances Harden Foster lived. His research has literally made these two ancestors seem real and not just names and dates. His quote below gives us a very descriptive view of the land upon which the Foster family lived. I have been to Troup Co., Georgia, myself, though not to the direct spot where the Fosters lived, and I can testify that that the land there is beautiful, lush and green.
And not to be forgotten is Patsy (Boon) Branton who has literally spent years searching and transcribing census records for our Foster descendants. I know that she must have had many nights of eye strain and scratching her head - trying to decipher the old handwriting.
Francis was born about 1788 in Georgia. His entire childhood was spent in Wilkes County, where his father, John Harden Foster was a very respected man and mentioned often in the various records that can be found there.Francis inherited a slave named Judy from his father's estate. When Francis died, Judy was still with his family.
In September 1998, Houston writes:
Amy Foster and her children went to the Lebanon Primitive Baptist Church south of La Grange, GA. about two miles from Jones Cross Roads. Although they only have one service each month the church is still active. My brother has attended service there and say's the services must still be similar to the one's that Amy attended. Amy and Susan were listed on the church roll and released at death.So far a written marriage record for Francis and Amy has not been found. At the time, Francis was living in Wilkes Co., Georgia and the Edwards family was living in nearby Lincoln Co., Georgia. For this time in history in Georgia, it is not surprising that a written record of the marriage has not been documented in a court house.
In Sons and Daughters of John Hardin Foster 'Patriot' and Allied Families, Houston S. Foster (who has visited this area and spent researching the Foster family), a descendant of Josephus Foster, writes:
When Francis was young, he served in several Militia units in Georgia during the War of 1812. Francis was granted lot 24, 24th District of 2nd Section Cherokee Land, as a soldier of Harralson's Troup.continuing with Amy, Houston writesHe moved his family to Troup County near Jones Cross Roads. Drummond Road runs through the plantation land. Francis was a plantation owner growing wheat and cotton as main crops. He also grew sheep probably for the rest of the family and slaves.
Francis died intestate and each year the guardian of his minor children files a return with the Troup County Court. These annual returns provide insight into the lives and times of the family.
My first information about the Foster family plantation being located near Jones Crossroads South of LaGrange, Georgia was provided in a verbal history told to me by my Grandfather James Sterling Foster about 1958. . . . he told me the plantation was near Jones Cross Roads and told me about the farm and about the slaves. He told me that he had talked with one of the surviving slaves which he had met in West Point, Georgia about 1915.
The Plantation was located on Troup County Land Lot #212 and was two hundred and two 1/2 acres. The land is very good with nice top soil and Georgia red clay, under the top soil, which grows good crops. The land in this area is small rolling hills. The land on the old plantation gently slopes down to a branch that runs on the west side of the property. There are two old barns standing at an old home site. There is another old home site that is Northeast of the barn and most of the evidence that a large house was there is now gone. I do not know what happened to the plantation home. Many antebellum homes were burned in the Civil War and a lot have burned in other fires since. Today the land is used for cattle farming.
The deed that John E. Foster gave when he sold out and went to Alabama, says that the land was conveyed except for a 1/4 acre family cemetery. Hershell and I have looked but so far we have been unable to find this cemetery. I am sure that this was where Francis Harden, Amy, Whitmil and several other family members were buried.
According to the records of the Lebanon Baptist Church (transcribed by Danny Knight) Frances Foster was received by the church on 25 October 1835 and apparently remained a member until his death, no death date was given but we know that he died in the spring of 1839. This had to be Francis Foster as his daughter Frances was not year born.
For several years John Edwards Jr., his brother-in-law was administrator of Francis H. Foster's estate. When Amy remarried her new husband, Thomas W. Oliver took over ...
Amy died early at age 57, but all of her children were grown. Each of her children had been given their share of Francis H. Foster's estate as they came of age. The distribution of the estate left Amy with only a small share of the original estate. She had purchased another farm and had moved from the original plantation before she died.After her death there was not much money left after paying her debts and final expenses. William Booker, husband of Susan Antoinette Foster, was the Executor. The estate stayed in probate until after the civil war.
Francis Foster married Amy Harry Edwards about 1821 probably in Wilkes Co., Georgia. Amy was born 1797/1802 in Lincoln Co., Georgia. Her parents are listed in the 1810 and 1820 Lincoln Co., Georgia Census.After her husband, Francis, died, Amy married Thomas W. Oliver On October 25, 1840 in Troup Co., Georgia. He died before the 1850 census.
Amy was the daughter of John Edwards and Elizabeth Bussey who had married about 1793 in Georgia. John had been a soldier in the Revolutionary War. In 1788, he left Newburn, NC for Wilkes Co., GA and purchased land on Gray's Creek near the Bussey Family. The Bussey family was well-known and had migrated quite early South Carolina to Georgia. Elizabeth (Bussey) was the daughter of Hezekiah Bussey and Amy Bussey. Like John Edwards, Hezekiah had also served in the Revolutionary War. He and his wife lived in Maryland, then Edgefield Co., South Carolina, then moved to Lincoln Co., Georgia about 1765. Hezekiah Bussey left a will in 1796 Lincoln Co., GA in which he mentions his daughter, Elizabeth Edwards. Edwards Family
abt 1793
Francis H. Foster was born in Wilkes Co., GA1803
1803 -Wilkes Co., GA Land Lottery
----extracted The Early Records of Georgia, Volume II, Wilkes County
----abstracted and compiled by Grace Gillam Davidson, published in 1933 at Macon, GA
Foster, Granville W 1 Foster, Harden 2 Foster, Francis 1Those entitled to draw were every free white male twenty-one years and upwards, and an inhabitant of the state twelve months immediately preceding the passage of this act, who had paid tax, one draw; every free white male having a wife and one or more legitimate children, two draws; all widows having legitimate child or children, two draws; all families of orphans having no parents living, two draws.
MY NOTE: Harden is actually for Martha, Widow. Widows got 2 draws.
1813
Georgia Military Record Book 1779-1839
copied and bound 1941, Secretary of State, Georgia Archives, page 207
Muster Roll of a company of Georgia Militia under the command of Captain Elias Crockett in the service of this state commanded by Captain Thomas Coleman commandant from 10th from November when last mustered to the 16th Nov. 1813.Lieut Francis Foster Nov 12, 1813 - Nov 16, 1813
(Etc. 51 men named)
I certify that the within muster roll exhibits a true statement of Captain Elias Crockett company of Georgia Militia in the service of the state as mustered by me at Joseph Peoples 12 miles west of Madison 16 Nov. 1813.
1814
Georgia - Military Wars (1812)
4th Regiment of Booth's Georgia Militia - Fort Hawkins Nov. 1814
Colonel Booth's Regiment of Georgia Infantry
Foster, Harden
1819
The Early Records of Georgia, Volume I, Wilkes County
Land Lottery of 1819 Maj. J. Herd's Batt. - Capt. Thos. Gordon's DistrictFoster, Francis 1 draw
1820
1820 - Wilkes Co., GA
*Head of family listed with page #Foster, Joseph S. 164 Foster, William L. 165 Foster, Lewis 170 Foster, Francis 191 (s/o John H. Foster and Martha Wingfield) Foster, Martha 192 (Martha Wingfield, widow of John H. Foster) Foster, Arden 193
1821
1821 -Wilkes Co., GA Land Lottery
----extracted The Early Records of Georgia, Volume II, Wilkes County
----abstracted and compiled by Grace Gillam Davidson, published in 1933 at Macon, GA
Foster, Granville W. 1 Foster, Patsy wid. 1 Foster, John H., orphs of 1 Foster, Harden, orphs. of 1 Foster, Francis 1
1823
Returns 1821-1825 Book QQ - Wilkes Co., Georgia
Transcribed by Houston S. FosterKnow all men by these presents that we the undersigned Legatees bind ourselves to abide the Valuation and distribution of Henry Terrell, Edward Sharman & William A. Terrell appointed distributees of and agree to receive Certain named Negroes belonging to the Estate John Hardin Foster dec. at their valuation from the estate of managers of said Estate. Francis Foster, Eliza Foster Charter Campbell in rights of his wife.Negroes named as follows,
Jeffrey, Anderson, Jacob, Eli, Judy, Elick, Caroline, July
This is to certify the undersigned have drawn the Negros opposite their names and received them according to their Valuation as above agreed to by them.
Francis Foster drew - Judy, Anders, Eli
Eliza Foster drew - Jacob Caroline
Mr. Campbell in rights of his wife drew - Jeffery, July, Elick
Signed by Henry Terrell, Clinant Sharman, William A. Terrell Recorded March 17th, 1823
1830
1830 - Morgan Co., Georgia Census
1831
Amy Foster joined the Lebanon Primitive Baptist Church. She was a lifetime member and was released at death.
1835
October 25, Lebanon Baptist Church Records
-transcribed by Danny Knight
Frances Foster - received by the church
1838
Monroe Co., Georgia -Will of John Edwards, father of Amy (Edwards) Foster". . . I also give and bequeath to my daughter, Amy Foster, one negro woman by the name of Old Cate."
1839
--Francis Harden Foster died
Amy - Widow of Francis Harden Foster
March 25, Troup Co., GA Probate Court Minutes
Amy Foster applied to Wiley Wilson, CCO, for letters of administration for Francis Foster, deceased late of this Co.,Columbus Enquirer, Wednesday, March 27, 1839
Notices
Georgia, Troup CountyAmy Foster, having in proper form applied to me for permanent letters of administration on the estate of Frances Foster, late of said county, this is to cite all and singular the creditors and the next of kin of said deceased to be and appear at my office within the time prescribed by law and show cause, if any they can, why letters of administration should not be granted. Witness my hand and official signature.
Wiley Wilson OrdinaryMay, Troup Co., GA
--Returns from Court of Ordinary, Book B, page 86
Amy Foster (alias Amy Oliver) made Admn. of Francis Foster, orphans of Francis Foster
1840
1840 Census > Georgia > Troup > District 70
Amey Foster
2 males under 5, 1 male 10/15, 1 male 15/20,
1 female under 5, 1 female 5/10, 1 female 10/15, 1 female 40/50
October 15, 1850 - Prenuptial agreement
Georgia - Troup County
transcribed by Houston S. Foster
Whereas Thomas Oliver of Harris County and State aforesaid and Amy Foster of Troup County have agreed to live together in the holy State of Matrimony have this day made a marriage contract that the part of Francis Foster's property that belongs to her the said Amy foster shall ???? to dispose of as she pleases and said Thomas has full control over her property so far as estate management but has no power to trade or transfer the land or any part thereof and if these should be any thing made after Their marriage it shall be divided equally between them and so said Amy has power to dispose of her part ??? as she pleases ??? their hands and seals this day and State above written.Acknowledged before us
Amy Foster
the 15th day of May 184?
T. W. OliverMatthew Peters
?? Thomason JPRecorded 5th July 184?
October 25, Troup Co., Georgia
Amy (Edwards) Foster married Thomas W. OLIVER
Married by Richard F. Thomason-JP
Early to Mid 1840's
Amy and Thomas Oliver separated.
1842
Columbus Enquirer Wed. Nov 16, 1842
Troup Co., GA. Pursuant to an order from the Court of Ordinary of said county, will be sold on the first Tuesday in Dec. next, at the late residence, in said county, within the legal hours of sale, the following described property.Corn, fodder, wheat, horses, hogs, cattle, sheep, plantation tools, furniture, buggy and harness and other property to be sold as the property of Francis Foster, dec. for the benefit of the heirs and creditors of said deceased. Terms cash
signed Thomas W. Oliver, Administrator
1843
January, Troup Co., Georgia
--Returns form Court of Ordinary, Book B, page 295
Benj. F. Foster, orphan of Francis Foster, now l4 years old, selected John Edwards as his guardian. Other orphans of Francis Foster, under l4 years of age: Elizabeth, John, Asa, Frances & Antoinette.
Benj. Johnson posted bond.Inferior Court of Troup County Sitting for Ordinary Purposes
January Term 1843
--transcribed by Houston S. Foster
Present - James M. Peale, Peter W. Lesley & B. H. Cameron - JusticesUpon the application of Thomas W. Oliver administrator in the rights of his wife Amey Foster of the Estate of Francis Foster dec. for a division of the personal Estate of said dec. It is Ordered by the Court that Willis Durden, William G. Cotton, Stephen Harnesberger, Thomas Tatom, and Joshua Willis be and are hereby appointed Commissioners to portion and set off the Estate of the above dec. between the lawful heirs thereof and make their return to this Court.
The above is a true copy taken from the minutes of the Said Court this 3rd day of January 1843.
Wiley Wilson cco Georgia - Troup County
The following is an inventory and apportionment of the negroes belonging to the estate of Francis Foster dec.1st Lot Jerry appraised to $500.00 2nd Lot Mary and child " to $500.00 3rd Lot Patrey " to $450.00 4th Lot Violet and Owen " to $362.00 5th Lot Judy " to $275.00 6th Lot Mariah and Josephene " to $362.00 7th Lot Caty & Child " to $350.00 8th Lot Henry & Nelly " to $300.00 _______ $3099.00 By Lottery the following Lots were drawn Josephus Foster drew Patrey $450.00 Benjamin F. Foster drew Mariah and Josephine $362.00 Thomas W. Oliver drew Jerry $500.00 the balance were left together We do certify upon oath that the above is a true porportionment of the negroes belonging to the Said Estate to the best of our judgment and understanding January 9, 1843 Thomas Tatom Stephen Harnesberger William G. Cotton Commissioners I do certify that the above & within appointed appraisers were sworn to perform their duty as appraisers according to law January 9th 1843. R. F. Thomason J.P. Recorded 22 April 1843 W. Wilson ccoNotation from Houston S. Foster
This one document shows that there were seven children and Amey. The slaves were divided into eight lots. Only heirs, children and wife were eligible to draw one of the lots. Thomas W. Oliver drew for his wife, Amey Edwards Foster Oliver as she had remarried by the this time. Josephus clearly chose lot number three and could not have drawn without being the child of Francis Hardin Foster.
1850
1850 - Troup Co., GA, Dist.#701 pg.87B this dist. had no date #383-6Amea FOSTER f 48 $600 GA. no occupation Benj.F. m 22 Ga. Susan A. f 16 Ga. John E. m 14 Ga. Esom M. m 13 Ga. Frances f 11 GA.1850 Slave schedule > Georgia > Troup County > District 701
enumerated 25 Sept 1850
Amy Foster - 12 slavesGuardianship Returns, Book H, page 47
Amy Foster, guardian of Susan A., John E., Asa M., Frances J. Foster, orphans of Francis Foster; made return for l850, mentioning Negroes received from John Edwards, former guardian of said orphans. (Negroes: Violet, Catto, Nelly, Henry, & Mary)
1858 - Troup Co., GA
Book D, page 311
Amy Foster, guardian of of Asa M. Foster, imbecile, incapable of managing his propertypage 33
Amy Foster & Wm. Booker applied for administration paperspage 337
John E. Foster appointed guardian of Asa M. Foster
1859 - Troup Co,. Georgia
July 1859 - Amy (Edwards) Foster diedWilliam Booker posted bond as administrator for Amy Foster
Troup Co., GA Deed Indexes 1827-1927
--Deed Book M -164
Rhodes Duncan from Amy H. Foster by admin, 75a in LL 231 in 4th, Nov. 8, 1859
1864 - Troup Co., Georgia
--Book 4, page 144Hiram Dennis appointed guardian of Asa M. Foster
*He is believed to have had polio, as he was crippled most of his life and he continued to have a guardian, of his finances, even after reaching age of majority.Per Research of Houston S. Foster
Hiram Dennis was appointed Guardian for Asa in 1864. On December 19, 1864 Benjamin Franklin gave him $125.72 and control of 2 slaves that Asa owned. Hiram Dennis rented out the slaves to 6/1/1865 for $90.00. When the war ended the slaves were free and the debt for their hire was ruled illegal. The money was confederate money which was no good. Asa was broke with no means of support. His brother John E. Foster took his brother in and took care of him.
P.O. Box 475, 15 Orford
Copper Cliff, Ontario, Canada
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