Forster, Clark

The following data is extracted from Genealogy and Biography of Ontario County, New York.

Clark Forster, whose family has been closely identified with the agricultural interests of Ontario county, New York, for many years, is considered one of the most successful fruit growers of the district, making a specialty of apple culture.

William Forster, father of Clark Forster, was born in England in 1792, and came to this country in 1817. For somewhat more than a year he lived in Massachusetts, then, for a period of two years, made his home in Clyde, New York, and finally decided upon Seneca, Ontario county, New York, as his permanent home. He obtained employment on the farm of Edward Hull, whose farm he managed for ten years, and then purchased one hundred and thirty. acres of land a half mile east of this farm, and occupied it until his death. He was very successful in its cultivation and left it in a fine condition to his sons.

Mr. Forster married, September, 1823, Mary, daughter of George and Mary (Wilson) Caward, both English, the former born October 2, 1775, died June 8, 1867, the latter born August 14, 1778, died April 15, 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Forster had children: i. George, born November 24, 1826; died April 16, 1843. 2. Mary Jane, born July 26, 1828; died July 17, 1888. 3. William D., born March 29, 1830;; married, May i, 1867, Matilda J. Britt, and resides at Stanley. 4. Edward H., born February 28, 1832; died June 13, 1905. 5. John, born September 27, 1833 died February 18, 1911. 6. Ursula A., born September 15, 1835; died July 14, 1860. 7. Thomas W., born January 7, 1838; died December 31, 1893. 8. Clark, see forward.

Clark, youngest child of William and Mary (Caward) Forster, was born in Seneca, Ontario county, New York, September 5, 1840. He was educated at the district schools of Geneva and Macedon, Ontario county. New York, and at an early age commenced to assist in the cultivation of the homestead farm. Upon the death of his father this descended to him and his brothers, Thomas W. and Edward H., and they worked in harmony for many years, until the death of the latter. They added to the extent of the farm by a purchase of an additional thirty acres, making in all one hundred and sixty acres, and devoted a considerable portion of this to fruit culture, especially apples, in which they have attained a very satisfactory amount of success. Public matters have always been a subject in which Mr. Forster has taken a decided interest and he is an active supporter of the principles of the Democratic party. His religious affiliations are with the No. 9 Presbyterian Church, of which he and his family are devoted members.

Mr. Forster married, March 10, 1887, Mary E., daughter of John Ritchie. Children: 1. Florence Bell, born May 4, 1888, died March 17, 1891. 2. Mabel Ursula, born June 4, 1890, died April 22, 1892. 3. Marvin Thomas, born February 7, 1893; attending school at Penn Yan, New York.

Source: Genealogy and Biography of Ontario County, New York

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