Forster, William B.

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

William B. Forster, who is engaged in general farming in the town of Seneca, Ontario county, New York, occupies a high position in the literary circles of that section of the country and is also prominently identified with its religious life.

William D. Forster, father of William B. Forster, was born at Halls Corners, Ontario county, New York, March 29, 1830, and is the oldest living person born at that place. He attended the common schools of his native township and supplemented this education by attendance at the sessions of Alfred Academy. He then engaged in teaching, and taught schools in the south for a period of two years. With the exception of these two years, all the active years of his life have been occupied in cultivating the soil, in which pursuit he has been remarkably successful. He has owned, and resided on, the farm on which he now (1910) lives for fortyfour years, and the products have always been of the finest quality of their kind. A considerable portion of it is devoted to the growing of fruit, for which the soil seems to be especially adapted. Although advanced in years, Mr. Forster is keenly alive to all matters of importance which arise, and takes great pleasure in following the course of events. He married, May 1, 1867, Matilda J. Britt, born in the town of Catskill, Greene county, New York, March 3, 1837, died February 10, 1910. Children: William B., see forward; Elizabeth May, and George F.

William B., son of William D. and Matilda J. (Britt) Forster, was born May 16, 1869. His elementary education was acquired in the public schools of his native town, and he then became a student at the Canandaigua Academy, which, however, he was obliged to leave before finishing the complete course. In later years, however, he again took up a course of systematic reading which he has continued up to the present time. He and his sister, who attended the Geneva high school, are well known members of the Chautauqua Literary Society. The farm, which is now (1910) under his personal supervision, and has been for some time, consists of ninety-five acres, and Mr. Forster introduces, as opportunity offers, the most advanced, improved and scientific methods, with excellent results. The entire property is kept in fine condition and it is one of the most productive, for its size, in that section. Mr. Forster is a staunch supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and is a member of No. 9 Presbyterian Church, in which he is serving as treasurer, and is a member of the board of trustees.

Source: Genealogy and Biography of Ontario County, New York

  Go Back