John H. Foster, one of the prominent merchants of Cottonwood, is a native of the Golden West, born in Shasta, August 30, 1856. His father, Jacob Foster, came to California in 1849, and in two years returned East after his family, and again came to this State in 1852. He was a native of Germany, and was married in St. Louis, Missouri, to Miss Adaline Hertling, also a native of Germany. They had seven children, five of whom are still living.

Mr. Foster, the subject of this sketch, received his education in Cottonwood, and also took a full business course at Heald’s Business College at San Francisco. He learned telegraphy, and was engaged in railroading eighteen years. In 1884 the firm of Becker & Foster was organized, they having purchased the stock and good-will of William Knowlton, and they now have a large double store filled with a desirable stock of general merchandise. They enjoy a satisfactory trade, which extends to a distance of from thirty-five to forty miles. Mr. Foster has also invested in village property, and has a very pleasant home where he now resides. He is a business man of energy and ability. His father, Jacob Foster, was the founder of the town of Cottonwood, and was the owner of the ranch on which the town was built; he also built the first hotel. His son, the subject of this sketch, was reared in Cottonwood, and has been the railroad agent in the town for eighteen years, and it is not to be wondered at that he takes just pride in its growth. He is one of those ready business men who takes hold on whatever has to be done, in connection with his large and diversified business.

Mr. Foster was united in marriage with Miss Philipina Rieser, a native daughter of the Golden West, born in Red Bluff. This union has been blessed with three children, all born in Cottonwood, namely: Ellis J., Joseph A. and Carrie.

Memorial & Biographical History of Northern California, The Lewis Publishing Co., 1891