Foster, Carlton 1826 - 1901 | Wisconsin Historical Society

Historical Essay

Foster, Carlton 1826 - 1901

Foster, Carlton 1826 - 1901 | Wisconsin Historical Society

lumberman, manufacturer, b. Willsboro, N.Y. He moved to Wisconsin in 1855, settling in Oshkosh, where he purchased a sawmill (1859), and engaged in lumber milling (1859-1884). In 1865 he began to manufacture sash, doors, blinds, and moldings in partnership with James V. Jones. When Jones withdrew in 1882, Thomas R. Morgan (q.v.) became a partner, and the firm was known as Carlton Foster and Co. until sold to the Morgan Co. in 1889. Foster was instrumental in organizing the Foster-Lothman Mills in 1890, served as president (1890-1901), and held executive positions with other similar concerns. A Republican, he was mayor of Oshkosh (1865-1866, 1886), and was state assemblyman (1873-1874, 1883). His son, GEORGE H. FOSTER, b. Oshkosh, began his business career in 1880 with his father's firm. He helped establish the Foster-Lothrnan Mills and was active in the company's affairs until his death. He founded the G. H. Foster Lumber Co., maintained other business interests, and held local Republican offices. Natl. Cyclopaedia Amer. Biog., 17 (1920); P. V. Lawson, et al., eds., Hist. of Winnebago Co. (2 vols., Chicago, 1908); M. M. Quaife, Wis. (4 vols., Chicago, 1924); Oshkosh Daily Northwestern, Aug. 5, 1901, Jan. 8, 1915.

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[Source: Dictionary of Wisconsin biography]