Foster, Joseph

Joseph Foster (1844-1905) was a genealogist. In 1885 Foster began editing the transcripts by Joseph Lemuel Chester of the 'Oxford Matriculation Register', which had become the property of Mr. Bernard Quaritch, supplemeting Chester's work from his own independent research. The result was the 'Oxford Matriculation Register' alphabetically arranged, which was published in eight volumes as Alumni Oxonienses ; four volumes, covering the period 1715-1886, appeared in 1887, and another four volumes, covering the period 1500-1714, in 1891. In recognition of this service the university gave him the honorary degree of M.A. in 1892. Foster was also responsible for Oxford Men and their Colleges, which was published soon after. See the Dictionary of National Biography for further details.

Epithet: of Boston, Mass

Joseph Foster (1844-1905) began carrying out genealogical research early in his life, compiling peerages of Quaker familes (1862-1872), and of county families in Lancashire (1873) and Yorkshire (1874). He went on to publish Peerage, barontage and knightage (1879), Men at the bar (1888), and Admissions to Gray's Inn (1899). Foster also edited and supplemented J.L. Chester's London marriage licences (1887), and produced the Oxford matriculation register in Alumni Oxonienses (8 vols., 1887-1891).

Sir Robert Forsyth Scott (1859-1933), antiquary, and master of St John's College, Cambridge.

Biographical / Historical Notes

Joseph Foster reports himself being born on August 15, 1856 in Sacramento, California, although this information is not officially confirmed. Foster arrived in San Diego County in 1868 and boarded with James Johnson. Foster lived with the Johnsons in Sycamore Valley through his mid-twenties.

Foster bought a ranch located three miles north of Lakeside in 1880 and worked as a shepherd, shearing as many as 150 sheep in a day with the assistance of other men. In 1883, he became the road overseer of San Vicente District. In 1888, he established a stage line drawn by four horses that ran from San Diego to Julian and from El Cajon to Stonewall. He started this venture with the former mayor of San Diego, Frank Frary. In 1898, he bought Frary’s interest in the company. In the 1890s, the railroad line of San Diego, Cuyamaca and Eastern was extended 23 miles outside of San Diego, ending at Foster’s ranch. The station was known as Foster’s Station and town was named Foster, as it had been established by Joseph Foster.

In 1906, Foster was elected to serve as supervisor for East County. He was continuously re-elected until his retirement in 1929, serving for 23 years. In addition, he served as chairman of the Board of Supervisors for 14 years. With all of his years of public service, he became known affectionately as "Uncle Joe." When he retired, he said that it was partially to justify having a retirement party – over 400 people attended.

Foster married his wife, Martha (maiden name Swycaffer), on February 8, 1880. They had a son, Arthur, and daughter, Lula (married name McDonald). "Uncle Joe" Foster died April 9, 1933.