William H. Foster. Numbered among the highly esteemed citizens of Miami county who are now living in retired comfort after many years spent in agricultural operations, is William H. Foster, of Staunton township, who has contributed to the welfare and advancement of his community, agricultural skill and faithful and efficient public service. Mr. Foster was born in Miami county in 1860, a son of John H. and Ruth (Thomas) Foster, His parents, natives of Pennsylvania, were married in 1856 in the Keystone State, whence they came in 1856 to Ohio, where they spent the rest of their active lives in farming in Staunton township . The mother passed away in 1915 at the age of eighty-six years. The father, who was a man of industry and ability during his active years, and accumulated a handsome property, passed away several years previously. He served for some years as a member of the board of school directors of Staunton township and was thoroughly respected and esteemed. Four sons and four daughters were born to John H. and Ruth Foster: Edward W., a resident of Clark County, Ohio, where he is engaged in farming, and who travels to various parts of the country in his capacity as an auctioneer; Alice, the wife of J. C. Moore, a clothing merchant of May, Ohio, with two sons and two daughters; Elizabeth, the widow of Frank C. Duncan, formerly a locomotive engineer, who had five children, of whom two are living; Ida, unmarried and a resident of Troy, Ohio; Rosie, the wife, of Elmer Fish, of Troy, with two sons: William H.; and three sons who are deceased. William H. Foster acquired a public school education in Staunton township and for many years was actively engaged in cultivating the soil of this locality, but in 1917 retired from personal participation in the actual labor of the fields, having since contented himself with the supervision of operations. He is the owner of a valuable and attractive property, with a handsome home on Troy R. F. D. route, and has always managed his affairs in a manner that has made evident his integrity, progressiveness and public spirit. During the World War he was a member of several Liberty Loan committees and worked sturdily in their behalf. His record as a public servant has been an excellent one, Mr. Foster having been a member of the board of school directors for twenty- two years, assessor of the township for twelve years, member of the Miami county fair board for eight years and infirmary director for two terms. He belongs to the Odd Fellows and Elks at Troy. Mr. Foster married Miss Meldora Secrest, of Miami county.