Robert James Foster

The first that we really know of Robert is when he bought land in Essex County. The land purchased by Robert and his brother John, located in the north western section of Essex County, was sparsely populated, fertile and held excellent possibilities for the brothers. The tract of land called “Button’s Range” was located in Sittenburne Parish in Essex County, Virginia in that central part of the county on the south side of the Rappahannock River which was set off in 1704 as St. Ann Parish. This large tract of land was situated on the south side of the Rappahannock River about five miles back into the woods, lying between the southern branches of Occupacia Creek on the north and across the northern fork of the Upper Gilson’s Run on the south and across the northern fork of the ridge that separates the watershed of the Rappahannock and Mattaponi Rivers. Gilson’s Run is now referred to on modern maps as Mount Landing Creek. It drains a small area of present day central Essex County and empties into the Rappahannock River just north of the town of Rappahannock, the Essex County Seat.

It is believed that Robert Foster was the first brother to marry. He was married, while still living in Gloucester County; to a young woman whose name was Elizabeth. Many believe she was a Garnett. It is likely, as at that time a Garnett family was near neighbors in Gloucester County and there was ample opportunity for them to meet and fall in love. Also, the name Garnett is used often as a middle name by many Foster descendants. Before moving to Essex County, Robert and Elizabeth had four children: Robert, Jr. born ca. 1678; James, born ca. 1686; John, born ca.  1689; and Barbara, born ca. 1691.  

Robert built his plantation house on the 200 acres he patented in Essex County in 1692. There he cleared and put into cultivation enough land to make an adequate living for his growing family.  In the succeeding years Elizabeth had seven more children. They were: Richard born ca. 1693; George born ca. 1695; Thomas born ca. 1696; William born ca. 1698; Margaret born ca. 1701, and Elizabeth, born ca. 1703. The Fosters prospered and in 1710 Robert began to purchase additional land. He bought 50 acres from John Ridgedale. It bordered Coleman Creek just south of Rappahannock River. Later, he bought an additional 100 acres from John Butler and his wife.  The land was bounded by land owned by John Ridgedale. His original home had, perhaps, become too small for there is an indication that he built another plantation house on his newly acquired land. It could have been that Robert and his wife simply wanted a grander house; more space, however, is the more likely considering their large family. The Foster children, at least the boys, were educated; their parents saw to it. Neither Robert nor Elizabeth had received sufficient education that would allow them to even sign their name. Robert’s mark was a “0” and Elizabeth and “X” (with an “E” after she remarried). Robert Foster had a large family, a comfortable home, and plenty of land to provide the necessities and a little more. The Fosters were content to live the remainder of their lives surrounded by comfort and family. It was not to be. Robert died in 1715/16; only about 57 years old; still a young man with young children. It is obvious that Robert was forewarned of his eminent death for on January 6, 1715/16 he wrote his will. We know that he died a few days after, for his will was probated six weeks later, on February 22.