Henry Clay Foster, the successful and popular young druggist of Cottonwood, was born September 2, 1869, in Jackson County, Indiana, the son of Albert S. and Callie (James) Foster, both natives of the same State. His ancestors on the paternal side were from Germany, and on the maternal side from England. His parents had five children, four of whom are now living, three boys and one girl. The family came to Tehama County, California, in 1872, and settled at Vina, where the subject of his sketch was reared and educated. His father’s occupation had been that of a teacher, but after coming to this State, he purchased a ranch at Vina. It was decided that the subject of this sketch should become a doctor, and he commenced the study of medicine under Dr. J. W. Harvey, one of the most prominent physicians of the county. He remained with him two years, and then ran a drug store in Vina one year. In 1889 he purchased the Cottonwood drug store, and began business for himself, which has proved an eminent success. He has a good stock, gives his business close attention, and enjoys the trade of the entire city. Mr. Foster has also purchased property in Cottonwood, takes an interest in the improvement of this city, and intends to make it his permanent home. In political views he is a Republican.

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