Same name is a common problem in genealogy and we’ve all experienced it. How to identify men with the same name? That’s the problem of Thomas Foster Sr. (abt.1696-1769),Foster-3878, and his son Thomas Garnett Foster Jr. (1724-1786), Foster-10865. Most of the information on these two profiles comes from a published family history, Foster Family of Flanders, England and America by Dr. Billy Glen Foster. His book puts Thomas Foster (surgeon) who died in Craven County, S.C., in 1769 as the son of Foster-1774 who died in Essex County, Va., in 1715. And puts Thomas Foster who died in Amelia County in 1786 as the son of the Thomas Foster (surgeon).
Thomas Foster, son of Robert Foster, is nicely identified by a deed in Amelia County in 1741. Thomas makes a deed of gift to Robert and Elizabeth Charlesworth in consideration of “the dutiful regard he hath for his mother the said Elizabeth.” Elizabeth married Robert Charlesworth after the death of Robert Foster.
The family history makes the claim that Thomas left Amelia County a few years later and moved to Spotsylvania Co., Va. But Thomas never left Amelia County. He lived there the rest of his life and died there in 1786.
So the Thomas Foster who died in Amelia County in 1786 is the son of Robert Foster who died in Essex Co. in 1715 and not the son of Thomas Foster who died in Craven Co. SC in 1769. And the Thomas Foster who died in 1769 belongs in another line. I’ve added research notes to both profiles to explain my reasoning.
These are the changes I propose to make.
Remove Thomas Garnett Foster (Foster-10865) as the son of Thomas Foster Sr. (Foster-3878) and add him as the son of Robert Foster (Foster-1774).
Remove Thomas Foster’s (Foster-10865) middle name, Garnett, until a contemporary record is found that documents his use of Garnett as a middle name.
Remove Thomas Foster surgeon (Foster-3878) as a son of Robert Foster (Foster-1774).
Change Thomas Foster’s (Foster-3878) LNAB to Forster because that’s how his named was usually spelled.
Any objections to these changes?
