Foster, Alderman Fred JP

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Portrait of Alderman Fred Foster JP by John Sowden.

Biographical note in Sowden's notebook:

Alderman Fred Foster, J.P. is a native of Burley-in-Wharfedale and was born in 1859. His family removed to Bradford soon after. His education was scanty & took place at the well known school at which James Dennett was pedagogue.
Mr Foster was not quite eight years old when he went to work as a spinner and between twelve & thirteen he became a full timer. Afterwards he learnt to weave & then work in the finishing processes.
At the age of 18 having saved £30, he commenced on his own account. He took his father in the partnership in the piece & ???? trade & then started the waste trade. The partnership lasted 16 years, when his father retired and Alder. Foster continued on his own account as a wool merchant. He was elected on the City Council to represent Lister Hills ward and as a Liberal in 1898. In 1901 he was again elected and in 1904 was elected without opposition and made Alderman in the same year. He has served upon nearly all committees on the Council & was Deputy Chairman of the Free Libraries & Art Committee in 1901-2. His chief work has been in connection with the Street Improvement & Buildings Committee of which he was Chairman from 1903 for eight years. It is a matter of much satisfaction that this Committee during the last 12 or 14 years have been the only one consistently to reduce the rates during that period, the rates have been reduced from 14 1/2 in the £ to a fraction over 9 in the £. Mr Foster is also identified with the Watch, Water & Waste Committees. He's also a member of the Chamber of Commerce, but takes no prominent part in the affairs. He was appointed to the Committee of Peace in Bfd in 1906 and was elected Lord Mayor in 1912-13. At Listerhills Congregational Chapel he was an active spirit & attended the Sunday School long after he attained manhood & was connected with the community for 30 years. He married Miss Mabel Hustler in 1891 and has ???? two sons and two daughters.

Year

1909

Creator

John Sowden

Image filename

sowden-292