Notes for: Hiram FOSKIT

Marriage conducted by Rev T J Whitcomb (Republican Eagle - May 26 1840)
Hiram first bought land in Whiteside Co., IL in 26 Jun 1855 (filed)

HIRAM FOSKET or FOSKITT or FOSGATE

Family tradition:
Hiram and family came to Whiteside Co, IL in a keelboat in Jun 1855 from Ohio, landing at Portland, He built a log cabin and opened a store. At that time there were more Indians than whites in the area. Black Hawk's youngest daughter bought her wedding dress there. They had some trouble with the indians so they moved across the river to Erie, where he also opened a store.

From Robert Foskitt of Lake Geneva, FL:

When the Foskitt's left Randolph Co, NY they started out in a covered wagon in the summer time with a barrel of oysters. They didnt go far before they were dumped in the Erie Canal. Hiram had a store in Portland, the old brick building is still (1993) standing. The indians came in one day and left their papoose outside the door. When they went back out the wild pigs had eaten the papoose up. They had an awful time quieting the Indians down. They figured one white should die. After that Hiram moved to Erie.

Cordelia (Foskitt) Seger was a little bit light in the top story; but her husband was very smart, He invented a new advanced type windmill and got it patented and John Deere swiped the patent from him someway and produced them

1855 Census for Whiteside Co., IL
H Fosket
Male 0-10 1
Male 30-40 1
Female 10-20 2
Female 30-40 1

1870 Census for Whiteside Co, Erie Twp
Hiram Foskit 56 merchant born NY
Elizabeth 47 wife born NY
Cordelia 24 dau at home NY
Abner 22 son, clerk in store, NY
Emma* 18 dau, at home, NY
Mina 11 dau, at home, NY

* Is Emma a daughte-in-law

1880 Census for Whiteside Co, Erie, IL
Hiram Fosket 66 farmer born NY father b CT, mother b NY
Jane E 57 wife born NY
Dee D* 67 sister born NY

* Is she actually Hiram's sister or sister in law Deborah Lee? She was b 29 Dec 1812 and died 25 Jan 1890, buried Erie Cemetery.