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A substantial and respected resident of Watertown was a pioneer of the city and town and active in promoting the commercial, moral and social welfare of both. He was born 1 August 1777 in Lebanon CT, where his youth was passed upon a farm. In early manhood, he set out for the west and was located for a short time in Oneida County, New York. Mr. Foster was married in the Town of Paris Oneida County New York, on 24 July 1800 to Hannah Hungerford who was born 13 September 1777 in Farrington CT, daughter of Timothy Hungerford and Hannah Heicox, and the sister of Orville Hungerford, she died 16 October 1826 in Watertown New York, and is buried in Brookside cemetery. Jabez and Hannah had thirteen children only five grow to maturity; Gustavus A., Morris, Jabez H., Frederick, Ambrose, Harriet, Elvira who married Henry Smith, and Eveline who married Adriel Ely.
Jabez Foster moved to Turin, Lewis County and all along the way to Jefferson County, was engaged in making potash for the market. This was the chief cash- producing industry of the pioneers of Northern New York. The exact time of Judge Foster's coming to the Black River Country is not known; he may traveled with the Hungerford family since accounts of Orville Hungerford show him traveling with Foster and becoming his clerk as early as 1800.
In 1805, Mr. Foster took up residence in the Town of Watertown at Burrs Mills. He and Thomas Converse as the firm of Foster and Converse operated a large store in which Orville Hungerford he brother in law was clerk. In 1807, Mr. Foster sold his interest to Converse and moved to the site of the present city then largely a wilderness. Here he was a foremost figure in the business circle of that early day. He built and operated a gristmill on the north side of the river and soon added to his enterprises a general store, and was long engaged in business with much success.
His accumulations were invested largely in lands and village lots. He bought land from Hart Massey and erected a fine home on Washington Street between Stone and Clinton Streets, the site now occupied by Edwin L. Paddock residence. Foster built many houses on that street and was an extensive real estate operator in his day. The home of Adriel Ely's joined his on the south of stone construction and very was substantially built. He sold part of his land to the Masonic Order and a temple is to be erected thereon.
When the area was finally established he was appointed, as one of the Judges for the Courts of Common Pleas in 1813, a position he filled with dignity and ability for many years. He was a member of the Board of Supervisors for Watertown in 1827, and for several years President of the Jefferson County Bank, and a factor in making the bank's success.
He was very found of music and when religious services were held at the little school house on the Square he lead the choir. He was one of the founders of the First Presbyterian Church of Watertown, and was among it most faithful members, supervising and donating land for the construction of the church.
His last years were spent at the home of his daughter Eveline Ely on Washington Street; he died while visiting his daughter Elvira, wife of Major Henry Smith at Monroe, Michigan on 10 December 1847. Though his grave cannot be found it is believed he rest beside his wife Hannah within Brookside cemetery Watertown New York. His daughters Elvira Smith, and Eveline Ely and their spouse are also buried at Brookside Cemetery.
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