Franklin FOSS, James M. Men of Vermont: Illustrated Biographical History of Vermonters & Sons of Vermont. Ullery. Brattleboro: Transcript Publishing Company, 1894, pp 142-143 (portrait p 142) James M. FOSS, of St. Albans [Franklin County, Vermont], was born 06 January 1829 at Pembroke [Merrimack County], New Hampshire, son of Jeremiah and Clarissa (MOORE) FOSS. He was educated at Pembroke Academy, until his seventeenth year, when he determined to supplement his academic instruction with practical information in a direction that would fit him for the business life to which he had resolved to devote himself. To his end he commenced an apprenticeship in November 1846 in the machine shops of the Concord Railroad Company, at Concord [Merrimack County], New Hampshire. From 1850 to 1862 Mr. FOSS worked as a machinist and locomotive engineer on the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad, acquiring a thorough familiarity with the details and practical knowledge of the construction and operation of railroad machinery. During the last portion of his service, he was in charge of the shops of the Boston, Concord & Montreal Railroad. From 1862 to 1865 Mr. FOSS was master mechanic of the Boston & New York air line, in connection with the Back Bay Company. In March 1865 he returned to Concord, New Hampshire, as master mechanic of the Concord Railroad, where he remained until June 1868, at which time a larger field for the employment of his ability in his special line was afforded him, and he accepted an offer for the management of the Vermont Central Railroad Company, as its master mechanic. In 1873 Mr. FOSS was made superintendent of the motive power and machinery of the Central Vermont system, which comprised the Vermont Central, Vermont & Canada railroads, the Rutland, and other leased lines. During this period the corporation constructed its own locomotives, some half hundred of which were turned out under the supervision of Mr. FOSS. His efficiency as a railroad man was recognized by his promotion in 1879 to the position of assistant general superintendent, which was followed by a further advancement, in 1885, to the office of general superintendent. This appointment he held until 1892, when impaired health compelled him to resign. But the corporation with which he had been connected for so many years was loth to part with his services, and he remained in its employment in the capacity of assistant to the president, a position in which the benefit of his advice and judgment could be availed of, while he could be afforded more leisure than was possible while performing the more active duties of general superintendent. This position of assistant to the president he still retains after nearly a half century of active railroad life. On 15 November 1855 Mr. [James M.] FOSS was married to [his first wife] Ellen A., daughter of John V. and Laura BARRON, who died [Ellen A. FOSS died] in April 1871. For his second wife he [James M. FOSS] wedded, 18 September 1874, Mrs. Sophia H. (CHESTER) LOCKLIN, widow of H. H. LOCKLIN, daughter of John and Mary CHESTER, natives of England and residents at Dudswell, Province of Quebec [Canada]; of this union there is one son, James Barron FOSS, born 17 August 1876, who, with Hortense H. LOCKLIN, daughter of Mrs. FOSS, constitute the family. Mr. FOSS is a believer in the great industry of Vermont farming, and has a large area of land under cultivation, located on the road from the village [St. Albans] to St. Albans Bay. His business life has demanded all his time, and he has found no opportunity to mingle actively in politics, but he has always manifested a loyal allegiance to the principles of the Republican party. He is a member of St. Luke's Episcopal Society, and contributes generously to its support. Mr. FOSS is a member of the several Masonic bodies, and has attained to the 32nd degree in that fraternity. He possesses a genial, social nature, and enjoys the quiet entertainment of a few friends at his handsome and hospitable home. Submitted by Cathy Kubly