Henry Donnel Foster (December 19, 1808 – October 16, 1880) was an American lawyer and politician who served three terms as a Democratic member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania from 1843 to 1847, and from 1871 to 1873.

Early life

Henry Donnel Foster was born on December 19, 1808, in Mercer, Pennsylvania, to Samuel Foster. His mother's maiden name was Donnell. His father was a lawyer. Foster pursued classical studies and graduated from the College of Meadville. He studied law, was admitted to the bar in 1829.

Career

After graduating, Foster commenced practice in Greensburg, Pennsylvania. He worked as a solicitor for the Pennsylvania Railroad.

Congress

Foster was elected as a Democrat to the Twenty-eighth and Twenty-ninth Congresses.

Later political career

He served as a member of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives, representing Fayette and Westmoreland counties, in 1857 and 1858. He was an unsuccessful candidate for election to Congress in 1858. He was also an unsuccessful candidate for Governor in 1860. He unsuccessfully contested the election of John Covode to the Forty-first Congress.

Return to Congress

Foster was again elected to the Forty-second Congress. He was an unsuccessful candidate for reelection in 1872.

Later career

Foster resumed the practice of law in Greensburg until 1880.

Personal life

Foster had at least two children, Emily and Lizzie. He was the cousin of John Cabell Breckinridge.

Death and burial

In 1879, Foster moved to Irwin, Pennsylvania. He died on October 16, 1880, in Irwin. He was interred at St. Clair Cemetery in Greensburg.