Alfred Gaither Foster (1826-1866) of Lexington, NC, was the son of Sarah Gaither (1796-1890) and merchant Robert Foster (abt. 1792-1890). Known as Alf, he entered the University as a sophomore in 1841, joined the Dialectic Society, and graduated with third honors in 1844. In 1849 he married Letitia Harper Gray (1826-1860). He became a lawyer, served in the NC House of Commons in 1850 and 1856, and represented Randolph County, NC, in the 1861 Secession Convention.