FOSTER, George

FOSTER, FERRIS, DIXON

Posted By: Lynette Edsall (email)
Date: 7/9/2006 at 18:11:23

Cherokee Democrat, February 27, 1895

DEATH OF G.T. Foster

The Distinguished Citizen Passes Away After a Brief Illness

Last week THE DEMOCRAT had a sorrowful duty to perform in noting the dangerous illness of townsman Geo. T. Foster. This week the task is a harder one-that of chronicling his death. The ink was scarcely dry on last week’s paper when the news of his death was spread, he having passed away at 1:30 on Wednesday. While our people were prepared for the worst, his death was a great shock to the community. Mr. Foster’s death had been poor for some time, and when the dread disease pneumonia laid hold of him he succumbed quickly. He was on our streets as late as Friday previous to his death, but was a sufferer more than even his intimate friends know. His real condition was kept from his family so long as strength endured.

The deceased was a little over 42 years of age. He was born at Lancaster, Wis., in 1852. He located in Cherokee in 1881 and for eight years held the position of principal of our public schools. His work there is a lasting monument to his memory. Previous to leaving the schools he had been a close law student and was soon admitted to the bar. Had his life been spared he would soon have taken front rank in his profession. Something his character may be gleaned from the funeral sermon of Rev. W.L. Ferris, which is given below. He leaves a devoted wife and three children: Harold, aged 12; George, aged 6 and Fannie aged 10.

The funeral service was held at the Congregational church at 9 a.m. on Thursday. The public schools were closed for the day, and most of the business houses closed during the services. Several hundred people failed to gain admittance to the church. The funeral was conducted with Masonic honors. There were many costly and beautiful floral tributes, among which were the following: (a long list of tributes)

Mr. Foster’s remains were taken to Potosi, Wis., for burial. Supt. Dixon kindly furnished a special car and several masons accompanied the funeral party as far as Dubuque.

Reverend Ferris’s eulogy ends the notice.