James Edward Foshier, Sr. 1836-1920

FOSHIER, BARE, WILLITS, COOPER

Posted By: Merllene Andre Bendixen (email)
Date: 3/28/2013 at 11:25:31

Mr. and Ms. Wm. Foshier left last evening to attend the funeral services of J.E. Foshier, the aged father of Mr. Foshier, who died recently at the home of his son in California. Mr. Foshier’s health has been failing fast of late but his condition was not thought to be serious. The remains were shipped to Pleasantville to be laid to rest beside those of his wife. Many in this city have known Mr. Foshier for years as he has spent much time with his son, Wm. Foshier, in this city. The Enterprise office is one of the places where he is exceedingly well known as he visited us often and he was a welcome visitor, as we considered him one of our close friends and was one of the finest characters we have ever met. Of a quiet, unassuming disposition, well read and well posted. He was a staunch Republican, another fact which caused him to visit this office often. (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, October 20, 1920)

J.E. Foshier, Sr. Died in California
Well Known in this City, Where He had Made His Home With His Son, William
Grandpa Foshier is dead. Word of his death was received in this city last Sunday by his son, Col. Wm. Foshier, and the many friends of the deceased were greatly pained to hear of it. He lived to the ripe old age of 84 years and as he expressed it himself while here last summer, had never known a sick day in his life. His death occurred at the home of his son, J.E. Foshier, Jr., at Long Beach, Cal.

Mr. Foshier was born in Indiana in 1836 where he lived until he was ten years of age. At that time he came to Iowa with his parents and settled in the southern part of the state. He was a resident of this state the rest of his life. He went to California in July intending to spend the winter with his son. He enlisted in the 39th Iowa in 1861 and served three and one-half years in the Civil war, making a splendid record as a soldier. Following his discharge from the army, he returned home and in 1864 he was married to Mrs. Trythena Bare the widow of his war comrade who gave his life in Andersonville prison. To this union three children were born, Wm. of this city, J.E. Jr., of Long Beach, Cal., and Mrs. E.O. Willets of Canon City, Colo. The wife preceded him to the better land 14 years ago.

Since the death of his wife, he has spent the most of his time with his son, Wm. and wife at this place. Fully eight months of the year have been spent here and he came to know many people in this community who admired and respected him for his stalwart manhood, integrity and friendliness.

Mr. and Mrs. Foshier left Tuesday evening for Pleasantville, the old home where the funeral services are being held today. They have the deepest sympathy of the entire community in the loss of a kind and loving father. (Vindicator and Republican, Estherville, IA, October 20, 1920)

James E. Foshier Obituary
James Edward Foshier was born in Indiana, Sept. 18, 1836, and died at the home of his son, J.E. Foshier, at Long Beach, California, Oct. 16, 1920, aged 84 years and 28 days.

He came with his parents when a boy about eight years old and located near Drakeville, in Davis county. Here he grew to young manhood and devoted several years of his life as a stage driver before the advent of railroads in Iowa. His stage route touched the towns of Eddyville, Ottumwa, Mt. Pleasant and Fairfield. He drove the regulation four and six horse stage.

When yet a young man deceased moved to Madison county. It was while residing here that he answered his country’s call for volunteers to help put down the rebellion. He enlisted in company A, 39th Regiment, and was a faithful soldier for three and one-half years. At the close of the war he received his honorable discharge and returned to his Iowa home.

July 9, 1866, Mr. Foshier was united in marriage to Mrs. Tryphenia Bare whose death occurred Nov. 6, 1906. To this union three children were born – Wm. Foshier of Estherville, James Foshier of Long Beach, Calif., and Mrs. Lillie Willits of Denver, Col. Besides those he leaves seven stepsons, as follows: Rev. Chas. L. Bare of Bareilly, India; R.W. Bare of Milo; J.O. Bare of Winterset; T.P. Bare of Alaska; R.A. Bare of Beech; O.H. and Dr. E.A. Bare of Pleasantville. He also leaves one sister, Mrs. Jessie Cooper of Liberal, Kansas. All the children and step-children were present with the exception of Rev. Bare of India; T.P. Bare of Alaska; James Foshier of California and Mrs. Willits of Colorado.

Deceased was a member of the Methodist church and lived a beautiful Christian life which was characterized in the way he cared for his seven stepsons and by the ready smile and his wonderful cheerful disposition. He was a kind husband and father, a good neighbor and loyal citizen. Most of his life was spent on the farm and for a number of years he resided in the community just west of Pleasantville. He was one of the trustees who purchased the present beautiful cemetery where his body now resides. He was truly a good man and his friends were numbered by his acquaintances.

The body was shipped to Pleasantville for burial, arriving here Wednesday night of last week. The funeral was held at the Methodist church conducted by the Rev. E.S. MacCartney. He was honored by a military burial at the hands of the American Legion, with Rev. H.G. Barr as commander. The service was a beautiful one ending with a military salute over the grave. Besides the Legion Boys, all of his old comrades of this vicinity who were able to be present, were at the funeral. Music was furnished by a quartet composed of Messrs. F.T. Metcalf, A.A. Badgley, H.G. Barr and C.L. Gose. Members of the American Legion acted as pall-bearers. The casket was draped with the stars and stripes and beautifully decorated with flowers. Interment took place in the Pleasantville cemetery. – Marion County News (Estherville Enterprise, Estherville, IA, November 3, 1920)