Obit: Foster, Dennis B. ( – 1905)

Contact: Michelle Melcher
Email: michelle@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Foster, Bryan

----Source: Fairchild Observer (Fairchild, Wis.) 12/7/1905

Foster, Dennis B. ( – 28 NOV 1905)

Dennis B. Foster died at this home in this village Tuesday morning, Nov. 28, at 8 o’clock. He was born in Rockland, Brown Co., Wis.

The end came after many weary months of suffering from tuberculosis of the bowels.

Funeral services were held at the home under direction of Rev. Bryan Wednesday afternoon at three o’clock. The body was taken to Fort Howard, Mr. Foster’s old home, for internment, where are buried his father, mother and three brothers.

Mr. Foster’s illness was of long standing but the serious nature of his ailment did not appear until about six months ago since which time he failed rapidly until death ended his sufferings. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Marion and Jean, and one son, Abijah.

In the death of D.B. Foster, Fairchild loses one of its most prominent and useful citizens; one who was always interested in the welfare and progress of his beloved village and of the common wealth at large, for he was too broad minded a man to allow his sympathies to be circumscribed by the narrow limits of locality.

Mr. Foster was well known throughout this county and section and had hosts of friends everywhere.

Among the many public positions he held was that of Supervisor of Assessments for Eau Claire county, he being the first incumbent of the important office under the law. In this office he had no precedents to follow, he must needs blase the way, and by his integrity and ability de did work that must prove of lasting benefit in solving the vexed questions of equal and just taxation in this community.

For years Mr. Foster had been deeply interested in all matters pertaining to scientific and practical agriculture. During a number of seasons he was engaged in conducting farmers institutes throughout the state, in which he won the golden opinions.

One of the saddest features of his untimely death was the call from labor just when he had his farm and buildings fitted for engaging in the occupation he loved best, that of dairying.

The honesty and integrity of D.B. Foster were never questioned. In public and private life alike he never allowed the fear of enemies nor the favor of friends to become a factor in questions of just and upright dealing.

The confidence and esteem of his friends and neighbors were shown by the fact that for the past ten years he has been treasurer of the village, which office he held at the time of his death.

His candor and fairness compelled and won the respect even of his enemies.

During the long and tedious illness of Mr. Foster no word or complaint was heard to pass his lips. No man ever faced death more bravely and resignedly than he. He looked upon death as a removal from one scene of labor to another under orders of a Supreme Commander, who had a right to direct and who should be cheerfully and loyally obeyed.

Mr. Foster was essentially a home man. While he loved and was interested in men, he cared nothing for the shams and frivolities of modern society. He seemed to realize that he could not tarry long and wished to make each moment count for the best of life.

He was a born democrat, having all confidence and faith in the great masses of humanity. The only aristocracy he recognized was that of merit.

Here, indeed, was a man, when comes such another?

CARD OF THANKS
We sincerely thank the kind neighbors and friends who so faithfully assisted us during our recent sorrow.
Very gratefully,
Mrs. D.B. Foster and family