Foster, John P.

The death of John P. Foster, November 5, 1886, was an anticipated event. 118 His sickness being caused by Bright's disease his death was considered certain at a not very remote day, and the family and friends were in a measure prepared for the summons; none more so than himself, who talked of his departure and planned for his funeral as he would transact a matter of business. In all matters pertaining to the welfare and growth of Pontiac Mr. Foster always put his shoulder to the wheel of progress, doing his full share in the advancement of the material interests of the city. His active and earnest efforts in public affairs led to his political preferment and he served as alderman one term, was township treasurer several years when the duties of the office extended over the city, was several times elected ward
treasurer, was also constable for a number of terms, and deputy sheriff under one or more administrations. His pet interest in the city government was the fire department, which he patronized and served during his entire residence in the city, having been its head and chief some 27 years, resigning last season on account of poor health. To this department he devoted special attention, was its head in the change from the volunteer to a paid department, and in the organization of the present force, in the purchase of
steam and other apparatus he was the leading spirit and manager, and may be considered the founder of the present efficient department. He always possessed the confidence of the firemen and in emergencies his orders were promptly obeyed and executed. In his death the boys feel they have lost their best friend and ablest adviser and leader. He was a prominent and respected member of all the Masonic bodies in the city, and had been anointed in the order of high priesthood. In the local orders he had filled the offices
of master of the lodge, high priest of the royal arch chapter, and eminent commander of Pontiac Commandery. From the tessellated pavement to the temple he was an active and earnest worker, attached to the order and its principles. He was also an Odd Fellow, but in late years had not been in intimate affiliation. In 1861 he enrolled himself in the 14th Michigan infantry Co. I, with the commission of first lieutenant under Cols. Shoemaker and Robert W. Davis. After an organization and brief camp in Ypsilanti, the regiment joined the department of the Tennessee. After a few months spent in active service he was taken sick, resigned and came home. From this time to the day of his death he never recovered from the seeds of disease engendered by climate change and exposure. Mr. Foster was born in the county of Kent, England, January 1, 1826, making his age nearly 61 years. When a child of about two years his parents emigrated to America, stopping at Utica, New York, when they came to Michigan and Oakland county, where
the father, Horatio, located 40 acres of land in Independence. From the humble log house home with all its 119 embarrassments and privations he began his limited schooling in the old pinery school house which his father built near the village of Clarkston. At the age of 16 years he entered the shoe shop of William Blake, as an apprentice, working a couple of years, when he changed his occupation to that of carpenter, working for his elder brothers, Samuel and Frederick. He remained with them two years, when he went to Detroit and entered a joiner's shop for instruction in the fine arts of the trade. He remained in Detroit a year when he came to Pontiac in the fall of 1849, entering the employ of Samuel Brotherton, the leading builder in the village of Pontiac. He was married in Detroit, October 24, 1850, to Delia E. Whitman, who survives him. From 1849, except when absent in the army, he lived continuously in Pontiac until his death. At the time of his
decease his death was the first in the family, making the loss one of inexperienced family grief, increasing the weight of sorrow and mourning. The deceased leaves a widow and four adult children, three daughters and one son. He leaves one brother, Frederick Foster, of Springfield, the only surviving member of the elder Foster family. By care and industry he accumulated sufficient of this world's goods for the support of his widow and dependent
children.