Foster, Collins H. 1840-1901

FOSTER, REYNOLDS

Posted By: Reid R. Johnson (email)
Date: 9/16/2020 at 14:39:30

Elkader Register, Thur., 28 March 1901. McGregor column.

Collins H. Foster, a veteran of the Civil War, about 60 years old, died Saturday night. For three weeks his death had been hourly expected, as he has been very ill for a long time. His funeral was held in the M.E. church Monday afternoon, attended in a body by the Odd Fellows and Rebeccas, of which orders he has long been an honored member. Very many friends were present to do this last service to one who has been a resident here for many years. He leaves a widow, a brother and sister to mourn his death.

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Added by S. Ferrall 9/16/2020:

C.H. Foster was born in Laporte, Indiana, Dec. 14th, 1840 and departed this life in McGregor, Iowa, on March 24th, 1901.

He came to Iowa in 1849 and settled in West Union, Fayette Co. He was married on Nov. 11th, 1865 to Maggie Reynolds. Of this union there were born to them two boys and one girl, all of whom had preceded the father to the great beyond. Willie who was born on Feb. 7th, 1867 and died Dec. 4th, 1882. The daughter was born on Mar. 30th, 1868 and died Oct. 26th, 1876. And Leon who was born Jany 12th, 1870 and died in 1897 aged 27 years and 6 months.

Brother Foster moved with his family to McGregor in 1884.

In 1861, the month of May, he entered the army, and after a service of three years and seventeen days, was honorably discharged in June 1864. He belonged to Co. F, 3rd Iowa.

While in West Union 1884, he was converted and identified himself with the Methodist Episcopal church of which church he continued a member till God took him. His religious experience had been somewhat clouded for some time, but a few days before his departure, the clouds lifted, the sunlight of Gods smile broke upon his soul, and with words of confident expectancy which will ever remain a strong consolation to the widowed heart that bleeds today, he passed to his reward.

The services were held at the M.E. church which was filled to the doors with sorrowing friends. Rev. Smith officiating. The Rebeckas and Odd Fellows attended the services in a body. He was laid to rest with the Odd Fellows beautiful service.

He was an old and honored member of Itasca Lodge having joined the Lodge by card in 1887. He did not miss a meeting if he was able to get out, and was always prepared to take part in any of the work where help was needed. He will therefore be greatly missed by the lodge and especially so by the young folks, with whom he was a special favorite, being of a jovial nature, he was always ready to please them.

He also held numerous offices during his residence here and as always ready to do his part whenever he was called. C.C. Weber acting as funeral director.

"Weep not that his toils are over,
Weep not that his race is run;
God grant that we may rest as calmly,
When our work like his is done."

~McGregor News, March 27, 1901; pg 5