John McKinney Foster (1839-1909)

FOSTER, SIGARS, MOONEY

Posted By: Dorian Myhre (email)
Date: 2/23/2025 at 14:05:39

From Jewell Record October 28, 1909 (page 1)

OBITUARY

Father Foster, an old pioneer, has passed away and will be seen on our streets no more.

J. M. Foster was born in Gaililee [sic] county, Ohio, Nov. 8, 1839, and died in Jewell, Iowa, October 18, 1909. He lacked but three weeks of reaching the three score years and ten of man's allotted time on earth.

When an infant, his parents moved to Sturgis, Mich., and when 13 years old again moved to Blandinsville, Ill. There he grew to manhood and was married to Miss Sarah S. Sigars. To this union was born six sons and one daughter, all of whom were present at the funeral except Sidney, of Mayflower, Neb., and Edith, now Mrs. A. E. Mooney, of Underwood, S. D.

In 1864 he moved his family to Iowa, settling in Ellsworth township, Hamilton county. At that time this county was but a vast, unsettled prairie. Mr. Foster came here in a wagon train, before the time of railroads. He lived to see the country thickly settled and prosperous, and his funeral cortege was composed of automobiles; a striking illustration of the development of less than half a century.

Mr. Foster was always public spirited and worked for the best interests of the community. He was one of the most active and tireless in doing the work that resulted in brining the first railroad into this community. He was an earnest supporter of all reforms, and at all times was to be found on the side of truth and righteousness.

In the year 1869 he was converted to a belief in the Christian religion and helped to organize the pioneer church society of this community. He was ever an active worker in the church serving long in an official capacity. Of his Christian character little need be said. His life spoke for itself. We need only to add that the faith and trust which kept him in life were with him in the last hour.

His beloved wife, who has been his faithful companion for nearly fifty years, mourns the loss of an unusually devoted husband. He was ever a kind and indulgent parent.

The funeral services were held at two o'clock Thursday afternoon, Oct. 21st. Rev. Koepple, a former pastor, officiating. The remains were laid at rest in Evergreen cemetery by kind friends and old neighbors, to all of whom the family extend their heartfelt thanks.

A good man has gone from this life to his eternal reward.