The New York herald., 1877-11-02
HON. A. d. FOSTER.

The business men OF tho city Of Montreal learned
with and surprise OF the sudden death of the
Hon. \. B. Foster tho great Canadian railroad mag
nate. He LETT North Troy, the scene of the troubles
upon the line Of the Southeastern Railway Wednes-
day morning, and came over the line OF the South
EASTERN arriving In Montreal in the evening.
Ho took his supper, as usual, al the ottawa Hotel
He then went to his room, with his friends, Mr.
O'Haileran, President OF tho Southeastern Railway
Dr. smith and Mr. GoH still feeling indis-
posed, he asked Mr.. Gof If he would
get him bowl OF ginger tca. This was
obtained. About hall-past eight ar Asa b. Foster,
Jr, aud Mr. Chaffee came 10 the hotel to him,
they expected his arrival As soon deceased's
had gone to his ia,hers room he called back and told
Mr.. Chancc that his father was sick, having had an
attack OF heart disease from which be had been
suffering for years As he had had many
similar attacks before medical advice vas
summoned; but his son obtained bottle Of Jamaica
ginger, bathed his feet ia hot water placed hot
nannels upon his chest. He was soon very much
evcd and lay quite easy SO much SO that Mr. ChaGce
had a conversation with him business matters,
which lasted for twenty minutes or ha an hour His
head was as clear as IL ever was. He subsequently
ell asleep Mr. Chance LETT him at half-past twelve
very comfortable. Mr.. Fosters renamed in the
room ana lay on a sofa Dir Chaiee also offered TO
STOP but Mr. Foster Jr, did not think 1t necessary
AT three a. M no got up and talked with father,
who was rently all right but said was of
having another attack The patient then went TO sleep
was ~ snore. Between half.paSt three ana
four his son discovered that he was making gurgi1g
or stertorous noise, and woke Mr. o. IIaoran
aud Mr. GoH who slept In adjoining rooms. Dr.
Howard and another physician sent for, but be-
fore their arrival Mr. Foster was dead HIS lhysician
had warned him not to over-oxort himself or
allow himself TO get excited, but course this was
almost impossible during tie exciting times through
winch he recently passed. The Hon. A. B. Foster
the son oi the late stephen Sowcll Foster, and was
born IN the southern part OF the OF Vermont.
When only four years Of age young Asa b. Foster
moved TO the Eastern Townships, where the family
has since rcmaiDed. Deceased when quite young,
went with his uncle, Mr.. s. r. BeIxnap 10 the United
states ana devoted his tlmo to the
1t his nc work, having been Tor forty
years engaged IN building ana running railways.
Alter spending fifteen years IN tho United states
lie returned TO Canada, where he was actively en-
gagged Tor the last twenty-five years During this
time he carried on 10 completion some heavy
works-among others the Shciord and Cnambly Rail
way, the southeastern Railway, nity miles OF Tho
Canada central, and ne had completed contracts
the Grand Trunk Railway, between Richmond and
Quebec, AT the time o, his death lie le contract
Tor the extension Of the Canada Contral 10
Lake Nipissng aud the competition OF link of
the SOUTHEASTERN Railway, between Waterloo and
Acton. In pubic affairs he took Keen interest,"
and about twenty years ago was elected member or
Parliament Tor Shcnord, defeating in the contest the
Hon. l.. T. Drummond. After serving about Two years
hc resigned his seat but subsequently elected
tho Legislative Council for Bedford district under the
old union He served faithfully In that House uul tho
confederation was achieved, when he was appointed
Senator from Bedford III the Dominion Senate. This
position ne neld until about two years ago. when he
voluntarily resigned IL in order 10 carry out his