New-York tribune., 1886-02-27
OBITUARY.
]. P. GIRAUD FOSTER.

j. p. Giraud Foster the well-knOwn lawyer died at
his home, No. 16 East Tenth-st yesterday morning
About a week ago Mr.. Foster had some trouble his
head and it followed by a swelling of his face
which accompanied with sey ere PAIN and intense
Inflammation. The swelling gradually incl eased and
diagnosed erysipelas by his physician. 1t was
considered strange coincidence, that just twenty
years ago he attacked by the disease and his
life waa nearly ended He became so low then that it
was thought he could not recover. but be pulled
through after long period of convalescence This
latter attack was even Il the first and after
few days of suffering is vitality gave OUT IL disease
affected his brain and he died fully If going to
sleep in the presence OF his family.
He was born on April S, 1927, at No. 5 Bowling
Green in what was II ell the fashionable quarter of
this city. His fatler Andrew Foster, came from
Scotland in the last century, widely known as a
shipping mercl ant and is mother the daughter
of Hermanus Ten Eyck lineal descendant of one of
the oldest Dutch settlers at Albany. Mr. Foster at
early age went to school, at private institution u
the neghborood of where Central Park is which
was then considered to be far out in the country.
When he was thirteen years old he had made such
rapid progress in bis studies that be entered Columbia
College lie at once went to the head of the class
mained there during his college course, and was
graduated with the highest bonors in the class of
began the study OF law Harv ard College He stood
high in large class and admitted to the bar in
this State the day before he tweny-one years old,
in 1918
Mr. Foster did not at engage in the practice of
his profession but took great interest in all the legal
discussions Of the time. He made number OF sug
gcston5 in regard TO the practice Of law at that time.
to remedy what were considered TO be serious defects.
His suggestions were highly thought of and In after
years were ad opted by the profession. On February
l. 1852 he founded the firm of Foster a Thomson,
his partner being James Thomson, whD was also
rising Young lawyer his firm in existence up 20
the time OF Mr. Fosters DEATH and il said to be the
oldest law firm i'll which the original partners are SUI
alive in the city The firm grew RAPIDLY into prom-
ncucc and secured the confidence OF lfrge centage
the respect o the bar ere for fair and up
right dealing at all times lbey were the counsel oi
the Louisville and Nashville and other railroads.
aud the Wa-hin on Life and number OF other d"mes-
tic tOreign insuranc companies. Mf. roster palu
special attention 10 the of c. WORK and the preparation
of Deadngs and such legal ac1men did he display IN
this branch of the business tnat II was rare hng Tor
a demurrer be sustained in court against anything
that hc had prepared. lie had profound grasp OF
the underlying principles OF the law, and rare per
cepton of their practical application. lie Mas eSpecl-
aliv well in the nircacrs of Insurance law and
litigation and his familiarity with this subject made his
services especially valuable to the insurance com
panic, which he repre,cntcd. He was also well versed
in real estate law and h- opinions The value OF real
estate in this CITY were taken as the bass % many ih-
vcstmrnts wLich proved exceedingly valuable.
Tie wa. devoted to his profession and took great
delight N the discussion of legal puncples. 10 young
LAWYER, he was especially kind and vas always ready
aud willing d lend them the assistance OF his valuable
experience He had large circle OF friends and when
among them he forgot the dry facts ot the law ana
entered with ze-t into every amusement and enjoyment.
He lived a bachelor llte for many and during
that period was connected cVth many social organl-
cations. lie member OF the OIL Ne" l0rk OIuO'
tue hnicaerbocker and New-lOrk Yacht Clubs the
Zodiac Club and the Union Club. of which he was
governor Tor "a number of years. lie narred the
Widp,y OF Br Grorgp /. Elliot aud : pleasant was
their home h" that he 10 say that the bachelor
life thar he had lived fer 80 many Years was tuu OF
misery lie was exceedingly positive in his conyic-
tiou- but his opinions were always formed dclib-
cratrv and when they made mp he clung To them
teuaciol,ly lie philautnroplc. and dispensed
his charities modesty. but without stint. Friendly
with every one he had warm place in many hearts
and hi, cheerful disposition will he missed by all who
knew him ilIs wife anu tour 7tep-childrcn survive
hm.
HIS funeral will take place at Grace Church on Mon
day at 10 a. III.