The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1896-04-23

Maury County is one Of the richest and
biggest and best counties in Tennessee. II
would be an exaggeration to say that any
one man knew every other man in thi:
county, but it may safely be said that few
If any, can come nearer TO it than Mr.. Joe
NJ. Foster, whose home is at Carter's Creek
and who is now connected with the Herald
In the interest of the Herald he has visited
nearlyevery home in the county. UpOr
state" occasions-that is, the Hcralds an
nual picnic reunon--he is the Aiaster Of
Ceremonies" There are few men better
known, few better liked, none more trusted
and what he says the Herald, Internationally
and unequlvocally, will vouch for.
To see him now in perfect health and
energy one would not think that two and
half years ago he was bed-ridden invalid
physical wreck, whose family physician
loved ones at home, and friends all thought
was soon to be called hence. But such is
the case, and not only he, but his family and
n hundred friends viii testify to it.
1t was peculiar affection he had, and his
cure was marvellous, his recovery a nine
teenth century miracle. And that others
may enjoy the blessings of the wonderful
medicine which beyond the peradventure of
n donbt-under Gods Distinguishing his
lie, MI TOSteI-HOt utslIlHB Dub
with the hope of doing good-has consented
to tell of his sickness and his cure.
1t was in the Fall of 1892 he was taken
i'll. He was a farmer then, and had spent
the day exposed to the weather and work
ing in the field, and for five hours was in
the mud in STOPPING position. In few
days thereafter he had peculiar feeling in
his feet and hands; they became numb and
felt rs if asleep.
But, perhaps, it would be better to let Mr..
Foster tell his own experience, and this is
what he says:
Following the numbness of my feet and
hands, that numbness spread until my whole
body was paralyzed ] had dreadful con-
striction around my body, and as L grew
worse this extended mp, emitting off my
breathing; it finally got within few inches
Of my throat, and it was with difficulty that
/ breathed at all. At irregular intervals l
had lightning pains throughout my entire
body and limbs and for at least five months
/ was perfectly helpless, and q man servant
was kept in my room day and night to turn
me in bed and wait upon me.
In the earlier part of my illness my feet
felt as if | was walking barefOoted on a stiff
carpet. Soon / could not walk at all in the
dark, and could not even stand alone with
my eyes shut. rapidly grew worse, and
soon my limbs refused to carry me. FINALLY
/ lost my sense of feeling or touch, and
could not tell when my feet were against
each other, but felt all the while as if they
were being pulled apart.
In the beginning had called in my
family physician, q very successful practi-
toner. He put me on treatment, with in
structions to keep very quiet. But contin-
ued TO grow worse, and in about six weeks he
told me, candidly and honestly, that he had
done his best, that he had also advised with
some of Columbia's leading physicians, Civ
ing them my symptoms, but that he could
do nothing for me and it was useless for him
to try any further. He and the physicians
with whom he advised pronounced my dis
ease locomotor ataxia, and incurable.
ale told my friends they could try any
thing they wished, and then began trying
every thing that was suggested. tried diff
ferent kinds of electrieity-belt pads, shock |
ing machines, and electropoise-with num-
berless kinds of medicines, both internally |
and externally, but all to no effect, until, |
about April 1st, 1893, cousin, Mr.. A. N. /