The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1897-10-15

Maury County is one of the richest and
biggest and best counties in Tennessee. 1t
would be an exaggeration to say that any
one man knew every other man in this
county, but it may safely be said that few, if
any, can come nearer to it than Mr.. Joe M.
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
nearly every home in the county. Upon
state" occasions-that is, the Heraid's an
nual picnic reunion he is the " Master of
Ceremonies" There are few men better
known, few better liked, none more trusted,
and what he says the Herald Internationally
ana unequivocally, will vouch for.
TO see him now IN perfect health and
energy, one would not think that two and
a half years ago he was bed-ridder
invalid, a 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 hundred friends will testify to it.
1t was peculiar affection he had, and his
cure was marvellous, his recovery nine
tenth century miracle. And that others
may enjoy the blessings of the wonderful
medicine which beyond the peradventure OF
q doubt-under Gods, Distinguishing his
life, Mr.. Foster-not desiring publicity but
with the hope of doing good-has con-
scented to tell of his sickness and his cure.
1t was in the fall of 1892 he was taken i'll.
He was farmer then, and had spent the day
exposed to the weather and working in the
field, and for five hours was in the mud, in a
stopping position. In a few days thereafter
he had a peculiar feeling in his feet and
hands; they became numb and felt as il
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. l had dreadful con
striction around my body, and as l grew
worse this extended up, cutting off my
breathing ;; it finally got within few inches
of my throat and it was with difficulty thai
1 breathed at all. At irregular intervals
body and limbs, and for at least five months
I was perfectly helpless, and man servan
was kept in my room day and night to turf
me in bed and wait upon me. -
"In the earlier part of my illness my fee
felt as if was walking bare-footed on stit
carpet. Soon / could not walk at all In tn
dark, and could not even stand alone witt
my eyes shut. l rapidly grew worse, ant
soon my limbs refused to carry me. Final.
I lost my sense of feeling or touch, ant
could not tell when my feet were agains
each other, but felt all the while as if the.
were being pulled apart.
Gin the beginning I had called in m,
family physician, very successful practl
toner. He put me on treatment, with in
structions to keep very quiet. But I contin
ued to grow worse, and in about six weeks h
told me, candidly and honestly, that he ha
done his best, that he had also advised wit
some of Columbia's leading physicians, giy
ing them my symptoms, but that he c0ul
do nothing for me and it was useless for hiI
| to try any further. He and the physician
with whom he advised pronounced my di
ease locomotor ataxia, and incurable.
| O"He told my friends they could try any
thing they wished, and then I began tryin
everything that was suggested. tried di
| ferent kinds of electricity-belt pads SHOCK
ing machines and electropoise, with number
less kinds of medicines. both internally an