Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1899-09-01

Herbert G. Foster was born in wa
terville in May. 1850 ana is the son OF
Hon. Moses q. Foster. He attended the
Watcrville public schools and gradual
"a from the High school at the com
plctiOn Of that course. During his
school course he was looked on as one
OF the most promising young men in
the school and everyone predicted bril-
liant future for him. He preferred the
life Of a business man to a professional
and a. once went TO work with his
father.
soon after entering on a business life
he was made member of the firm of
NJ G. Foster & Son, contractors and
builders. the firm name remaining III
to the time Of his death. Thorough and
conscientious in all his work. whether
for the firm or any Of its customers
he had won the respect and admiration
of every one. He was in every sense OF
the word what is termed a hustler.
When other means seemed to fail his
pluck and perseverance carried him
through 50 that it was seldom if ever
that piece of work was not finished
inside the specified time
While a driver and almost merciless
with his own self. yet with his work
men he was the first to recall that they
had rights 30 be respected. AS the re-
suit he could obtain more work from 4
crew of men than almost any one else
and at the same time the men had the
highest admiration and respect for him
There was but one relaxati ton he al
lowed himself from his business and
that was his society work. When a
very young man he showed a great in
terest in military matters and during
the administration of Gov. Seldom Con-
nor. was commissioned captain Of the
Lithgow Light Guards, a commission
that he held at the time of his death.
He carried the same love for mill
tary matters into his secret society
work ana in his odd Fellow work.
went through all the chairs in the sub
ordinate lodges and in the Canton Hal
flax held all the important offices. be-
ing captain of Canton Halifax. These
offices We're not of his own seeking but
were given him as a recognition of his
ability and knowledge of military mat
tiers. So well was he recognized that
he continued to step upward.
being made a major. colonel
and finally brigadier general of the
Cantons of the Department of Maine.
This position he held at the time of
his DEATH
In Masonic matters his record was
very similar. He had always taken
great interests in these matters and
was a member Of ST. Omer Command
cry. X. T., Shriner Of the Kora Tenn
pie, and had taken the 32nd degree in
Masonry.
In October 8. 1885. he married Edith
Ford. the daughter Of Mr.. and Mrs. Ell
lis Ford of this city, and to them five
children We're born, three Of whom
are now living. They are Helen. aged
IA; Philip, aged 10, and Donald, aged
5. These with his sisters. Mrs. j. F.
Hill. Mrs. w. G. Philbrook, Mrs. Frank
Redington and Mrs. Fred J. Arnold of
this city. and Mrs. f. f. Stevens of
survive him.
OF his work all those for whom he |
has erected buildings have the high |
nst words of praise. Among his most |
important work is that of building the |
Eastern Maine hospital in Bangor. and |
t was while building the addition to |
MS HOSpltal tndl ne was taken SICK. |
nearly five months ago. His work had !
received the most favorable mention |
rom the Legislative committee ap- |
pointed to look after the work and al |
30 from His Excellency, Gov. Powers
himself.
There is but slight question that the !
primary cause of his death was over
work. He never allowed himself any re
aXation from his business. a vacation
vas something unknown to him. It was
business first, last and always. During
he whole of his business career he never
ound himself in Il place where he could
ct his business cares go from his mind.
lie was taken sick II weeks ago and dur
NJ the first part Of his Illness his mind
vas not in a normal condition. During
he first part of his illness he was uncon
cious. Two weeks ago his condition was
ven worse than usual and IL was thought
0 be only a question Of few hours be,
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