The Vermont watchman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1883-1911, 1903-03-05
IN MEMORIAM.
Affectionate Tribute to Joel Foster,
BY an Old Friend and Former
Townsman.

Editor Watchman and Journal: AS
one of the few survivors of the resi-
dents of Montpelier contemporary
with the settlement of Joel Foster as
a citizen thereof, it seems fitting that
my tribute to his memory be added to
that so generously bestowed in the
city he loved and served so well.
Living on Barre street when he
came to Montpelier in 1S49, it was
my good fortune to become acquaint-
ed with him at once. and although
he was my senior by some years his
young disposition leveled the dispar-
ity in our ages, and during the period
betw cen 1859 and 1870 we were near
neighbors and fast friends. My leav-
ing Vermont in 1870 severed our per-
sonal association but not the friend
ship. and the occasional letters which
he found time to indite were always
full of the bouyancy of his happy dis
pc ;ition. No young man could know
Joel Foster intimately and not be
strongly influenced by his character
istic temperament.
His belief in and adherence to the
truth at all times and under all
circumstances, his unfailing hope, his
overwhelming sense Of justice, his
never ceasing charity and kindness
to all, his lofty ideals of life, his
gentleness and forbearance under the
most trying circum stances, his strong
sense of duty to man and his Maker,
his conscientious ambition to deserve
we'll of his country and people, made
him at once a leader among men. 1t
is pleasure to here testify to the in
fuence of these qualities upon my
young life, and whatever degree of
success it has been my good fortune to
achieve so far in life s journey, can
in measure be attributed to that in
fuence. These characteristics made
him at once the prudent and energetic
business man-too generous perhaps,
for his own pecuniary benefit-the
trusted public official, the reliable
neighbor. friend and adviser and the
kind and loving husband and father.
"reminiscences of his life are num-
erous and many have been recalled
since lis death. Well do l remember
the fire in the -four mill, now part
Of the Cotton Manufacturing Com
pany's works-the disappearance of
Joel Foster, with hose pipe in hand,
in the burning building, to be seen
no more until the blackened walls
only remained to testify to his signal
skill and fidelity as fireman.
1t was during the momentous peri
cd of 1861 Go that Joel Foster per-
formed his most conspicuous service
to his town and country. 1t would
require chapters to note the list of
deeds performed during this eventful
period One act may be mentioned as
being typical of many. Subsequent
to the st. Adams raid enlistments
were made for presumptive service on
the border between Vermont and Can
ada. Authority was given Joel Fos-
ter to raj Sc company in Montpelier
and vicinity for that service. With
his usual energy he enlisted the COM
pany and went with it to Rutland.
The mastering officer, for rea sons oh
vious at the time, delayed mastering
the company until it seemed to re-
quire heroic treatment to secure that
result. 1t was in emergencies like
this that the great resources of the
man were brought out. He left Rut-
land after dark, in the midst of a
blizzard. carried by fleet pair of
hor SEES and accompanied by driver.
crossed the mountain to Woodstock,
interviewed Gen. P. T. Washburp at
midnight, returned to Rutland before
daylight with peremptory order to
the provost marshal to muster in his
company at nine O'Clock a. IN. A
sixty mile drive but it mustered his
company.
His life in Montpelier in recent
years had been an open book. The
results accomplished remain as mon
ument to his energy and genius. His
sturdy life is ended.
Joel Foster may never have made a
profession of religion-it was not
necessary The admonition of the
poet was always with him, being a
part of his very existence, and he
lived so that when The summons
came to join the innumerable cara
van, he went without fear and
trembling. His noble spirit has passed
over to the other side, not perhaps
to take its place with kings and po-
tentates, but let us hope with it's kind.
"And is mine one?" said Abou. Nay
not So
Replied the angel. Abou spoke more low
But cheerly still, and said, ~ pray thee,
then,
Write me AS one who loves his fellow men,
The ANGEL wrote and vanished The