Trail of History
Trail of History for Week of March 6, 2008
Mar 7, 2008 - 3:53:48 PM

    The following is from “Civil War Soldiers of Union County,” by Dr. Mary Belle Lontz.
    The G.A.R. post at Mifflinburg was named for William R. Foster and his obit as best I could read, is taken from the Mifflinburg TELEGRAPH, Oct. 25, 1877; many words are blackened out by poor modern copying, so some words are left out as they are not understood.
    It is our painful duty this week to record the death of Major William R. Foster, a representative of one of the oldest, most respected families of Buffalo Valley.
    The name itself, is a historical one, and is identified with the early struggles of America for existence as a nation. Robert Foster, grandfather of the deceased, participated in the Revolutionary War, and after 56 years enjoyment of the blessings of liberty, died Jan. 29, 1834.
    The father of our subject of this sketch, William Foster, was among those who resounded to the call to arms in 1812-1814, and lived to witness the overthrow of the last most desperate attempt upon American institutions. His death occurred, Mar. 27, 1865, followed by that of his wife, Jane (nee Vanvalzah), in September, 1868. To them were born eight children, four of whom are still living (in 1877): Robert, Albert, Hannah, of Mifflinburg, and Mrs. William C. Barber, of Lewisburg.
    Major William R. Foster, was born on the old “Foster Farm,” in Limestone Township, Union County, Nov. 1, 1834 and there passed the earlier years of his life. When a young man he entered the store of William Young, as a clerk, where, by his genial disposition and excellent business qualifications, he soon won the esteem of his employer and the entire community. He was thus engaged upon the breaking out of the Rebellion, when, true to his name, true to the patriotic instincts inherited through generations of warriors, he was among the first, in this place, to take up arms in defense of the grand old flag.
    In September, 1861, he was made 2d. Lieut. of the company from Mifflinburg, recruited by Capt. George H. Hassenplug, which, on the 23rd of said month, was mustered into the U.S. service at Harrisburg, as Comp. E, 51st. Regt., P.V., Col. John F. Hartranft commanding. He remained with his company during its entire term of service—three years, ten months and four days—participating in all its battles, of which the following is a list: Roanoke Island, N.C.; Newberne, N.C.; Camden, N.C.; Bull Run., Va.; Chantill Va.; South Mountain, Md.; Antietam Md.; Fredericksburg, Va.; Vicksburg, Miss.; Jackson, Miss.; Campbell Station, Tenn.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Wilderness, Va.; Spottsylvania, Va.; North Ann River, Va.; Bethsaida Church, Va.; Cold Harbor, Va.; Petersburg, Va.; Fort Steadman, Va.; Weldon Railroad, Va.; Ream’s Station, Va. Although taking active part in these engagements, he passed unscathed through all, save at Antietam, where he was slightly wounded. For meritorious services he was promoted, Sept. 10, 1863, to 1st. Lieut. July 13, 1864, finds him with a Captain’s commission, and by the 13th of March, 1865, had risen to the rank of Brevet Major, being mustered out as such, July 27, 1865. They that knew Major Foster, and they that fought by his side do not ask whether or not these successive promotions were deserved, they knew it—knew that a braver man or better officer never wore the blue or drew a sword—knew that however high the rank conferred upon him, however great the honor heaped upon him, none would have been too high for his merits, none too great for him to wear becomingly.
    They tell us of his kindness to his men; he was of their welfare—how watchful of their real interests, and how in the heat of battle, his qualities as soldier and commander shone preeminent. Possessing as he did in remarkable degree, the rare faculty of coolness in an emergency, his presence of mind never forsook him, and his calm, invincible bravery in the face of every danger won for him the love and confidence of both men and officers. Aye! Maj. Foster was the very _____ _____ of a soldier and his record as such will live as long as his name is remembered. Yes, no less worthy or less pleasant to contemplate were his relations with those whom he met in the ordinary routine of business. The same unswerving honor and regard for what was due his fellow man followed him from the camp to the counting _____ and _____ left him while life lasted.
    A few years after his return home from the war he married Miss Lizzie D., daughter of Major Charles C. and Polly Shriner, nee Derr. Their married life though comparatively short, was all that mutual love and affections could render it, and was blessed by one child, a girl, now about (1877) six years old.
    Since early spring the Major’s health has been failing, and in conse_____, he was compelled to withdraw entirely from business. A consolation, _____ _____ the fact that the dread disease of cancer, in one of its forms, was at work, and that death would surely follow sooner or later. With undiminished courage, the brave soldier, strove against the terrible inroads of the disease until too weak to resist, its influence and about three weeks ago took to his bed, only to be _____ on last Monday, from it to his last resting place, his death occurring on Friday, 19th. To the widow and family of the deceased the sincere, heartfelt sympathy of the entire community is extended. May God grant them power to bear their great sorrow, as becomes the friends of one for whom death had no terrors.
    The funeral service was held at his late residence, on last Monday afternoon, the officiating ministers being, Rev. Grier and Revs. Reys, M’Closky, Reardon, Heisler, and Addams, the former having delivered the funeral discourse which was more appropriate and touching, particularly affecting and consoling when he referred to the last days of the deceased—his readiness to depart, his faith and hope, and his firm reliance on the mercies of God.
    The funeral cortege was an unusually large one, composed of relatives and neighbors and many soldiers of the late war—comprising of his immediate companions in arms of the 51st. Pa. Vol., and the Grand Army organization of Lewisburg.
    It was the request of the deceased that he be buried without display or parade of any kind, and for this reason the customary soldier—honors were dispenses with. True, these honors may have been most fitting, yet, as we witnessed the bowed heads of his comrades over the open grave, one expressed, “No braver heart e’er ceased to beat than that of Maj. Foster’s,” we could not help but think that military forms of respect were there, as they lowered the remains of their late brave companion into the silent grave. A tribute such as this gave bright evidence that the life and labors of Maj. Foster were not in vain. The cause for which he struggles, triumphed—the country was preserved intact—and in God’s providence 4,000,000 bondmen were made free—while the military fame of the lamented dead bequest has a lesson of true patriotism to every one who knows, reads, or hears of his gallant conduct during the late war. Let the memory of his patriotism abide with you for ever and be ye also ready to serve your country and your God.

© Copyright 2008 by Mifflinburg Telegraph Weekly Newspaper