The Chariton Leader, Chariton, Iowa Thursday, December 10, 1908 H.O. PENICK sends the Leader a copy of the New Orleans Daily States, in which we find the following sketch concerning the death of MRS. FOSTER, mother of U.S. Senator FOSTER, and the grandmother of MRS. PENICK: "Announcements made in the press dispatches from Franklin, La. of the death of MRS. MARTHA P. FOSTER, the venerable mother of United States Senator MURPHY J. FOSTER, came as a shock to the many friends here and throughout the State. Although she had lived more than a decade beyond the Scripture span of life, MRS. FOSTER, up to the period of her last illness, was remarkably active and alert both mentally and physically. MRS. FOSTER was one of those grand dames who had come down to us from the elder day, whose life was filled with good works and kindly deeds and who lingered among us bringing sweetness and beauty into the lives of those she touched. The art of growing old gracefully and beautifully has seldom been so perfectly exemplified as it was in the life and character of this splendid Southern matron. With her young sons she went bravely through the trying period of the war, her husband and all her relatives who were old enough having taken up arms in the Confederacy. The most pathetic part of the war is not the long and toilsome marches, nor the dreary bivouac in some inhospitable country, nor yet the charge amid fire and blood upon the battle field. The real tragedy of war is worked out in the life of the sad-eyed, patient woman who, in her desolate home surrounded by helpless and hungry children, sits longing and waiting with tired hands and aching heart for news from the loved ones at the front. MRS. FOSTER went through this supreme trial with heroic heart and unfailing optimism, and after the war was over, with her soldier-husband she took up cheerfully the battle of life anew. Five sons survive her, the eldest of whom, United States Senator MURPHY J. FOSTER, has long been a leader in the public affairs of the State, the others being successful business and professional men. All her life she was a devoted Christian, and in her daily life reflected the truth and beauty of the principles which she so perfectly illustrated. Her death will be mourned sincerely by thousands whose sympathy will go out to the bereaved family in their deep affliction." -------------------------------------------------------------------- Copied by Nancee(McMurtrey)Seifert April 16, 2005 iggy29@rnetinc.net