Mexborough and Swinton Times June 6, 1925
Dr. J. Foster, of Conisbrough.
An Impressive Funeral
The funeral of Dr J. Foster of Conisbrough, took place on Wednesday. Large crowds of people watched the internment.
The cortege was led by the band of their St. John Ambulance Brigade, playing Chopin’s “Marche Funebre.” Detachments of the brigade from Denaby, Conisbrough and Mexborough followed the band.
Along the streets from the parish church to the cemetery the procession pass through the silent crowds pay tribute to a man who stood high in the esteem of the people of the district. The funeral service was held in three parts, a short service being first held at the residence, The Poplars. At St. Peter’s church the 15th chapter of First Corinthians was read by Mr R. Coleman, and the Vicar, the Rev. W. A. Strawbridge, delivered an address in which he said that Dr. Foster had been “the friend of everybody.” His was an example of constant devotion, and of a keen sense of duty to his family and to the people among whom he lived. His memory would long be honoured.
The flower laden coffin was carried to the grave by four sergeants of the St. John ambulance Brigade, and they passed a lane formed by officers and men of the brigade. After the committal, the “Last post” was sounded. After the internment, the grave was visited by a constant procession of members of the public until late in the evening.
The chief mourners were Miss Foster “sister”, Dr Johnson “nephew”, Mr and Mrs. Hugh Cochran “nephew and niece” Dr and Mrs. W. J. McClure, Dr Garrett, Worksop. Dr Forde, Denaby, Mr Hammond and Mr F. Ogley, J. P.
Doctor. Forster who died on the Whitsunday just after midnight from the effects of a seizure on May 22nd went to Australia as a young man, partly for the sake of his health. Moved by an adventurous spirit, he went “up country” and tried gold mining.
He made a “lucky strike,” and devoted proceeds to the cost of his studies he went to Conisbrough 27 years ago, and entered into partnership with Dr Craik. On the latter’s departure, Dr Foster married a sister of his successor, doctor. McClure.
Dr Forster leaves a widow and two children.