Emily Eveline Messersmith, daughter of Angeline and Thomas J. Messersmith, was born at Hannibal, Missouri December 2, 1864. She passed from this life June 13, 1940, at the age of 75 years, 6 months and 11 days.

When three years of age she went with her parents to a place between Albia and Ottumwa, Iowa. Ten years later they moved to South Bend, in Sarpy county, Nebraska.

She was united in marriage to Stephen G. Foster, June 18, 1884, at Odell in Gage county, Nebraska. In 1886 they came to Frontier county, purchased the rights on a timber claim north east of Stockville and lived there for 18 years. They moved to their present home north of Cambridge in the spring of 1905, where they have since lived with the exception of a few years spent in Cambridge.

Their home was blessed with ten children, all of whom are living except Tobitha, who died in infancy in 1893, and John who passed away September 6, 1926. Her father and mother, three sisters, Christina Thompson, Orpha Armstrong and Catherine Hart; one brother, Marion, also preceded her in death.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband, three sisters, Mrs. Amanda Kelly of Weatherford, Okla.; Mrs. Mary Bray of Omaha, and Mrs. Lucy Adkisson of North Platte; five brothers, Tommie of Malmo, Minn., Harry of Farnam, Lonnie and George, of Mountain Grove, Missouri; children, Nellie Garman of Cambridge, Edgar of Cambridge, Elsie Adams of St. Paul, Nebr., Vine Summers of Independence, Ore., Elvin of Cambridge, Emma Meyer and Mrs. Dena Foster of Independence, Oregon, twenty-five grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, many nephews, nieces, other relatives and friends.

Mrs. Foster joined the Methodist church at Odell, Nebraska. She was active in Sunday School work in District 56 while they were on the homestead. They worshipped with the Afton Congregation when they moved to their present home. The Foster home has always been known for its hospitality. Many people found Mrs. Foster more than just a neighbor. She was mother and counselor to many beside her own family. She leaves a place that cannot be filled, yet the best of all that she meant will always remain, namely, the inspiration, good will, faith, hope and love which she gave to all who knew her. This poem by J. G. Holland is illustrated by her life:

Heaven is not reached by a single bound;
But we build the ladder by which we rise
From lowly earth to vaulted skies,
And mount to its summit round by round.

The Cambridge Clarion 55(27):4 Thursday, June 20, 1940