Silas Foster, another old soldier, answered the last roll call last Friday morning, the funeral being held at 4 o’clock Sunday afternoon, old soldiers acting as pallbearers. While not a member of the G.A.R., Mr. Foster was an old soldier and had served in Co. C, 21st Michigan volunteers, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. He was born in Orleans County, N.Y., and when quite young moved with his parents to Michigan. He was married to Mary Smith in 1866 and moved to Burt County, Nebraska, a few months later. In 1872 they moved on a farm in this county where they resided until about three years ago when the family moved to Blair. Deceased leaves a wife and daughter and two brothers living in Michigan.

#2 The following is from June 5, 1912, Pilot newspaper

Silas Foster died last Friday morning, after an illness of about six months with kidney trouble. He had been up and down during that time and was around the house recently, but he was taken suddenly worse about a week ago and died Friday morning at about six o’clock. The funeral was held at the residence at 4 o’clock Sunday afternoon, Rev. G. W. Stansbury officiating. Six of his comrades acted as pallbearers. Mr. Foster was born in Orleans County, New York, June 26th, 1844, and was therefore almost 68 years of age. He moved with his parents to Michigan in early life and was there married to Mary Smith in 1860. They came to Burt County shortly after their marriage and in 1872 came to this county, settling on the farm four miles northwest of town which was their home when about three years ago, until they moved to Blair. Besides a widow he leaves but one child, Mrs. Jas. Dowling, who lives on the old farm northwest of town. Their only other child, Mrs. Nat Cole, died recently leaving but one son, Glen, their only grandson, and Mrs. Dowling has one daughter, the only granddaughter. He has two brothers living in Michigan. Mr. Foster served about three years in Co. C of the 21st Michigan Infantry, and was under command of Sherman in his famous march to the sea. He was a good soldier and a good citizen and his death will be mourned by many friends with whom he served and helped during his long life.

#3 The following was in the Tribune newspaper on June 5, 1912

Death of Silas Foster

At his home near the west school house, on Friday morning, May 31, occurred the death of Silas Foster, who had been in bad health for some time, the result of exposure and wounds received in the Civil War.

The deceased was born in Orleans County, N.Y., January 26, 1844. The family moved to Michigan in his early life, where he grew to manhood and was married to Miss Mary Smith in 1867. To this union were born two children, daughters, one dying about 21 years ago.

In 1872 the family came west, settling in the Burt County, and ten years later they came to Washington County. In 1910 they settled in Blair.

Silas Foster was a soldier in the Civil War, serving in Co. C., 21st Michigan. He was enlisted in August 1862, and received an honorable discharge in June 1865. Upon entering the service he was chosen color bearer and his Company was presented with a silk flag by Ladies of Iona, Mich., which he carried through many engagements, but finally receiving a wound at the battle of Stone Ridge, was forced to hand to another temporarily. Finally the flag was riddled and torn to shreds and all that was ever returned was a piece or two sent home by Mr. Foster in an envelope. The deceased was chosen for the position of color bearer by reason of being tall and erect and a fine specimen of physical manhood.

Of Silas Foster it has been said that he was a conscientious, kindly man; good to his family, and an honorable citizen in every way. He was not a member of any church but believed in Christianity.

Besides receiving a bullet wound at Stony Ridge, he received a saber cut on one shoulder and had a leg broken on other occasions.

The funeral occurred Sunday at 4 o’clock at the home conducted by the Rev. G. W. Stansbury. Burial was in Blair Cemetery. The deceased leaves a widow and a daughter, Mrs. Belle Dowling, and other relatives to mourn his loss.

~~~Obituaries courtesy of the Nebraska Washington County Genealogical Society. Newspaper clippings on file in the Public Library, Blair, Nebraska~~~

FindaGrave # 8594487