Life story shared by Paul Beecroft
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
FREDERICK GEORGE
THE BELOVED SON OF
DANIEL & SARAH FOSTER
WHO ENTERED INTO REST
JUNE 11TH 1905, AGED 25 YEARS
ON THAT HAPPY EASTER MORNING
ALL THE GRAVES THEIR RESTORE
FATHER MOTHER SISTER BROTHER
MEET ONCE MORE.
ALSO OF DANIEL
THE BELOVED HUSBAND OF
SARAH FOSTER
WHO ENTERED INTO REST
MAY 5TH 1910, AGED 61 YEARS
JESU LOVER OF MY SOUL
LET ME TO THY BOSOM FLY
ALSO OF SARAH FOSTER
THE BELOVED WIFE OF
DANIEL FOSTER
WHO ENTERED INTO REST
FEBRUARY 15TH 1927 AGED 76 YEARS
“AND IN THE MORN THOSE ANGEL FACES SMILE
WHICH I HAVE LOVED LONG SINCE, AND LOST AWHILE.”
LOVINGLY REMEMBERING ARTHUR CHARLES FOSTER
A MOST DEARLY LOVED HUSBAND
AND DEVOTED FATHER
DECEMBER 25 1877 – AUGUST 5. 1947
AND ALICE MAUDE FOSTER
WIDOW OF ABOVE
A VERY TREASURED WIFE AND MOTHER
JUNE 16. 1875 – MARCH 25. 1949
Daniel FOSTER was born on 20th January 1849 in Caversham, which at that time was part of Oxfordshire. He was baptised in Caversham on 11th February 1849. His parents were William and Elizabeth FOSTER. William worked as an Agricultural Labourer. In 1851 the family were living in Chalk House Green. Daniel at the time was the youngest of five children. In 1861 the family have moved and are now living at Fullers Farm in Tokers Green. Daniel is now 12 years old, and the census shows that he was working as an Agricultural Labourer, and three more children have been born.
On 17th April 1869, Daniel joined the Reading Borough Police as a probationary constable. He was given the shoulder/collar number 4. He was described as being 20 years and 4 months old, 5’ 9’’ tall, florid complexion, light brown hair and grey eyes. On the 2nd August 1869 he was appointed as a permanent constable. He would advance steadily being promoted to 2nd class in December 1871, first class in February 1872 and Merit class in April 1875.
Daniel’s career in the Reading Borough Police Force was to last for 33 years. During his time he was involved in many incidents or cases, too numerous to mention all of them. Many of the cases he dealt with were high profile for Reading, often tragic and as many police officers before and after him were subject of assaults.
On Friday 21st April 1871 Daniel was assaulted. The assault was reported in a local newspaper:-
ASSAULTING THE POLICE. – Albert Jeffrey was charged with being drunk and assaulting the police. P.C. Foster said that on Friday night he was called into the Britannia public-house, Caversham-road. Defendant was there drunk, and annoying the customers. Witness requested him to leave, but he refused. On removing him from the house, defendant struck him a severe blow on the head. Fined 5s. and 7s. costs; in default, to be committed to 14 days’ hard labour.
The census for 1871 shows Daniel is residing at the Police Station in London Street with a number of other police officers.
In December 1872 Daniel married Sarah Ann HODGES in Hungerford. The couple most likely met in Reading as Sarah worked for a Clergyman and resided at 2, Albion Place, Reading. Their marriage was to bring them six children – Ernest Albert (1875), Arthur Charles (1877), Frederick George (1880), Ada Maud (1886), Daniel Sydney (1889) and Eva Violet (1892).
In May 1874, Daniel was again assaulted:-
RESISTING THE POLICE.- Henry Rackley and George Gardner were each fined 17s. including costs, for inciting George Barnet to resist P.C. Foster in the execution of his duty. George Barnet, who did not appear, was sentenced to two months’ hard labour for striking P.C. Foster on the same occasion.
In June 1874, Daniel dealt with a man who attempted to kill himself. Attempted suicides in those days could and often did result in prison sentence. The following was reported:-
ATTEMPTED SUICIDE OF A SWEEP. – George Cox apparently between 20 and 30 years of age, was brought up in custody charged with having, on the night of the 30th June, attempted to kill himself by cutting his throat.
P.C. Daniel Foster said that about 12 o’clock on the night of the 30th June he was called into the shop of Mr. Barnes, in Friar-street. He found the prisoner in a room upstairs with his throat cut. He was struggling with two men, who were holding him down. The surgeon was sent for, and he advised the prisoner’s removal to the Hospital. He also said the prisoner was drunk, and that it was not a very serious wound. He was accordingly taken to the Hospital, where he had been till that morning. Witness said he had frequently seen the prisoner drunk.
Mr. Barnes, for whom the prisoner was sweep, stated that when the prisoner was under the influence of drink he was unanswerable for his actions. When sober he was a very quiet man.
Remanded to the Gaol for a week.
In April 1875 another of Daniel’s cases was heard by the Borough Magistrates’ Court:-
RIOTOUS CONDUCT.- Elizabeth Evans and Frances Turner, women of ill-fame, were charged with riotous conduct in King’s-road, on Thursday night. The charge was proved by P.C. Foster, who said that the defendants used very obscene language. The defendants were each committed to 14 days’ hard labour.
Joseph Page, labourer, was charged with having incited the woman Evans to resist P.C. Foster, whilst in the execution of his duty. Fined 5s., and 6s., and in default committed to seven days’ hard labour.
In March 1877 and incident occurred at 2, Eldon Place, Reading. Daniel and Sarah were now living at 4, Eldon Place. Sarah was at home when eleven year old Jane Lyne came to her for help. The incident resulted in an Inquest held at the Spread Eagle in Reading which was reported:-
An inquest was held before Mr. W. Weedon on Saturday, on the body of Eliza LYNE. Jane Lyne said – I am granddaughter of the deceased and I am eleven years old. My father is George Lyne. Grandmother lived with us. The chimney was on fire about 11.30 yesterday morning. Grandmother was going to throw some salt up when she said to me “My head is so bad; take hold of my hand,” and she fell down at once. I fetched a neighbour immediately. Grandmother often complained of pains in her side and head. Sarah Foster said: I am the wife of Daniel Foster, a policeman. We live next door to the Lyne’s. The last witness called me in yesterday morning. I found the deceased on the floor, face downwards. I and a neighbour moved her and found she was dead. The chimney was on fire at the time when we moved the body, thinking she might be burnt. The deceased has been our neighbour four years. Since Christmas last she has been ailing. I have heard her complain of her head and side…….
Mr. Oded Lowsley, surgeon, said: I was called to the deceased about 11.45 yesterday morning. I went at once and found her quite dead on the floor. There was no burn or anything unnatural about her. I think most probably she died from disease of the heart accelerated by the fright of the fire. A verdict of “Died of disease of the heart” was returned.
On Saturday 1st June 1878, Daniel was again assaulted when he went to the aid of P.C. Charles Rendall in London-street. Henry Duckett was drunk and disorderly and had bitten the officer on his hand, punched him in the eye and whilst on the ground the officer had been kicked on the chin and leg. He was arrested with the help of Daniel and while being carried to the police station he kicked Daniel three times and again hit P.C. Rendall. The case was proved following the witness testimony of two civilian witnesses. Duckett was fined 6s. 6d. and 3s. 6d. for being drunk and disorderly and £1 and 7s. 6. Costs, or in default a month’s imprisonment for the assault on the police.
The census for 1881 shows that Daniel and his family are still resident in Eldon Place.
Daniel was well thought of by the senior officers of the Reading Borough Police and also by the Watch Committee and consequently on 25th July 1882 he was promoted to Sergeant.
On 27th August 1886, once again, Daniel was assaulted and on this occasion it was quite bad.
CHARGE OF ASSAULT. – George Benham was brought up on remand from Monday, charged with assaulting P.S. Foster while in the execution of his duty, in Silver Street.
P.S. Foster sad that on August 27, about eleven o’clock at night he was on duty in the London Road, and heard a policeman’s whistle. He ran as fast as he could to the bottom of Silver Street and he saw P.C. Lewendon struggling with a man named Smith, who had been dealt with by the Bench. He went to the constable’s assistance. There was a crowd of forty to fifty persons round them. Complainant was stooping down to Smith, and he received a violent kick from someone behind him. He also had a severe blow on the head from some hard substance, which knocked off his helmet, and just afterwards he was struck on the top of the head with something hard, causing a wound and loss of blood. He went to a doctor and was ordered home. He was off duty ten days in consequence of the wound he received. He was also kicked about the legs and body. The prisoner they had in custody was one taken from them.
P.C. Lewendon gave corroborative evidence. He saw Benham in the crowd. Benham kicked P.S. Foster violently whilst he was stooping down. Benham also struck witness and kicked him. . . . .
Sarah Wilmott, of 21, Silver-street said she saw the crowd trying to get the man away. She saw Benham there and noticed that he struck at the police but did not see anything in his hand.
Mary Ann Belcher stated that the prisoner admitted to her that he struck the policeman with the heel of his shoe.
Rhoda Benham, the defendant’s mother, stated that she was in the crowd at the time the police were interfered with. He son did not do anything while she was there. Her son left before she did.
Olive Cook, living at 43, Silver-street, said she was present during the row. She saw the constable struck with a crutch and a stick.
The prisoner [Benham] said he did not hit the constable with a crutch but with the heel of his shoe.
The Chairman said the prisoner was not accused of using the crutch, and the evidence they considered conclusive against him. There was a lot of previous conviction against him, and they could not give him less than three months’ hard labour. He was liable to six months’ imprisonment.
Although no mention was made at the time, it was later revealed that he suffered a fractured skull.
On 10th May 1887, Daniel was called to a body in a meadow. The dead man does not appear to have ever been identified. The witness who found the body stated at the inquest, which was held the following day, that he had been walking along the New Road from Reading to Caversham-road when he saw the body in the meadow by the side of the hedge. As he did not answer him, the witness got over the hedge and found that the man was dead. He was lying on his side, an umbrella was near him, and his clothes were in good order, and there were no signs of any ill treatment. The witness then went to the police station.
Daniel went to the scene together with an ambulance. He examined the body which was slightly warm but there were no signs of any struggling or ill treatment. The body was taken to the mortuary and searched and £1 1s. 3d. was found but no clue to his identity. Every inquiry has been made in Reading but there was still no clue as to who the person was.
Dr. C.H. Tench examined the body and confirmed there were no marks of violence and although the deceased was thin, he was well nourished but thought he was delicate, aged about twenty-eight years old and nothing to show what the cause of death was.
The Coroner recorded a simple verdict of “Found Dead.”
On 16th June 1890, Daniel had to deal with a very similar case when another body was found but on this occasion it was a baby. The local newspaper reported following the inquest:-
AN INFANT IN A BUNDLE. – An inquest was held before Mr. Wm. Weedon on the body of a male child unknown, at St. Giles’ Coffee House on Wednesday. – Mr. Wm. Geo. Lyster said: I am post master here. At 11.30 on Monday morning last, when in my ground at Whiteknights, I saw a bundle on the grass near the stream from the lake. I went to the gardener and asked him if it was his. He said it was not, and he had not seen it. We then went to the bundle, and on opening it we found it was the body of a child. I told him to stay by it while I went for the police. I brought a constable up and he took charge of it. . . .
Daniel Foster, police sergeant in the borough force, said: I was called to the body on Monday morning last at 11.45. I went at once, and took it to the mortuary. Every inquiry has been made, but no trace as to whom it belongs can be found. In my opinion the body could have been easily thrown there.
Mr. W.J. Maurice [Doctor] said: The body was brought to me on Monday morning. It is that of a male infant, well developed. It was quite cold, but there were no signs of putrefaction. It could not have been dead more than three days. It was a newly-born child. It had not had the proper attention at birth. I have no means of knowing whether it was born alive. There was no mark of any importance on the body. The verdict was “Found dead.”
On 7th October 1890 an incident occurred at Daniel’s home which was reported in a local newspaper:-
ACCIDENT. – On Tuesday evening Mr. George W. Langford, of 4, Cholmeley-terrace, went to Sergeant Foster’s house in Eastern Avenue to report having found a dog; and as he was leaving slipped down the steps and met with injuries of a serious matter.
There were no further reports regarding this, and it is assumed that he made a recovery.
On 18th November 1893 a theft occurred at Reading Old Cemetery and Daniel appears to have been in the right place at the right time.
STEALING SHRUBS FROM THE CEMETERY. – A WARNING – Sydney Smith, of 18, Castle Street, gardener, was charged with having, on Monday, unlawfully stolen two shrubs, value 3s. the property of Reading Cemetery Company.
Mr. Gibbs, superintendent of the Cemetery, said the company brought this case before the Bench in consequence of the many complaints made of shrubs being stolen from the Cemetery, and they had suspicion that these small jobbing gardeners appropriated these shrubs to their own use.
Thos. Lever, of 63, Belmont Road, said that at 1.10 p.m. on Monday he saw the prisoner in the Cemetery. His suspicions were aroused, and he watched him. He saw the defendant, who had a fork in his hand, go to a grave and dig up a shrub that was growing. The defendant had a basket with him, and he put the shrub into it. He had other shrubs in the basket. He followed the defendant, who walked away to the Wokingham Road side of the Cemetery. Sergeant Foster apprehended the prisoner when he got outside the Cemetery.
P.S. Foster said he saw the prisoner coming out of the Cemetery with the basket. Witness asked him what he had in the basket, and he said, “Only a few flowers.” Witness opened the basket and found four shrubs and a rose tree at the bottom. He sent for the Superintendent of the Cemetery, and afterwards took the prisoner into custody. On charging him with stealing the two shrubs and the rose tree, he said he did not steal the rose tree.
The defendant denied the offence. He was convicted and fined 10s. or, in default, seven days’ hard labour.
On 22nd November 1893, Daniel was once again involved in investigating the death of another baby. He was called to 76, Hamilton Road, following the discovery of a newly born female in the garden. It transpired that Eliza Goff, 18 years, a domestic servant living at the house had given birth and had hidden the body in the garden. The body was examined by Dr. Maurice who stated there were bruises on the head and some of the bones being separated as though the head had been crushed. He did not think the injuries were accidently inflicted. An inquest was held, and the jury returned a verdict of “Died from injuries, but whether caused during or after birth does not clearly appear.”
On 27th December, Eliza Goff appeared in court having been charged with feloniously and of malice aforethought killed and slayed her infant female child. The court were told the Mrs. Kingett of 76, Hamilton Road had found blood splattered on the table and floor in the scullery. Mr. Kingett had then found the body wrapped in an apron in his garden and had called the police. Local newspapers reported on the case which in part reads:-
Dr. Maurice said he made a post mortem examination. He examined the lungs and found that they had been fully inflated with air. He came to the conclusion that the child had breathed. He found a small bruise over the right ear. There was no wound beneath the scalp. Some blood was extravasated and some of the bones of the skull were fractured. The brain was crushed and practically disorganised. He came to the conclusion that these injuries were caused whilst circulation was still going and that great violence must have been used to produce them. They were not such as could be caused by the process of birth. The injuries might have been caused by some heavy pressure being brought to bear, such as a knee or a hand. He was not able to say whether the child lived after complete birth or not.
P.S. Foster proved being called to the house and finding the body in the garden at the rear of the house. He went to the prisoner’s bedroom and told her what he had found, and she admitted being the mother of the child, but said she did not know she was likely to have one. On the next day he charged her, but she made no reply.
There is no mention of Eliza Goff giving evidence or any explanation of what occurred when she gave birth. The magistrates then retired to consider the case and on their return the Chairman addressing the prisoner, said the Bench had decided to release her upon the charge of wilful murder, but she would be charged with concealment of birth. It is highly likely that there was insufficient evidence to confirm that the infant was alive when the injuries were caused.
In February the following year, Eliza Goff appeared at the Berkshire Assizes. The following was reported:-
THE CONCEALMENT OF BIRTH AT READING. – Eliza Goff, domestic servant, surrendered to her bail, and pleaded guilty to endeavouring to conceal the birth of her illegitimate female child at the parish of St. Giles, on 22nd November last.
Mr. A.H. Spokes, who was counsel for the prosecution, did not wish to press the case, and said the prisoner was of the very best character.
His Lordship said it was a very sad case. Prisoner had had up to the present a most excellent character, and had now the prospect of another situation. She had already been severely punished for her misconduct. She must go to prison for a week.
In October 1897 Daniel found a soldier’s uniform in Whiteknights Park and consequently arrested William Sayers, alias Partridge and charged him with being a deserter from the Royal West Surrey Regiment. The prisoner admitted the clothing was his and he was remanded in custody. Two months later the War Office rewarded Daniel with the sum of 15s. for apprehending the deserter.
Daniel had a long career with Reading Borough Police and in 1902 he was preparing for retirement. In January of that year the Watch Committee held a meeting and recommended that upon the understanding that Sergeant Foster, a section sergeant (who had been in the force for nearly 33 years), retires at the end of six months from this day, his present pay be now increased to 39s. per week, the maximum pay for ordinary sergeants.
Daniel did then retire on 26th July 1902. The following was reported in a local newspaper:-
RETIREMENT OF SERGEANT FOSTER OF THE BOROUGH POLICE.- Many of the residents at the east end of Reading will learn with much regret that Sergt. Foster, who has been for so many years connected with the Reading Borough Police is retiring from the force. After over 33 years’ service Sergeant Foster felt that it was now time that he retired, and, accordingly about three months ago he sent in his resignation to the authorities. Yesterday he bade farewell to the force, and he retires with the good wishes, not only of the members of the force, but also of the residents at the eastern end of Reading, where he had lived for over 15 years, and where he is well known and highly respected. Sergeant Foster has held the rank of Sergeant for 20 years, 15 years of which he has been in charge of the district at the eastern end of the town, and during his term of service he has been successful in bringing to justice a number of notorious swindlers and criminals. He has served under three chief constables, and has several times been complimented on the way in which he has carried out his duties.
Just a few days later, Daniel and his family travelled to New Radnor, Powys and on the 5th August their son Arthur married Alice Maud NIBLETT in the Parish Church. It is then believed that the couple lived in Reading as they had two children and both were born in Reading.
Following Daniel’s retirement the family moved from Eastern Avenue just a short distance away to ‘Wyburne,’ 17, St. Bartholomew’s Road.
On 11th June 1905, the family suffered a personal tragedy. Their son Frederick, who had been ill for some months, passed away. He was 25 years of age. His funeral took place at St. Stephen’s Church, and he was buried in Reading Old Cemetery. Frederick had been a teacher at Reading Blue Coat School for three years and then became an assistant master at St. Paul’s Schools in Wokingham. He was also the former captain of Wokingham Town Football Club.
The following month, their son Ernest was married in Hungerford to Alice Kate MILLER a school teacher. Ernest was a soldier with the Royal Regiment of Artillery having joined in 1900. They do not appear to have had any children.
On 5th May 1905, Daniel passed away. He was 61 years old. A full report appeared in a local newspaper following his funeral:-
The death of Mr. Daniel Foster, of 17, St. Bartholomew’s Road, on Ascension Day, was a source of very deep regret at the eastern end of Reading, where he was well known and highly respected. Mr. Foster was formerly a member of the Police Force, in which he attained the rank of sergeant. He served for over 33 years and retired in July 1902. By his genial and tactful manner Sergeant Foster gained many friends during the 15 years he was stationed in the eastern section, and he displayed great ability in the detection of crime. A policeman’s lot is not always happy, and among Sergt. Foster’s unpleasant experiences was a disturbance in Silver-street, where his skull was fractured as the result of a blow from the knob-end of a drover’s stick. The funeral took place on Tuesday, the first part of the service being at St. Luke’s Church and the interment at Reading Cemetery. A contingent of the Borough Police under Inspector Elsbury was present, and other members of the Force who attended were Capt. Henderson (Chief Constable), ex-Insp. James and Chief-Insp. Lickley. A large number of other friends were also present and all members of the family.
Arthur died in 1947. During his working life he became a Director of a Tea Company (Salmon Ltd.) in King’s Road. His wife Alice passed away in 1949. Both are buried in Reading Old Cemetery with Daniel, Sarah and Frederick.
Their other children Ada, Eva and Daniel all married and had children. Ada died in 1962, Eva in 1979 and Daniel in 1923. All are buried elsewhere.
Division 68, Row D, Plot 9