Biographical Sketches
WILLIAM DAVIS FOSTER, M. D.
One of the most eminent members of the medical profession and successful practitioners of Kansas City, was born in Van Buren county, Iowa, on the 7th of September, 1841, and is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Kummler) Foster.
His father was a native of Vermont, and during the war of 1812, as a member of the American army, fought in the 2nd encounter with England. His wife was born in Perry county, Pennsylvania, and was of German lineage. They were married on the 5th of April, 1830, and in 1837 emigrated to Iowa, which was then a territory. The father died in Birmingham, Van Buren county, that state, in November, 1855. He was a very prominent man, possessing superior intelligence and ability. A graduate of Yale, he was familiar with 6-7 languages, and possessed broad general information and ripe scholarship. For many years he was county judge of Van Buren county, Iowa, and throughout his life was a stalwart advocate of Democracy. There were only 3 white families living in Van Buren county when he took up his residence there in 1837, and his nearest neighbor was 6 miles away. The Indians, however, were very numerous and the wild and undeveloped land was unmarked by any trace of civilization. Mr. Foster took a very prominent part in the work of upbuilding and progress, and his name is enrolled among the pioneers of the Hawkeye state. His wife long survived him, finally passing away in Marion county, Missouri, in 1886, at the age of 94 years. Their family numbered 6 sons - Joseph, born January 21, 1831; Hiram I., born August 2, 1832; Judah H., born July 14, 1834; Benjamin U., born February 8, 1837; James, who was born August 24, 1839, and died on the 24th of December, following; and William Davis, of this sketch.
The Doctor acquired his literary education in the public schools and academy of Birmingham, Iowa, and to fit himself for the practice of medicine, which he determined to make his life work, he entered the office of the late Dr. David Prince, the distinguished surgeon of Jacksonville, Illinois. He began his studies in 1857, but circumstances prevented him following a continuous course. He, however, made the best of his opportunities, and in the winter of 1860 attended medical lectures in the University of Pennsylvania.
In the early spring of the following year, the country became involved in civil war, and with the blood of Revolutionary forefathers flowing in his veins, Mr. Foster with patriotic ardor entered the army, and in addition to aiding his country he made rapid progress in his studies under the able guidance of Elery P. Smith, surgeon of the 7th cavalry, Missouri volunteers, at the same time gaining an experience which was of incalculable benefit to him. With the opening of the campaign in 1863 he was commissioned surgeon of that regiment, thus serving until the close of the war. During the active operations of the forces in Missouri, Arkansas and Louisiana, Dr. Foster was engaged with various boards of operating surgeons, his duties being the examination of applicants for discharge on surgeon's certificates, for transfer to the invalid corps, for leave of absence and for furloughs on surgeons' certificates of disability. After the battle of Lone Jack, Missouri, on the 16th of August, 1862, he assisted in the organization of the hospital at Lexington, and after the battle of Prairie Grove, Arkansas, December 7, 1862, he aided in the organization of the hospitals at Fayetteville, that state. He was present at the capture of Little Rock, and during the military occupancy of that city was in the hospital service there.
The �bloodless battles� of the war were often as arduous and dangerous as those that took place on the field, and the part which the army surgeons performed in the service was no less beneficial to the country than that of him who carried a rifle in the ranks. His labors have not as often been made the theme of story and song, but they are no less worthy the gratitude of the nation. When the war was over, Dr. Foster located in Hannibal, Missouri, where he entered into partnership as a practitioner with Dr. George B. Birch, now deceased. During his residence there the question of homeopathy came prominently before him, he began research and investigation along that line, and becoming convinced of its superiority he began practice as an advocate of the new school. By reason of his active temperament, industry and aggressive course he speedily built up a large and lucrative practice, and in 1869 he was graduated at the Homeopathic Medical College of Missouri, in St. Louis.
In 1881 Dr. Foster became a resident of Kansas City, and soon was recognized as one of the most skilled and prominent surgeons of the western part of the state. He was called to the chair of surgery in the Kansas City Homeopathic Medical College in 1889, and is still filling that position, while at the annual election in April, 1894, he was elected dean of the faculty. The phenomenal growth of this institution is largely due to his energy, influence and perseverance. He keeps himself thoroughly abreast with the times, is an advocate of all advanced surgical methods and an enthusiast on the subject of asepsis and antisepsis. He has a large private practice and visits all parts of the west in consultation and operations. Dr. Foster is a valued member of various medical organizations, and is recognized authority on many matters pertaining to his profession. He is a senior member of the American Institute of Homeopathy, belongs to the Missouri Institute of Homeopathy, is a member of the Kansas State Homeopathic Medical Society, is a member of the International Homeopathic Medical Congress at Basle, in 1886, and is chief surgeon of the Kansas City, Osceola & Southern Railway.
In 1878 Dr. Foster married Mrs. Christe Farwell, a native of Yonkers, New York. Socially, he is connected with the Masonic lodge of Hannibal, Missouri, belongs to the Loyal Legion, of Missouri, is a member of the National Association of Railway Surgeons, and holds membership in various other benevolent and fraternal organizations.
His success in life is an example of the power of patient purpose, resolute working and steadfast integrity. In his character he combines the qualities of mind and heart that render him deservedly popular, and secure to him the warm friendship of all who enjoy his acquaintance.
This page was last updated August 2, 2006.