January 27, 1776
Judah Foulke was “much lamented” after his death in January 1776. His obituary showed his dedication to public service, including as sheriff of the city and county of Philadelphia. In fact, that was how many Philadelphians would have been accustomed to seeing his name in their newspapers. Twenty-five years earlier, Foulke used the local newspapers to announce his candidacy for sheriff, writing: “AS this publick method has been made use of, to acquaint you with the candidates for the Sheriff’s office, so I embrace it, to desire your votes at the ensuing election in my favour for that office.” Later, when he was successful in his bid for sheriff, he regularly published notices to the public.
Foulke’s obituary described him as a self-made man who had earned his status “without being indebted to riches or any very extensive literary acquirements. He was described as “candid, judicious, tolerant and inoffensive,” as well as “humane, liberal and ever ready to be serviceable.” He was a friendly man, “convivial, easy and sincere.” His interment at the Friends burial ground was “attended by a very great number of respectable inhabitants of this city.” Through his effusive obituary, Foulke set a standard for the characteristics of a public servant.
The Pennsylvania Evening Post
Printed by Benjamin Towne
On Wednesday last departed this life in the sixty-third year of his age, the much lamented JUDAH FOULKE, Esq; who filled several public offices, and particularly that of High Sheriff of this city and county, with remarkable reputation. Without being indebted to riches or any very extensive literary acquirements he rendered himself acceptable to persons of all ranks. Candid, judicious, tolerant and inoffensive, he conciliated the affections of people of all parties. Humane, liberal and ever ready to be serviceable, he acquired an uncommon share of popular esteem. Convivial, easy and sincere, he was the pleasing companion and the useful friend. Men of showy and refined talents captivate our minds; but persons, possessing qualities like those of the deceased, sieze upon our hearts; nor will their virtues cease to be admired while truth, friendship and sincerity continue to be revered among mankind. His remains were intered on Friday in Friends burial ground, attended by a very great number of respectable inhabitants of this city.
