In 1890 Foote succeeded Bradlaugh as President of the National Secular Society and remained in that role for twenty-five years. His death was related by Chapman Cohen in "The Freethinker" (31 October 1915):  When I saw him on the Friday (two days) before his death he said, "I have had another setback, but I am a curious fellow and may get all right again." But he looked the fact of death in the face with the same courage and determination that he faced Judge North many years ago. A few hours before he died he said calmly to those around him, "I am dying." And when the end came his head dropped back on the pillow, and with a quiet sigh, as of one falling to sleep, he passed away.