Springfield-Greene
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JESSE J. FOSTER, JR. A strict adherence to a fixed purpose and faithfulness to duty, backed by correct individual habits of life, have been dominating factors in the career of Jesse J. Foster, Jr., for a number of years one of the successful educators of the locality of Strafford, where he later worked in the United States mail service and where he is now postmaster.
Mr. Foster was born on A farm in Webster county, Missouri, August 26, 1875. He is a son of Jesse J. and Elizabeth (Turner) Foster. The father was born in Webster county also, near the town of Seymour, in 1846, and was reared in Marshfield, county-seat of that county, and there he received his education. He began life for himself by teaching, which he continued three years. When eighteen years old he enlisted for service in the Union army under Colonel McMahan, in 1863, and served creditably for two years, being honorably discharged at the close of the war at Springfield, Missouri, after which he returned to Marshfield, then located on the James river in Greene county, where he engaged in farming. He later moved to the village of Henderson, where he operated a store, then moved to another in Greene county, where he continued to reside until three years ago, he moved to Colorado, in which state he now resides. He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal church. His wife was born in Missouri in 1848, was reared on a farm and educated in the district schools. She taught school three years before her marriage. Two of her brothers were in the Confederate army and were wounded. She is a member of Missionary Baptist church. Eight children have been born to these parents, namely: John D. is the oldest; William F. was well educated and taught school a number of years before his death; Joseph F. Was next in order of birth; Jesse J., Jr., of this sketch; Mrs. Mary A. McKerall; Mrs. Bessie Killian; Grace is teaching music in Colorado; Sarah is teaching school in Colorado.
The subject of this sketch was reared on the home farm and he was given the advantages of a good education. He began teaching school when young, which he followed with marked success for eight years, after which he began carrying the mail, remaining in this work for a period of nine years, giving entire satisfaction to the people and the department at Washington. In February, 1914, he was appointed postmaster at Strafford, having passed a successful civil service examination for the same, and he is proving to be an alert, capable and popular postmaster.
Mr. Foster was married to Florence Hankins, who was born in Greene county in 1875, and she grew to womanhood in Strafford, and received a common school education here. She is a daughter of William T. and Mary (Comstock) Hankins. The latter is deceased, but the father is still a resident of Strafford. Mrs. Foster is a member of the Baptist church.
Two children have been born to our subject and wife, namely: Joseph W., born May 1,1904; and Helen, born August 30, 1906.
Politically, Mr. Foster is a Democrat. Fraternally, he is a member of the Masonic order and the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He belongs to the Baptist church. He is active and influential in the affairs of his locality, is a director in the Bank of Strafford and a member of the local school board.
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