“John R. (Boss) Foster, one of Scioto county’s best known citizens, passed away early Wednesday morning at the home of his daughter, Mrs. Rachel Millison, of Carey’s Run. He had been ill with complications and his death was not unexpected.”
“He was born in Mason County, Kentucky., March 8, 1844 and departed this life May 4, 1921, aged 77 years, 1 month and 26 days.”
“John R. Foster enlisted in the Civil War, September 2nd, 1861, in Co. B, 22nd Regiment, Ohio Infantry. He was discharged from service January 2nd, 1864 and reenlisted January 3rd, 1864, and served till August 28, 1865, the end of the war.”
On February 27th, 1872, he was united in marriage to Miss Lydia Craine. To this union were born three children: Mrs. John Millison, Oscar R., and Jean, who with his wife preceded him to his Heavenly Home.”
“He also leaves a host of relatives and friends to mourn the loss of a kind and loving father and friend.”
“Grandchildren are: Ruth, Herbert, Alice, Lydia, Helen, Frank and Ralph Millison, Mrs. Ferrell Vaughters1, Alberta, Arthur, Mark, Robert, Joseph Foster, Mrs. Henry Bassler2 and Mrs. Laurence Scherer3 and one great-grandchild, Faye Vaughters.”
“Mr. Foster was familiarly known as “Boss” and had hundreds of friends in the city. He was genial and whole-souled at all times and had a friend-making disposition.”
“In the days when he was actively engaged in his work he spent much time in Portsmouth and his friends can recall his broad smile and his warm handshake. He was a great believer in the West Side and one of its most loyal boosters. He was for four years at the head of the Scioto County infirmary. He was also foreman of the Reitz stone quarry on the West Side for many years.
The funeral services will be conducted from the Millison home at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon and the services will be conducted by Reverend Brandon. Interment will be in the Carey’s Run cemetery.4
- Kathryn D. “Kate” Milison Vaughters
- Pearl Foster Bassler
- Cora Ethel Foster Scherer
- “Death Calls “Boss Foster,” Portsmouth Daily Times, May 4, 1921, p. 2.
