John was born in 1896 in Pontblddyn, near Mold, Flintshire.The 1901 census places him there at 2, Church Terrace.  His father was Henry Foster a 41 year old colliery blacksmith who had been born in Springs(?) Lancashire. John’s mother was Elizabeth Foster, a 45 year old native of Pontblyddyn. There were four children living at home at that time. Edward 13, Thomas 11, James 8 and John was 5.
Interestingly, living very close to them in ‘The Crown Inn’ was innkeeper Henry Foster aged 72 born in Leigh (?) Lancashire. We’re guessing he was John’s grandfather.

The 1911 census places the family at the same address in Pontblyddyn. The father Henry was now aged 51 and was a colliery labourer above ground. His place of birth is given this time as Wigan, Lancashire. His wife’s age is given as 51 (so she’s lost 3 years since the last census). Edward Henry was 23 and worked underground as a piller (?). James 18 was a labourer underground and John 15 was a farm labourer. Thomas was not at home but another child had been born, Mary Elizabeth was 9 and at school. This census form tells us that Elizabeth the mother had given birth to a total of 5 children and all were still alive.

‘Soldiers who died in the Great War 1914-1919’ on www.ancestry.co.uk tells us that John enlisted in Mold but so far we have been unable to locate his service records.