Foster Quentin Church was born on September 5, 1915, in Boston, Massachusetts, the son of Emerson W. and Gertrude (Foster) Church. The family made their home at 226 Canton Street in Boston, where Foster was one of a large family, including siblings Zelmera, Chauncy, Emerson Jr., Ilma, and Geneva. Emerson supported the family by working as a waiter, a butler, and as a general helper at the Navy Yard.
The father, Emerson, died sometime between 1920 and 1930. At the time of the 1930 Census, Gertrude was recorded as a widow, with the household being supported by Chauncy working as a hotel porter, and by opening up their home to paying boarders.
By 1940 Foster was the only child remaining at home with Gertrude, with the addition of one of her grandsons that she was raising. Foster was at this time working as a stenographer in an office. By October of that year, Foster's draft card stated that he was a student at Suffolk University in Boston. He was described as 5'10" tall, weighed 126 pounds, had a dark brown complexion, with brown eyes and black hair.
From 1947 through 1949, Foster had a New York State employment card as a "Social Worker," employed at a "Social Welfare, Agricultural and Industrial School."
During the 1950's Foster became an impressive traveler. On September 6, 1951, he boarded the ship RMS Queen Mary in New York City to travel to Southhampton, England. One month later, carrying three pieces of luggage, he re-boarded the same ship in Cherbourg, France to return to New York. He gave his address at that time as New York City, and his occupation as the "State School Industry."
In the fall of 1959 Foster traveled on the French ship S.S. Liberte, between New York City and Southhampon. By September of 1961 he had traded ocean liners for air travel, making a similar journey on KLM Airlines through Idlewild Airport.
Foster's last residence was located in the Bronx in New York City.
Foster Quentin Church died on September 7, 2001, at the Gold Crest Care Center. He was buried April 11, 2003, on Hart Island.
Sources: Ancestry.com; US, Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014; US, Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007; 1920, 1930 and 1940 US Federal Censuses; Mass., US, Birth Records, 1840-1915; US, WWII Draft Cards Young Men, 1940-1947; US, Departing Passenger and Crew Lists, 1914-1966; NY, US, Arriving Passenger and Crew Lists, 1820-1957; US, Public Records Index, 1950-1993 Vol. 1; NY State, Passenger and Crew Lists, 1917-1967; US, City Directories, 1822-1995; NY, US, State Employment Cards and Peddlers Licenses, 1840-1966.
