Among the leading drug firms of Hamilton and Gatesville
is that of Koen & Foster, the firm being composed of John D. Koen and
Robt. D. Foster. A. J. [Albert Jack, DDS]
Koen was also a member of the firm when it acquired the J. T. James &
Sons drug store in 1920. A few years later he withdrew himself from the
firm to prepare himself for the practice of dentistry, which is now
successfully following.
J. D. Koen, senior member of the firm, was born and
reared in Hamilton. After graduating from the local high school he
attended a school of pharmacy and was given a certificate as a registered
pharmacist. He is the son of the late A. P. [Albert
Perry] Koen and Mrs. Annie [Eunice Ann]
West Koen, county pioneers who settled in the Blue Ridge community 55
years ago.
Before embarking in business for himself, John Koen was
employed by the J. T. James and Sons drug store. He is now rounding out 25
years in the drug business in Hamilton. In 1914 he was married to Miss
Ethel Smith, who is also a member of one of Hamilton County’s pioneer
families. They have two daughters, Misses Ruth and Cleo. [John
D. Koen married Ethel Amanda Smith on 8 July, 1914, Hamilton County
Marriage Record Bi. 7, p. 13.]
Mr. Koen is active in civic work and has been a member
of the school board since 1924. He stands for all things that are for the
upbuilding of Hamilton and Hamilton County. Being courteous and having a
pleasing personality has made him numerous friends throughout this
section.
Robert D. Foster, junior member of the firm of Koen
& Foster, is a native Texan, having been born in Coryell County. He is
a graduate of North Texas Teachers College of Denton and a Texas
University man. After finishing his education he followed the profession
of teaching for 12 years. He served four years as principal of the
Weatherford schools, three years as principal and five years as
superintendent of the Hamilton schools. He is the son of Will J. [William
J. "Will"] Foster (deceased), a native Mississippian, who
moved to Texas in he early days, and Mrs. Martha Ann Adams Foster Thomas,
who now resides in Hamilton with her daughter, Miss Esther Thomas.
Mr. Foster married Miss Frances Louise King, who was
born in Dallas and reared in Granbury. They have two children, Miss Martha
Elizabeth and Robt. D. Jr.
In 1937 Koen & Foster purchased a drug store in
Gatesville and Mr. Foster moved with his family to that city to manage the
new place, while Mr. Koen remained in charge of the Hamilton store.
Mr. Foster has always been active in church and civic
affairs. While he served on the Board of Stewards of the Methodist Church
for many years and was president of the Lions Club for one term.
PAGE THIRTEEN
PIONEER EDITION
HAMILTON COUNTY NEWS, Vol. VIII, No. 7
THE CARLTON CITIZEN, Vol. 30, No. 23
Friday, June 24, 1938
W. F. Billingslea, Publisher, Hamilton
County, TX
