John E. Francis, 1847-1926

FRANCIS, PUGH, LEE, SKINNER

Posted By: Clay County IAGenWeb Coordinator (email)
Date: 2/19/2013 at 15:14:30

John E. Francis, a Spencer resident for the past 63 years and well known to Clay county people, died rather suddenly Monday, May 24, at 1:30 p.m., at the Mayo Brothers hospital at Rochester, Minnesota, where he had been for the past two weeks. Mr. Francis was 78 years, 7 months and 18 days old at the time of his death. With his passing Clay county loses another of her beloved pioneer residents.

Funeral services will be held today (Thursday) at 2:00 p. m. at the Cobb Funeral Home.

Mr. Francis was taken to the Mayo clinic on May 11, where he underwent an operation for tumor of the stomach on May 17. He was recovering from the operation nicely and enjoying liquid nourishment. On Saturday, May 22, he was reported to be in good condition and his daughter, Josephine, advised he would be able to return home Saturday, May 29, unless some unforeseen complication set in. Last Sunday he developed a cough and on May 24 the unexpected occurred--sudden death, due to what is technically known as broncho-pneumonia.

Mr. Cobb went to Rochester Monday and accompanied the remains home. Mr. Francis' son John and daughter Josephine, returned home in an automobile early yesterday morning (Wednesday). Mrs. W. M. Lee, the other daughter, and husband came from Cedar Rapids Tuesday afternoon.

John E. Francis was born October 6, 1847, at Marcy, New York. He was one of a family of five children. At the age of five years he moved to Nelson, New York, with his parents, where he grew to young manhood. He attended the public schools of Nelson. In January, 1870, Mr. Francis and his brother Evan, started west, stopping at Iowa City, Iowa, where they stayed until 1871, when they went to Columbus City, Iowa. Later the same year they came to Clay county, where Mr. Francis homesteaded at Willow Creek. The following year he moved to Sioux Rapids, where he started an implement shop. He was engaged in this business for a number of years, moving to Spencer in 1873, occupying a place south of where Griffen's bank now stands, and later where the Sinclair Refining company on Main and Third streets now stands. Mr. Francis was engaged in this business with Major Cheney, who passed away a short time ago.

In 1876 he was elected sheriff of Clay county. There were five candidates aspiring for this office and the votes wore as follows: J. E. Francis 269 votes, J. R. Patterson 208, votes, J. G. Dodd 52 votes, A. W. Wilbur 104 and W. H. Hunter 64. Mr. Francis was reelected to this office in 1876, against J. R. Patterson. On March 4, 1878, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Skinner of Spencer. Mr. and Mrs. Francis made their home on East Third street where their three children were born; John of Chicago, Josephine of Spencer and Mrs. W.M. Lee of Cedar Rapids. Mrs. Francis passed away seven years ago. Mr. Francis was also engaged in railroad grading for some time. He retired from active business at member of any one church, but willingly contributed to the support of several churches. He was a member of the Odd Follows lodge. Mr. Francis was a very devoted father, a kind friend and neighbor. He will always be remembered by the many acts of kindness which he was always doing for others. He is survived by his three children, who are in attendance for the funeral services, three brothers, Joseph of New York, David also of New York, Griff of Bay City, Michigan; one sister, Mrs. William Pugh of New York, two grandchildren, Mary Francis Lee, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. M. Lee of Cedar Rapids, Margaret Francis, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Francis of Chicago.

Source: Spencer News Herald, Spencer, Clay County, Iowa; May 27, 1926.

Interment in Riverside cemetery
 

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