Calvin L. Francis (1932)

BARNETT, CLEVELAND, FRANCIS, KIRK, PALMER, SNOW, WILSON

Posted By: Treva Patterson (email)
Date: 2/7/2007 at 12:29:24

Winterset Madisonian
Winterset, Iowa
September 1932

CALVIN FRANCES

A pilgrims journey is o'er and he has reached a place of rest. The voyage is passed; behind are the days of driving wind and storm; and the vessel has entered harbor where there is harbor gladness and welcome home. The day's journey is longer than is given to many to travel. Seventy-eight years makes a long journey but for Calvin Frances it has been a blessed one. Some of the way has been smooth and joyous to travel, while some of it has been rough and narrow with storm swept stretches here and there, but a confidence in a loving heavenly Father's promise and ability to meet his every need opened for him a never failing source of strength and courage for every mile of the way, and held in this same trust and confidence brought him a happy journey.

Calvin Frances son of John and Sarah Frances was born on November 17, 1854 in Dart County, Ohio where he lived with his parents until he was 16 years of age at which time he came to Earlham, Iowa.

On January 1st, 1875, he was married to Jane Wilson and upon the altar of his home the fire of love and devotion for each other continued to burn and glow for 57 years, making it a most blessed and precious companionship.

This home which fed and nourished seven children has been a place of tenderest care and a refuge of love for those who called it home and a place of fine hospitality to friend and stranger. Many have felt strengthened as they tarried in it for awhile.

When a small boy Calvin Frances gave his life to the service and care of his Savior and throughout the rest of his life he did not fail in his love and devotion to his Lord. He was a member of the Friends Church and for the past 23 years the Des Moines Friends Church has received the blessing and inspiration of his godly life.

Three sons, Guy, John and Forest preceded the father in death and on September 19, 1932, the father finished his life's work and entered into his eternal reward. In his passing he leaves the faithful companion; four children, Mrs. Bertha Palmer of Carlisle, Iowa; Mrs. Edith Frances; Mrs. Ruth Kirk; and Russell Frances; four great grandchildren; one sister and many others to be blessed in the memory of a godly life.
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Transcriber's note: Transcribed as published. His last name is "Francis" per his gravestone.
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Earlham Echo
Earlham, Iowa
Thursday, September 22, 1932

LAST RITES HELD FOR CAL. FRANCIS

Carried Mail on Route 1 Before Removal to Des Moines 23 Years Ago.

Calvin Francis, 77, passed away Monday afternoon at his home in Des Moines after a brief illness. He was an uncle of Mrs. A. E. Cleveland, Mrs. Lizzie Barnett and Mrs. B. F. Snow.

Mr. Francis was well known in Earlham, having been a mail carrier on Route One for 12 years prior to his removal to Des Moines 23 years ago. He was in apparent good health at the time of the Wilson Reunion September 5, which he attended, but was taken ill the following Wednesday. Funeral services were conducted from White’s funeral home in Des Moines yesterday and interment was in Earlham Cemetery.

Mr. Francis is survived by his widow, one son Russell, of Des Moines, three daughters, Mrs. Bertha Palmer, of Carlisle, Mrs. Ruth Kirk and Miss Bertha Francis, of Des Moines, four grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Two other sons preceded their father in death a number of years ago.

Gravestone Photo
 

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