FRANCES, Alfred (1827-1917)

FRANCES

Posted By: Rosemary Hoover (email)
Date: 4/17/2008 at 20:17:44

Source: Indianola Record - February 22, 1917 page 1

Obituary - Alfred Francis

Alfred Frances was born in New York, May 19, 1827, and departed this life at the home of his son, Cadwin, at Enid, Mont., February 8, 1917 aged 89 years 8 months and 19 days.

About the year 1850 he was married to Miss Amanda Ross, of Leon, New York. Two sons were born to this union, Leonard, who grew to manhood, the other son dying in infancy. Their wedded life was of short duration, as the mother was soon called home.

In 1856 he moved, for a short time, to Madison, Wis., and the same year came to Iowa, where he resided until July 1916. Since that time, he spent the few remaining years of his life in Montana.

In the year 1860 he was married to Elizabeth Ranney, of Spring Hill, Ia. Two sons, Cadwin Eli, and Justin Simon, were born to them. When but 14 years of age, death claimed Justin for his own and the family circle was again broken.

The faithful husband cared for his invalid wife many years, moving to Colfax, Ia., where he thought she would receive much benefit from the mineral springs, and doing everything he possibly could to sustain the life so dear to him. In 1892 she passed away and he returned to his former town, Spring Hill.

In 1862 he offered his life in the service of this country, enlisting in Co. G. of the 3rd Iowa Volunteers. Early in the war he was wounded and taken to the Army hospital. Here, during his convalescence, the ones in charge of the hospital found him an efficient nurse and kept him in that branch of the service for the remainder of the war.

He was at Vicksburg when that city was surrendered to Grant. He never cared to recount the events of those years so little was known of his actual service to his country. He was always interested in National affairs, reading his daily paper and keeping posted on the questions of vital importance in our governmental life.

He leaves his son, Cadwin, his daughter-in-law and two grand daughters, two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Helen Kennedy, of Cumming, Iowa, and Mrs. Louisa Brand, of Spring Hill, Iowa, besides other relatives and friends to revere his memory.

Six of his nephews were his pall bearers. His funeral services were conducted by his pastor, Rev. Harding at the Spring Hill M.E. Church, of which he was a member. He was a faithful christian and lived an honest, upright life of service to others.

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CARD OF THANKS

We desire to express our thanks to neighbors and friends, who so kindly helped during the sickness, death, and burial of our loved one.