Francis F. Florencourt, editor of Der Demokrat, is a native of Prussian Saxony, in Germany, where he was born September 1, 1844. His parents were Francis and Anna (Nagel) Florencourt. The former was during his life variously employed as an officer of the Government, and in literary work. He died September 10, 1886, in his eighty-third year. His wife preceded him from this world June 28, 1878. When twelve years old Francis was sent to the Benedictine Abbey in Metten, Bavaria, where he studied four years. He then studied navigation at Bremen, with the purpose of entering the merchant marine, and at the age of twenty-two passed his examination as mate. He served one year in the Prussian navy, and then as second and first mate on several merchant vessels until 1870. When in that year the Franco-Prussian war broke out, he was in the harbor of Cardiff, England. Returning to Germany, he remained until he found that his services would not be needed. In December, 1870, Mr. Florencourt immigrated to the New World, and shortly sailed from New York as second mate on the American bark Benefactor, for China. This voyage lasted over a year. In 1872 he went to Michigan, where he met his brother Charles, and the two came to Carroll County, where the subject of this biography has since resided. He followed farming two years, then taught school for three years, and since has devoted his time to Der Demokrat, in the capacity of editor. He was for six months part owner of the paper, as stated above. He was married May 18, 1886, to Miss Mina Von Lueck, of Carroll. Both are members of the Catholic church.

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