b. January 17, 1804, in Wethersfield, Connecticut; d. 1867. In the summer of 1831, Francis was the first of his family to arrive in Springfield, Illinois. He established the Sangamo Journal and issued the first number on November 10, 1831. In 1835, Francis severed his connection with the Journal, and later in the year he married. He was in the business of manufacturing cabinets with his brother, Charles B. Francis. In 1836, Francis engaged in a mercantile business in Athens, Illinois. In 1840, Francis represented Sangamon County in the state legislature. He returned to Springfield and served as sheriff of Sangamon County and later as mayor of Springfield. He was Quartermaster-General of Illinois under Governor Richard Yates.