Samuel H. Francis

NJGenWeb ~ Morris County, New Jersey

Samuel H. Francis

Source: History Morris County New Jersey, Volume II, Lewis Publishing Co., 1914

Samuel H. FRANCIS, the first of this family to come to America, was a native of England, born in about the year 1850. He came to this country when about nineteen years of age, and became a mining contractor, dying in November, 1901, at the age of fifty-one years. He married Mary SMITH, born in Morris county, New Jersey, now living at Hackettstown, at the age of fifty-nine years, daughter of Alfred SMITH, a descendent of one of the oldest families in New Jersey, whose ancestors were among the first settlers of the State; her mother was Harriet MERRITT prior to her marriage to Mr. SMITH, and was also a representative of one of the old families of New Jersey. Mr. and Mrs. FRANCIS were the parents of five children as follows: Samuel Henry, of further mention; Minnie, married P. L. BLOXHAM, of Dover; Hattie, married James H. MORGAN, of Dover; Anna, married Harry DEAN, of Dover; Walter, married Clara BALL and lives in Dover. They are all among the most respected and influential members of the community where they have continued to make their home since childhood.

Samuel Henry FRANCIS, son of Samuel H. and Mary (SMITH) FRANCIS, was born at Hibernia, Morris county, New Jersey, February 22, 1875. His early education was received at the Horton and Mount Pleasant schools, which he attended for some years, and at the conclusion of his studies he entered business life as clerk in a grocery store in Boonton, New Jersey. Here he remained for about twelve years, and in 1906, desiring to establish himself in business on his own account, he determined to become a funeral director, entering the C. A. Renouard training school for embalmers. On July 1, 1907, he passed the state board of examination, and November 1, 1907, opened an establishment of his own in Dover where he has continued ever since most successfully, becoming one of the leading citizens and business men of this city. He is a member of many societies and associations, being especially prominent in fraternal circles, and belonging to the Free and Accepted Masons; the Royal Arcanum, at Dover; the Grand Fraternity; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Improved Order of Red Men; the Knights of Malta; the Eagles, and the Royal Order of Moose. He is a member also of the Junior Order of American Mechanics, and belongs to the Methodist Episcopal church.

In October, 1900, Mr. FRANCIS was married to Lillian FRIARY, who was reared in Boonton, New Jersey. She is the daughter of James FRIARY and his wife, who was Anna VANDYNE prior to her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. FRANCIS have a comfortable home in Dover where they are the centre of a large circle of friends and acquaintances.

Transcribed by John Cresseveur (1949-2003)