My Genealogy Hound

JOHN U. FRANCIS, JR., a popular merchant and postmaster of Oaks, Upper Providence township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was born at Oaks, May 3, 1873, and attended the common schools in the neighborhood of his home.

John U. Francis (father) and his wife, Mary J. (Gotwals) Francis, were born in Montgomery county. He was reared on the old homestead, and when he arrived at the proper age learned the painting trade, which he followed. In 1862 he enlisted for a nine months’ service in the Civil war, in the One Hundred and Twenty-ninth Pennsylvania Volunteers. He served his full term in the Army of the Potomac, when he received an honorable discharge, and returned to Oaks. He resumed his trade and later entered into the employ of the railroad as car inspector at Perkiomen Junction, where he still remains. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Francis were: Minnie (Mrs. E. Deiry); Jacob, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania; John U., the subject of this sketch; T. Edwin, of Philadelphia, and Arnold, also of Philadelphia.

John U. Francis (grandfather) was born, lived all his life and died in Montgomery county. He was well educated, taught school, and attended the university to prepare himself for a physician. However, he abandoned his profession and became a farmer. He married Lydia Smith, one of six children, the others being: James, Joseph, Anthony, Rebecca, and Mary. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Francis were: Mira (Mrs. Williams); Elizabeth (Mrs. E. Kirk); Lydia A., died young; Mirthune (Mrs. J. Tilman); Rebecca (Mrs. Sneider), and John U. (father).

John U. Francis (great-grandfather) was reared in Upper Providence township, near Audubon, and became a prominent farmer. He married and had the following children: Joseph, Thomas, John U. (grandfather), Isabella, and Elizabeth.

Joseph Francis (great-great-grandfather) succeeded to his father’s farm in Upper Providence township, where he lived and reared his children. He was a widely known man. He was never a member of church. He married Mary Phillips, and they had the following children: Margaret, died at the age of two years; Elizabeth, died young; John U. (great-grandfather); Sarah, died young; Emma (Mrs. Weikel); Thomas, died at the age of four years. Mrs. Francis was a daughter of Mr. Phillips, a native of Ireland, and a drover in this country. He was a member of the Baptist church, and died at Eagleville. His children were: Joseph, Alexander, Martha (Mrs. Rhemholf); Mary (Mrs. Francis).

Thomas Francis (great-great-great-grandfather) came to America in the same ship with William Penn, and was among the first settlers of Pennsylvania. He was of Welsh descent, and a farmer. He married Margaret Umstead, whose family were Holland Dutch. He served in the Revolutionary war, but little is known of his life. He was never a church member. He settled on a farm near what is now Audubon, and died at the age of eighty-two years. Their children were: Margaret (Mrs. William McHarg); a son who died unmarried; John U.; Joseph (great-great-grandfather), and Elizabeth (Mrs. Corson).

Rev. Jacob G. and Anna (Poley) Gotwals, the maternal grandparents of John U. Francis, Jr., were natives of Montgomery county. He was a Dunkard preacher, and died at Oaks in 1902. His wife is still living at Oaks. Their children were all reared Dunkards. They were: Mary J. (mother); Elizabeth, married (first husband) J. Price and (second husband) Mr. Richardson; Ida (Mrs. Dr. Rambo); John U.

John U. Francis, Jr. has always lived at Oaks. When young he commenced clerking, being only twelve years of age at the time. After several years’ experience he secured employment with the Pennsylvania Railroad Company. After three years he returned and bought out the store, in 1896, both buildings and goods. He carries a general stock, and is a practical and successful merchant. He was appointed postmaster in 1899. He was assistant postmaster for a number of years previously. He devotes strict attention to business, and is recognized as one of the leading men of the community.

In 1893 Mr. Francis married Miss Anna B. Hallman, daughter of Abraham Hallman. Her mother was Miss Bechtel. Mr. Hallman is a farmer in the vicinity of Mont Clare. He was supervisor of the township. He is a Republican in politics, and a well-known and highly respected citizen. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Hallman are: Elizabeth (Mrs. H. Aked); Anna B. (Mrs. J. U. Francis); Ada (Mrs. J. H. Kindy); Abraham. The family are Mennonites.

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Francis are: J. Herbert, Arthur R., and Paul. They are Dunkards in religious faith, and Mr. Francis is a Republican.