Seth Francis, many pleasant homes may have been seen throughout this county and some of the more than ordinary beauty, either an architectural design or surroundings. Among those in Oxford Township that are comedians and set in the midst of broad fields is a farm of Seth Francis, which comprises of 214 acres. The tract is well located and bears the improvements using made by a man who desires to keep up with the times and surround himself with conveniences of modern rural life. Honest and persistent effort on his part has been crowned by the success and today he ranks among the prosperous citizens of the community.

William Francis, father over subject, was born in 1807 in Ontario County, New York, and here grew to stalwart manhood. In the fall of 1833 he came to Macomb County, Michigan, where he preempted government land and became an early settler. Amid those pioneers surroundings he remained until 1858, then he removed to Brandon Township and their pastor remainder of his life. He attained to the ripe old age of four score and one years, and passed away quietly July 9, 1888. Upright and industrious, he became very prominent in local affairs and held various township officers including Supervisor while a resident of Macomb County. A very peaceable disposition, he never sued man during his entire business career nor was he ever sued. In his religious beliefs he was a Universalists. He was a strictly moral man, courteous and consider of his treatment of all with whom he became a contact.

the parental family included four children, all of whom are now living and occupying Honorable positions in life. The mother, Martha (Everitt) Francis, was a native of Ontario County, New York, and died in 1845. Our subject is a native of this state, born in Macomb County, June 3, 1838. He was reared to the pursuits of agriculture. In 1859 he joined the company and went the Pikes Peak inquest of gold. After a long and fatiguing journey the desire place was reached, and Mr. Francis located a claim, but after working at one season, he returned home. The same claim was afterward jumped by another and was one time valued at half a million.

we be doing but scant justice to our subject did we not referred to as worthy record as a soldier. He showed his loyalty to his country by enlisting to help suppress the Rebellion that threaten the destruction of the Union. In 1861 he enlisted in company G, first Michigan cavalry, under Colonel Broadhead. He participated in the battle of Winchester, the second battle of Bull Run, the three days battle of Gettysburg and at Falling Waters. In the latter engagement, September 22, 1863, he was severely wounded in the left arm and was soon afterward taken prisoner. After being confined in Libby Prison three days he was taken Belle Isle, where he remained a prisoner until February 21, 1864. He was next take and Andersonville where he passed about six months, in the meantime suffering intensely from his wounded arm. After years in prison use exchanged and sent home on a furlough to await orders from the Adjutant General of the state to come to Detroit and be discharged.

when Mr. Francis had sufficiently recovered his health he engaged for two years and lumbering and Lapeer County and in 1867 purchases present farm on section 6. This tract of land he improved with substantial buildings and proper cultivation until it took ranked among the finest farms of Oxford Township. In 1871 he removed to Thomas station in the same Township and together with his brother built a large grain elevator, bought property, and carried on business as a lumber merchant for five years. The firm handle a large amount of grain and lumber, and did in extensive business until the subject sold out his interest and returned to his farm.

in 1866 Mr. Francis was United in marriage with Miss Lucina A. Campbell, a native of this Township, and are happy union has been blessed to them by the birth of four children; Arthur, Milton, Mabel, and Porter. Mrs. Francis is a lady of culture, and her unremitting care for the welfare of her husband and children entitles her to consideration, while her neighbors speak well of her social and kindly qualities. Mr. Francis is quite influential in local politics and is a staunch Republican. He is a member of the order of the Maccabees and of the Grand Army of the Republic. Mrs. Francis is a consistent member of the congressional church, to the support of which Mr. Francis contribute liberally. He is a typical self-made man, having had no one to start him in life, but having been obliged to make his way in the world the best he could. That he has succeeded in his worthy enterprise is shown by glance at his finest state, and by an interview with the owner thereof it would be a readily perceived by what means he has reached his present substantial standing.