Will County IL Archives Biographies.....Francis, A Allen 
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Deb Haines ddhaines@gmail.com September 3, 2007, 4:15 pm

Author: Genealogical/Biographical Publishing Co

A. ALLEN FRANCIS. Intimately associated with the history of New Lenox Township 
throughout his entire life, Mr. Francis long held a conspicuous position among 
its stock-raisers and land-owners. For years before his death he was the owner 
of one of the finest stock farms in the county. Through the exercise of his 
remarkable business ability he became the owner of over one thousand acres of 
land, besides which he had other valuable interests. 

Nor was his success merely that of gaining ample means, but he was also 
successful in winning the confidence of his associates and the affectionate
regard of his friends. As an instance of the esteem in which he was held, it 
may be mentioned that when, after having served as president of the Farmers' 
Institute since 1888, he expressed a desire to retire from the office in 1898, 
there was a unanimous demand for his continuance. When he finally consented, a 
demonstration was given him that will not soon be forgotten by those who were 
present. Perhaps greater enthusiasm was never shown for a citizen of Will 
County than was exhibited at that time.

On the farm where his entire life was spent Mr. Francis was born September 7, 
1840, the oldest son of Abraham and Mary A. J. (Davison) Francis, natives 
respectively of County Cavan, Ireland, and Adams County, Ohio. He was educated 
in country schools and the Joliet high school. From an early age he was 
interested in the raising of cattle, in which he was uniformly successful. In 
New Lenox Township, September 15, 1870, he married Miss Lizzie J. Haven, who 
was born here March 31, 1849, and received her education in common schools and 
Dearborn Seminary, Chicago. She was a daughter of Hon. Dwight Haven (see 
sketch on another page) and was the eldest of his family of five daughters and 
one son. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Francis were born five children, of 
whom two are living, namely: Mary L., wife of W. Foster Burns, an attorney in 
Chicago; and Daisy H. There was also an adopted daughter, Anna H., Mrs. Willis 
I. Doig, of Joliet, who was a member of the household from the age of four 
years.

When a young man Mr. Francis became a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church 
of New Lenox, of which he was a trustee; he also served as treasurer of the 
building committee at the time of the erection of the new church. For years he 
was superintendent and treasurer of the New Lenox Camp Meeting Association, 
the success of which was in a large measure due to his indefatigable efforts. 
Nor did his interest in this movement wane. Up to the last he labored for its 
welfare, and even after his fatal illness began he was on the camp meeting 
grounds to see that the work was progressing satisfactorily. He was a 
stockholder in the Will County National Bank and had moneyed interests in 
other local enterprises. In his business transactions he was systematic and 
exact; a man of the utmost probity, whose integrity was never questioned and 
whose character was above reproach.  

Ever guardful of the best interests of his township, he was one of its most 
progressive citizens, and as a Republican he took an active part in the 
political life of the community. At one time he was president and a director 
of the Agricultural and Mechanical Association of Will County and the New 
Lenox Fire Insurance Company. He was a firm friend of the public school system 
and served efficiently as a school director of his district. All enterprises 
having for their object the good of the locality, or the increase of its 
material wealth, found in him an advocate and friend, and his township had no 
resident more closely identified with its progress than was he.

His strength as a leading Republican was shown at the Republican convention of 
1898, when his friends, against his wishes, nominated him for state senator.

In addition to the many tributes of sympathy received by the family upon the 
death of Mr. Francis, the Will County Farmers' Institute passed the following 
resolutions unanimously:

"Whereas, It has pleased Almighty God to remove by death Hon. A. Allen 
Francis, our beloved friend and president, from our midst, and

"Whereas, In the various relations of life, as husband, father, brother, 
friend, officer, neighbor, citizen, he was devoted, affectionate, kind, true,
efficient, sympathetic and public-spirited, each day living a noble and 
exemplary life; Therefore be it

"Resolved, By the Will County Farmers' Institute, in session assembled this 
eleventh day of January, A. D., 1900, fully realizing his good influence and 
in his death our great loss, we desire to bear testimony to his worth and 
offer this loving tribute of precious memory and respect. Be it also further

"Resolved, That we extend to his wife and family our heartfelt sympathy in 
their great bereavement, and would fain place by the side of theirs the 
kindred feeling of sympathy and of sorrow."

On every hand were heard expressions of regret at the loss of a citizen so 
progressive and noble. Such tributes as these were spoken by those who 
appreciated the worth of such a character: "He was the best farmer in Will 
County. He preached the necessity of keeping up the virginity of the soil.  

His whole life stood for better methods in agriculture." "No man has had a 
greater influence in Will County than A. Allen Francis." "Never was I in his 
presence but I felt the inspiration to do something good." "Men are drawn 
nearer to God when a good man dies."

Additional Comments:
Genealogical and Biographical Record of Will County Illinois Containing 
Biographies of Well Known Citizens of the Past and Present

Biographical Publishing Company; Chicago 1900

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