Biography John Francy, Sr. Hancock County,WV ********************************************************************** USGENWEB NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. ********************************************************************** Submitted by: jwaite@weir.net Again, this information courtesy of Becky Peterson. The subject of this sketch, John Francy, Sr., was born in County Antrim, Ireland, April 11, 1830. Emigrating from that country, he arrived at New York City, May 12, 1850, and thence came direct to West Virginia, finding employment as a laborer, at first, with Stewart & Muney, brick manufacturers. He had little capital, but being industrious and frugal, inheriting these commendable traits, he rapidly rose in the world, and to-day no more prosperous or highly honored man resides in this section than John Francy, Sr. He is eminently a self-made man and an illustrious example of the fulfilment of the scriptural promises to those who serve God, as Mr. Francy during his long and useful life has been a righteous man in the truest sense of the word. Mr. Francy only worked for Stewart & Muney a few months, and then engaged with G.S. Porter at Freeman's Landing, W.Va., now Penrith, remaining there until 1858, when he removed to New Cumberland for a year. He then came to Ohio and took charge of Myer's brickyard, then known as the "Rambow," situated on Croxton's Run, which was the first brickyard in this county. Mr. Francy, at the expiration of two years, returned to New Cumberland, leasing and operating the Stewart works for five years; then again coming to Ohio he purchased a half interest in a saw-mill with J.R.M. Stewart, at Empire. He then formed a partnership with Alexander, son of J.R.M. Stewart, and they established the Enterprise Fire Brick Plant, which had a capacity of 1,000,000 bricks per annum. Francy & Stewart operated this plant for years, selling to Porter, Minor & Co. Mr. Francy then operated the Elliottsville works for a time, after which he established the big Forest City Fire Clay Works of this place, which yet bears his name. He managed this immense plant until 1886, when he removed to Washington, D.C., and there established another large sewer pipe plant. He remained there several years, and again sold out, returning to his old stamping ground. Although able to retire he could not bear the thought of remaining idle, and to-day at an advanced age he is general manager of the large department store here, which bears his honored name- "The John Francy Company" - a cut of which appears on this page. Mr. Francy was married in Ireland March 26, A.D. 1850, to Jane Wilson. To this union were born five sons and two daughters, Robert M., William B., Elmer E., Edward H., John, Jr., Sarah Darrah and Cora Mooney. All of whom are living and reside in this place. Politically Mr. Francy is a Democrat. He and wife are devout members of the First Presbyterian church.