»:;t'S'S';>i>«J«^«^^^^ Olorn^U Slam i>rl|anl Etbrarg The original of this book is in the Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924024863239 6/OG. A^ %. $? L^ > Itx lUttn^rmm. JOHN M. FRANCIS /IDarcb 6, 1823. June 18, 1897. \_Editorial from the Troy Daily l^ivies^ June i8^ j8gy^ JOHN M. FRANCIS, senior proprietor and editor-in-chief of the Troy Zi'OT«, passed peacefully from earth at 11.05 o'clock this forenoon. Thus ended a life rich in all that makes the best and truest man- hood. It is an announcement which will cause the keenest sorrow to a wide circle of friends in both the old and the new. worlds. The Troy Times cannot, with the blow so recent and so crushing, speak of its honored founder and its beloved head in such terms as would ■ be fitting. It must defer until to-morrow the tribute which is due him who was its creator and from its beginning its controlling spirit and wise and trusted guide. Its loss is beyond computation; a proper expression of its grief is impossible under the stunning effect of this visitation. The Times can only bow in submission to the Almighty will which decrees the fate that must come to all living. Meanwhile it extends to members of the home circle in which were centred the fondest affections of its venerated chief that sympathy which all must feel who know and appreciate the grand and rugged character of the man now called to eternal rest, and the strength, devotion and tenacity of his love for them. JOHN M. FRANCIS. A GRAND LIFE'S END. The Passing From Earth of the Spirit of Hon, John M. Francis, Revered Founder of the Troy Times — A Peaceful Depar- ture — A Career of Vigor and Success — His Record in Journalism — Distinction in Public Office — His Country's Representative. \From the Troy Daily Times, June i8, iSgy.^ HON. JOHN M. FRANCIS, founder, senior proprietor and editor- in-chief of the Troy Times, and ex-minister of the United States to Austria-Hungary, Greece and Portugal, died at 11:05 o'clock this morning at his home at 191 Second street, Washington Park, in this city. Mr. Francis passed peacefully away while his bedside was surrounded by his sorrowing relatives. Mr. Francis was endowed by nature and a hardy ancestry with strong vitality. His vigorous constitution stood him in good stead in the indus- trious and indomitably persevering career to which his choice of a life work called him. He never spared himself in his editorial duties and in the careful oversight which was necessary to journalistic success. Wherever he might be, he was planning the outlines and forwarding the details of the task to which he set his strong intellect and effective pen. When years increased, his sympathy with life and its affairs remained unabated. When without his knowledge he was nominated by the Republican party for one of the delegates-at-large to the State Con- stitutional Convention of 1894, and when this choice was ratified by the electors of the Stat.e, he devoted himself with unflagging energy to the work of the convention. He performed the prominent duties assigned to him during the long and heated summer days while the convention was in session in Albany. But the drain upon his vital energy was felt, and he was never so strong afterward. For several years Mr. Francis had been troubled by an occasional weakness of the heart's action. In seeking recuperation he had spent several winters at Hot Springs, among the mountains of western North Carolina. On his return from that place this spring he was cheerful and confident of an improving bodily condition. Three weeks ago to-day while preparing to take a drive he was attacked with a congestive chill. From its effects he never rallied, and his strength waned until the life tide ebbed quietly away this morning. NOV IN MEMORIAM. 3 During his illness Mr. Francis had the skillful and unwearied medical attendance of Dr. C. E. Nichols of this city. To this was added during the last year the tender, intelligent and sympathetic care as a trained nurse and companion of Miss Gertrude Staude of this city, who for several weeks past had been assisted by her sister, Mrs. Lucie Staude Dunn, also a trained nurse. JOHN M. FRANCIS. Founder, Editor and Senior Proprietor of the Times — His Long AND Active Career — Important Public Services — A Member of Two Constitutional Conventions — American Minister to Three Courts. JOHN M. FRANCIS, the founder, editor and senior proprietor of the Troy Daily Times, came of a hardy stock, noted for its physical and intellectual vigor and marked force of character. Hon. Thomas L. James, ex-postmaster general of the United States, is of the same race origin. In an article published some time ago Mr. James related in a most interesting manner the journey from Wales, in the latter part of the last century, of a party including " Joseph Harris and family and Thomas Price and family of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, and Richard Francis, probably the ablest and wealthiest man aboard the ship, with his family. This party came from Wales and made their new home at Utica, N. Y. Subsequently Mr. Francis purchased a tract of land at Frankfort Hill, four miles from Utica, and still later he removed with his large family to Prattsburgh, Steuben county, then little better than a wilderness. Joseph Harris was the grandfather of Mr. James' father and Thomas Price was his mother's father. Richard Francis was the father of John M. Francis. Hence the close personal relations which always existed between the latter and Thomas L. James are founded on ancestral ties created about loo years ago, as well as the fact that they sprang from the same virile Welsh race." In concluding his article Mr. James paid this tribute to Mr. Francis : " I may be permitted to say, in closing, that the life and labors of John M. Francis present to my mind one of the most attractive and instructive subjects which one can contemplate. Industry, conscien- tiousness, absolute fidelity to duty and a preference for a high plane of moral conduct have been conspicuous traits of his character. They were the adequate guarantee of the eminent success that has crowned his 4 JOHN M. FRANCIS. efforts, and of the tribute of esteem that is paid to him by all who enjoy the privilege of his acquaintance. ' Not he alone,' said the Roman moralist, ' serves the state who presides in the public councils, or admin- isters affairs of peace or war ; but he who by earnest advocation cares for the education and elevation of the people, and thus in a private station is filling a public office.' This is the present station in life of the father and founder of the Troy Times." John M. Francis was born at Prattsburgh, N. Y., March 6, 1823. He was next to the youngest of his father's thirteen children, and early started out to make his own way in the world. The advantages of edu- cation accessible to him were very limited, but he found his training in that " college of journalism " the printing office, to which his tastes strongly inclined him. He served an apprenticeship on the Ontario Messenger at Canandaigua, N. Y., to which place he had gone in 1838 without pecuniary means, and, reinforced by the dauntless will which was to carry him to success, he soon won recognition as a forcible writer, and in 1843 was engaged for editorial work on the Palmyra Sentinel. Subsequently he was associated for a period with the late Hiram Humphrey in the editorship of the Rochester Daily Advertiser. In 1846 he came to Troy and became the chief editor of the Northern Budget.^ then one of the leading Democratic journals of the state, of which he also became the joint owner, invested with full editorial control. At this period occurred the memorable split of the Democratic party into the "Barnburner" and "Hunker" factions. Mr. Francis, with his ardent love of liberty and justice, heartily espoused the Barn- burner or Free Soil side, and his advocacy of its principles was character- ized by the vigor which he has ever displayed in the expression of his convictions. In 1849 he sold his interest in the Budget, and for a short time was connected with the O'Reilly telegraph enterprise, but later resumed journalistic work under a brief engagement on the Troy Daily Whig, a morning newspaper. On the 25 th of June, 1851, was founded the Troy Daily Times, which has become the proudest monument to his enterprise. It was a small affair compared with its present dimensions, but it had in it the germ of a sure and healthy growth. Mr. Francis started out to make it first of all a news paper, and that has been its unfailing characteristic ever since. It required the most arduous toil, unremitting self-sacrifice and wonder- ful endurance to successfully carry on the work, but all necessary qualities were combined in John M. Francis. What the Times is now, in its forty-seventh year and the maturity of its powers, Mr. Francis made it. Mr. Francis became a member of the Republican party at its birth, and ever after labored consistently and faithfully for its principles. Mr. Francis was loyal to his own convictions at all times, and did not hesi- tate to express his views, even when they were contrary to those of his IN MEMORIAM. 6 political associates. His counsels were ever on the side of Right and Justice, and he never sacrificed his principles to expediency. High political honors, though unsought, came to Mr. Francis. In 1867-68 he was a member of the New York State Constitutional Con- vention and served in that body with conspicuous ability. In May, 1871, President Grant appointed him United States Minister to Greece, and he accepted the trust and discharged its responsibilities with marked capacity and to the great satisfaction of his government for more than three years. After tendering his resignation he made a tour of the world, accom- panied by Mrs. Francis. President Garfield had chosen Mr. Francis for the mission to Belgium, but the pistol of Guiteau prevented the carrying out of the plan. President Arthur, however, appointed him minister to Portugal, and in 1884 he was promoted to be envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary to Austria-Hungary, with a residence at Vienna. Mr. Francis returned to his home in this city in 1885. In 1889, when General Harrison was installed as president, Mr. Francis was urged by many of his political and personal friends to become a candidate for appointment to one of the most important diplomatic offices within the gift of the administration. There is little doubt that the position would have been assigned to him because of his long previous experience and admirable record of public service. But owing to the recent death of Mrs. Francis he declined to re-enter the field in which he had won deserved recognition as an able and patriotic representative of the American government. Mr. Francis had been present at nearly all of the National Conven- tions and many of the State Conventions of the Republican party, often as a delegate, and he frequently took an active and influential part in the proceedings, either as a presiding officer, in important committee work or in other capacities. He was a delegate from the Troy Congressional district to the historic National Convention at Chicago in 1880, and, as one of the famous " Three Hundred and Six " who supported General Grant to the last, participated in the memorable contest for the Presi- dential nomination. The medal struck off in celebration of the noted struggle was one of his proudest possessions, testifying as it did to his personal and political loyalty on an occasion when the strongest pressure was brought to bear to secure his abandonment of the candidate to whom he had pledged his honor and his faithful service. In 1893 the Republican State Convention, without his knowledge, nominated Mr. Francis as one of the candidates for delegates-at-large to the Constitutional Convention, which the law required to be held the following year. The Republican nominees were elected, and Mr. Francis received the largest vote cast for any delegate to the Constitutional Convention. When that body met at Albany in May, 1894, Mr. Francis, owing to his previous service of like character, was given important committee assignments. He was made chairman of the committee on 6 JOHN M. FRANCIS. preamble and bill of rights, had the second place on the committee on cities and was a member of the committee on civil service. This all involved wdrk of a very exacting kind, and Mr. Francis labored most industriously and indefatigably in committee and on the floor, making numerous speeches and putting forth earnest and effective effort in the support of some of the most important amendments which were adopted by the Convention and subsequently ratified by the people, and are now embodied in the revised State Constitution. An act which became a law March 26, 1895, incorporated the Trus- tees of Scenic and Historic Places and Objects, and named a number of prominent citizens of this state and their associates and successors as such trustees. The list of trustees included William H. Webb, John M. Francis, Andrew H. Green, Chauncey M. Depew, Horace Porter, Ben- jamin F. Tracy, John Hudson Peck and other well known gentlemen. April 6, 1895, the trustees met in New York for organization. Andrew H. Green was chosen president and John M. Francis vice president. The organization as then effected has since remained intact, and the trustees have done much valuable work in preserving and perpetuating objects and places of historic or scenic interest. December 8, 1846, Mr. Francis married Miss Harriet E. Tucker of Palmyra, N. Y. Their wedded life continued in the happiest of mutual devotion until her death on January 20, 1889. Mr. Francis is survived by two children : Mrs. John C. Havemeyer of Yonkers, N. Y., and Charles S. Francis of this city. Mr. Francis had a deep and abiding Christian faith. He believed in the divine Fatherhood and in his life exemplified the law of righteous- ness which he recognized as the supreme truth of heaven and earth. In all the experiences of life he acknowledged the hand and the love of Him who though invisible to the eye of flesh is revealed to the believing heart. Mr. Francis was the oldest member of King Solomon's Lodge, F. & A. M., of this city, and a charter member of Troy Chapter, Sons of the Revolution. Mr. Francis was also a charter member of the Troy Club. HIS GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT. THE elder residents of Troy well remember the entry of the Troy Daily Times into the journalistic field in this city. The publica- tion of the first issue, June 25, 185 1, attracted great interest among newspaper readers. The Times from its inception was possessed of numerous novel features. It may be truly said that the progress of the Troy Times since Mr. Francis founded it has been continuous. IN MEMORIAM. 7 The original home of the Troy Times was in two small apartments in the second story of the Cannon Place Building. Here the first issues were printed on an ordinary single cylinder second-hand job press. The wonder is that with such limited facilities so excellent a journalistic pro- duction should have been forthcoming. The Times of 1851 was a four- page newspaper, six columns to the page, and containing 1,253 super- ficial square inches of space. The Times of to-day is a six-page news- paper, often nine columns to the page, with 3,848 superficial inches. The founder of the Troy Times during all the years of its existence held the position of editor-in-chief. All the editorial work in the original issue was done by Mr. Francis himself. It was only a few months before greater facilities for publication became "necessary, and the newspaper plant was then removed to the building at the southwest corner of Broadway and Second street, where three rooms were occupied. Subse- quently temporary quarters with more room were secured on River street, upstairs, nearly opposite the Troy House. In 1853 R. D. Thomp- son withdrew from the firm, and Mr. Francis became the sole proprietor as well as editor. In the following year increasing business compelled another change of quarters, and the Times removed to 221 River street, occupying the two upper stories of the building. Still later more com- modious and convenient quarters were found at 208 and 210 River street, and then at 209 and 211 River street. The weekly edition was started in 1856. In the building at 209 and 211 River street the Times made its home for seventeen years, and after a time the entire building was devoted to the purposes of the paper. It was this building that was sacked by the mob during the draft riots of 1863. The Times had by that time become strong and aggressive. Its loyalty and its firm and outspoken endorsement of the Lincoln adminis- tration made it an object of attack for the rabble which had resolved that the war was a failure. It was in such emergencies as this that the sturdy character and courage of Mr. Francis revealed themselves. Ordinarily his quiet and gentle demeanor gave no indication of the vast reserved force which lay behind it. The attack of the anti-draft mob upon the Times and the inflamed passion of that period gave great alarm to the friends of Mr. Francis, who feared for his personal safety because of the threats made against him. But he knew no fear. He came and went as usual, going about among the people in utter disregard of the danger surrounding him. It is related that in the height of the excitement he made a visit to a friend residing in a part of the city to reach which necessitated his passing through what was then considered the seat of disaffection, where he would be exposed to personal peril. Yet alone, unarmed and without the least trepidation he walked calmly to his destination, spent the day with his friend and returned. He met many men hostile to him and his paper ; but beyond occasional mutterings and more or less threaten- 8 JOHN M. FRANCIS. ing remarks there were no manifestations of ill will. His bravery had disarmed even his enemies. In 1871 preparations were made for the erection of the present Times building at the corner of Broadway and Third street. The first news- paper published from this building was the Troy Daily Times of April 29, 1872. In February, 1878, the building was visited by a fire which de- stroyed the two upper stories and caused great damage to the remaining portion. Twenty-four hours after the fire the Times detailed the circum- stances to its readers, not a day's issue being missed. After a few months' temporary sojourn in other quarters the Times returned to its own home. In 1881 the firm of J. M. Francis & Tucker was succeeded by J. M. Francis, Son & Co., the members being John M. Francis, Charles S. Francis, William E. Kisselburgh and John A. Sleicher. The retirement of Mr. Sleicher and the death of Mr. Kissel- burgh in 1887 caused another change, and the firm of J. M. Francis & Son (John M. Francis and Charles S. Francis) was then formed. THE HONORED DEAD. \E.ditorial from the Troy Daily Times, June ig, iSgy.^ THE life which ended yesterday when John Morgan Francis calmly breathed his last was one of conspicuous and honorable useful- ness. Mr. Francis had passed by more than four years the allotted period of three score and ten; but his was among the unusual cases in which mental and physical vigor remain practically unimpaired despite advancing age. Until the development, as a direct effect of the arduous labors so conscientiously performed as delegate-at-large in the Constitutional Convention of 1894, of the ailment leading to his death, his health and strength were exceptional for one of his years. His eye was not dim, nor his natural force abated. And even to the end his mind was clear and his grasp of affairs firm and comprehensive. A survey of the career of Mr. Francis divides it naturally into three phases — his journalistic work, his public services and his individuality. And it may be said at the first that the greatness of his achievements in journalism and in serving the public was due to his strong individuality and the intellectual gifts that made him a power among men. As a journalist Mr. Francis ranked among the foremost. His taste and talents were early developed, and he turned as readily to the news- paper field as the needle to the magnet. He was a born editor. He IN MEMORIAM. 9 had an instinct for news that was almost infallible. He knew by unerr- ing judgment what interested the public, what to publish and what to reject, what to make prominent and what to condense to brief yet sinewy paragraphs. It was Mr. Francis who introduced the practice of making a special feature of local news, a department which until his entry into the field had received scanty attention at the hands of editors. How accurate was his judgment is attested bj' the fact that no journal of the present day can hope to succeed which does not fully and carefully cover the local field. Mr. Francis brought to his journalistic work a spirit of indefatigable enterprise tempered by a wise conservatism. It was his principle, strictly enforced during all the time he was at the helm, that the Troy Times should print all the news that was worth printing, but that it should be as free as possible from sensationalism, misrepresentation and objectionable matter of every kind. Its columns were to present a picture of the day's doings, but they were not to be smirched by foulness. It was to be a welcome visitor to thousands of homes, and it should take with it noth- ing that could defile or offend. How well his salutary purpose has been carried into effect let every home circle into which it enters bear witness. It was the determination of Mr. Francis also that the limes should be strong as well as clean. The years of his early manhood were devoted with unsurpassed industry and matchless energy to the inculcation of the spirit which it has ever retained. It was dedicated to the Right, and on that altar was laid freely the gift of a mighty intellect. The paper which Mr. Francis directed was always the champion of good causes, and his pen was never so effective as when dealing blows in furtherance of great public ends. Fearless when he spoke his convictions, his words had the impress of truth and struck home with convincing force. To the son associated with him in the proprietorship of the Troy Times the devoted affection of Mr. Francis went out in unstinted meas- ure, and his advice was always that of one whose infallible judgment was a sure and safe reliance. They were as one in all business, journal- istic and personal relations, and for that loving son "the vanished hand and the voice that is still " leave a void that can never be filled. Mr. Francis carried into his public duties the same high ideal that found expression through his newspaper. The honors of exalted station that came to him unsought were accepted in the modest spirit of one who placed obligation above position, fame and power. He filled numerous important offices in the state and nation, but always with an eye single to the advancement of the public interest. The people whose servant he was could confidently rely upon his utmost effort to promote their welfare. And when he relinquished official cares and responsi- bilities it was with a noble record of duty faithfully done. In public as in private Mr. Francis was always an American, with intense love for his country and its institutions, and pride in the develop- 10 JOHN M. FRANCIS. ment of its political and material greatness. He had stood before kings, yet he had the unassuming dignity of a true son of the republic. He has been well described as a kingly man, and such he was, a fine type of the American sovereign and a leader of men because of his inherent ability. With him the rank was ever but the guinea's stamp. He recog- nized true manhood, and worth however humble was respected and honored by him. In his intercourse with others his great charm was his simplicity. He met men and women with an unaffected cordiality that won their admiration and affection, and he was easily approached by all who sought his presence. The qualities that made Mr. Francis influential in journalism and in public affairs were conspicuous in his private life. The basis of his character was a rugged and unimpeachable honesty. He never dis- sembled. He was earnest and straightforward. What he did he did with his might. The present duty, great or small, was always to him something to absorb his thought and effort. Nothing was trivial. When he threw himself into any movement he was sure to persevere to the end. He was loyal and tenacious in his friendships, and only proved unworthiness could alienate him from those on whom he had bestowed his regard. It was the crowning glory of the life now ended that it brought rare happiness to those most intimately associated with it. Great though the good he did in other fields, his virtues were pre-eminent in the home circle. It was there that his affections had the full and free range demanded by the inspirations of a kind heart. To be with those who loved him was his supreme joy. To minister to their pleasure was to him the acme of earthly felicity. His splendid manhood shone forth with increased lustre when he was doing good to others, and his presence was a blessing and a benediction to those of his own fireside, among whom he sat as the king of their hearts and their wisest and kindliest counselor. His children were a daughter and son, and he was to them an idolized father ; their happiness was his great desire, and to promote it was the aim of his life. He had been especially fortunate in the choice of a life companion, and theirs was a union of heart, intellect and tastes as complete as could be found. Mrs. Francis was a rarely gifted woman, and the inspiration and support of her husband in all his undertakings. Perfect affection and reciprocal devotion made the marriage state ideal. And the sorrow that came to Mr. Francis in the death of his cherished wife eight years ago can only be comprehended in all its crushing power by those who know how complete was the bond between them. It was a blow from which the loved one left " yet a little longer " never recovered, though he bore with a brave spirit and a calm outward appearance the irrepar- able loss. A particularly noteworthy feature in the business life of Mr. Francis was the relationship existing between him and those who served him. IN MEMORIAM. 11 They regarded hitn more as a kindly associate and a fatherly fellow- worker than as an employer. He was the master spirit, but there was never any other suggestion of master and servant. Some of those con- nected with the Times establishment have been there since the paper started nearly forty-six years ago, and a number have served from twenty to thirty years. No one in the Times employ ever had the slightest difficulty in reaching Mr. Francis. He was ever ready to meet the men, to hear suggestions, to redress grievances, if any existed, and to show his friendly interest in their welfare. Such facts speak more loudly than words of the mutual good will and respect which were enter- tained by Mr. Francis and those who worked with and under him. It was the testimonial of near and far friends that Mr. Francis dwelt upon at the last with most evident feeling. A dinner given to him at Hot Springs, N. C, by Mrs. Helen C. Evans, on the occasion of his seventy-fourth birthday, was a tribute of those who were in closest association with him, and it was the latest and to him the most happy of many memorable functions in his honor. In the weeks that elapsed after that event his mind constantly recurred to it, and the memory was an unceasing delight, so appreciative was he of the kindly thought that prompted the graceful courtesy. John M. Francis has gone to his eternal rest. But his works do follow him. He made an impress deep and ineradicable upon his time and wielded an influence the effect of which cannot be obliterated. The tribute that the world will pay him is richly deserved. But he lives most truly in the hearts of those who knew him best and loved him, because to know him well was to love him. It is useless to attempt a complete presentation of the full nobility of character displayed by John M. Francis. He will take his place in history where he rightfully belongs as a distinguished and able American, and time will do justice to his public service. For the present, and in the light of his splendid fame and his grand personality, the Troy Times can do no more than attempt, however inadequately, to lay a laurel wreath on the bier of the man who created it and who has left a legacy of wisdom and an example of public and private virtue which is its choicest possession. " O iron nerve to true occasion true ! O fall'n at length that tower of strength Which stood four-square to all the winds that blew ! " 12 JOHN M. FRANCIS. THE FUNERAL ARRANGEMENTS. [From the Troy Daily Times, June ig, i8gyP\ THE funeral of Hon. John M. Francis will occur from the family residence, 191 Second street, Monday afternoon at 4 o'clock. The officiating clergyman will be Rev. Dr. T. P. Sawin, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church. The pall bearers will be Martin I. Townsend, J. Hudson Peck, Norman B. Squires, William Kemp, Adam R. Smith, Aaron H. Graves, Charles A. McLeod and Albert E. Powers. The carriers are to be Benjamin Van Deusen, William T. Apps, H. H. Murray, Joseph C. Cary, Timothy Kelly, H. C. Shuster, D. H. Demers and Henry Wheeler, who have been in the employ of the Troy Jimesiro-m. thirty to forty-six years. The employes of the Troy Times will attend the funeral in a body! MEETING OF EMPLOYES. The employes in all the departments of the Troy Times held a meet- ing in the editorial rooms at 8 o'clock last evening for the purpose of giving appropriate expression of their sentiment on the death of Mr. Francis. David S. Hasbrouck, managing editor of the Times, was chosen to preside. A number of the employes who had been connected with the office for many years paid heartfelt tributes to the departed chief, and the sorrow in which all shared was given fitting expression. It was the unanimous desire that a committee consisting of a repre- sentative from each department be appointed to prepare suitable resolu- tions and represent the employes in the arrangements for the funeral of Mr. Francis. The resolutions are as follows : THE MEMORIAL. " The employes of the Troy Times, conscious of the great loss they have suffered by the death of Hon. John M. Francis, the founder of the Times, and until now its senior proprietor and editor-in-chief, take this method of expressing their appreciation of his character and work. " Hon. John M. Francis was one of the most conspicuous and hon- ored of American citizens. He won his way to eminence through the possession of qualities which command the greatest admiration. He was rarely gifted in mind and heart. Starting from the humblest begin- ning and under the most adverse circumstances, he advanced through force of intellect and integrity to the front rank in public and private usefulness. His career affords a splendid illustration of the possibilities IN MEMORIAM. 13 open to American capacity when properly directed, and it is an incentive to all who would emulate his noble example. "But the employes of the Troy Times, while giving full recognition to the fame that is the due of Hon. John M. Francis because of great and worthy public service, knew him best and loved him most as an employer whose kindness of heart and sympathetic spirit gained for him their lasting regard and true affection. He was ever to his employes more friend than employer, and the acts by which he endeared himself to us made his death felt by every one in the Thnes service as a personal bereavement. It is our desire to thus formally attest our sorrow at the event which has removed from earth one for whom we had so warm an esteem. "We also wish to respectfully manifest our sympathy with those con- nected with the deceased by still closer ties, and we hereby extend it in fullest measure to Mrs. J. C. Havemeyer, the only daughter of Mr. Fran- cis, and to Mr. Charles S. Francis, his only son and with him joint pro- prietor and editor of the Troy Daily Times, and to their children and other friends and relatives. Our knowledge of the virtues of Hon. John M. Francis makes keener our appreciation of their great sorrow. As a fitting means of conveying to them these sentiments it is ordered that this minute be engrossed and transmitted to the family of Hon. John M. Francis. " As a further token of respect, the employes of the Troy Times will attend in a body the funeral of Hon. John M. Francis.'' JOHN M. FRANCIS. The lofty mountains touch the sky, Their massy frames with iron knit, And hold their thrones as monarchs sit In judgment strong and clear of eye. But on their slopes the fields are green, In bounty waves the tasseled corn, And by the brooks in joyous morn The children at their sports are seen. So from thy greatness, who hast known How high and broad are power and fame. The plenteous gifts of kindness came Like gushing streams from mountain stone. From suntopped peak to valley's sod The might of mind is in the hills, The love of heart is in the rills. And might and love arc both of God. June i8, 1897. - J. H. P. 14 JOHN M. FEANCIS. A DAY OF MOURNING. [Editorial from the Troy Daily Times, June 21, iSgy.J THE shadow of a sorrow without precedent rests to-day upon the Troy Times and those who are associated in its service. To-day the remains of the loved and honored chief of many years, the founder of this journal, the broad-minded and great-hearted arbiter of its purposes and the controller of its history, the friend as well as the guide of all its forces, are given to the keeping of Oakwood's hallowed precincts, while his spirit returns to the Father in whom he trusted. No expression of the sense of bereavement could exaggerate the grief with which on this funeral day those who have sat at his feet as disciples in journalism and who have walked by his side in the prized companionship of friends think upon his memory. Every pen writing on the pages of the Troy Times, which is so vital with the inspiration of his mind and heart, feels him so much a part of itself that it halts on this day with a tremulous apprehension, as if speaking of things too deep for analysis and too broad for review, as if one spoke of his very self. Of all the flowers which to-day breathe their pure fragrance about him, there is none more holy than the affections or more fragrant than the memories which go out to him from these rooms where he always entered as a master and always departed as a friend. THE SWEETNESS OF ASSURED FAITH. JOHN M. FRANCIS held with a firm grasp to the essential truths of religion. His was no narrow faith. The fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man to him were supreme verities, and his life was molded to a belief in broad and practical Christianity. For years it was the invariable custom of Mr. Francis every evening before retiring to read or to have read to him the following beautiful poems. He carried them with him wherever he went, and with favorite selections from the Scriptures and other writings they furnished to him spiritual comfort and guidance. These facts touchingly illustrate his confident reliance upon a higher power, and the calm, sweet anticipation with which he looked forward to a happy reunion with loved ones gone before; IN MEMORIAM. 15 JUST FOR TO-DAY. Lord, for to-morrow and its needs I do not pray ; Keep me, my God, from stain of sin Just for to-day. Let me both diligently work And duly pray ; Let me be kind in word and deed Just for to-day. Let me be slow to do my will, Prompt to obey ; Help me to mortify my flesh Just for to-day. Let me no wrong or idle word Unthinking say ; Set thou a seal upon my lips Just for to-day. Let me in season, Lord, be grave, In season gay ; Let me be faithful to thy grace Just for to-day. So, for to-morrow and its needs I do not pray ; But keep me, guide me, love me, Lord, Just for to-day. NOT CHANGED BUT GLORIFIED. Not changed but glorified! Oh, beauteous language For those who weep. Mourning the loss of some dear face departed. Fallen asleep ; Hushed into silence, never more to comfort The hearts of men. Gone, like the sunshine of another country. Beyond our ken. Oh dearest dead, we saw thy white soul shining Behind the face Bright with the beauty and celestial glory Of an immortal grace. 16 JOHN M. FRANCIS. What wonder that we sturhble, faint and weeping, And sick -with fears, Since thou hast left us — all alone with sorrow And blind with tears? Can it be possible no words shall welcome Our coming feet? How will it look, that face that we have cherished. When next we meet ? Will it be changed, so glorified and saintly That we shall know it not ? Will there be nothing that will say, " I love thee. And I have not forgot?" Oh faithless heart, the same loved face transfigured Shall meet thee there, Less sad, less wistful, in immortal beauty Divinely fair. The mortal veil washed pure with many weepings Is rent away. And the great soul that sat within its prison Hath found the day. In the clear morning of that other country In Paradise, With the same face that we have loved and cherished She shall arise ! Let us be patient, we who mourn with weeping Some vanished face ; The Lord has taken, but to add more beauty And a diviner grace. And we shall find once more, beyond earth's sorrows. Beyond the skies. In the fair city of the " sure foundations," Those heavenly eyes, With the same welcome shining through their sweetness. That met us here ; Eyes from whose beauty God has banished weeping And wiped away the tear. Think of us, dearest one, while o'er life's waters We seek the land. Missing thy voice, thy touch, and the true helping Of thy pure hand, Till, through the storm and tempest, safely anchored Just on the other side. We find thy dear face looking through death's shadows. Not changed, but glorified. IN MEMORIAM. 17 JOHN M. FRANCIS. By his Grand-Daughter, Harriet Francis Havemeyer. Tall and mighty a pine tree stood, Highest of all in the grand old wood ; And the fiercest wintry winds that blew And moaned and whistled the forest through, And the heavy weight of the winter's snow That bent the tender saplings low, And even the angry, maddened blast That left trees prostrate as it passed, Could not disturb the grand old tree Or bend its sovereign majesty. In vain the wind the snow flakes blew ; The roots held fast — the tree stood true. In bold relief against the sky Its rugged beauty towered high Above its fellows, grand and tall, Majestic, stronger than them all : Yet little birds their shelter found In its green branches, and around Weak saplings grew, kept safe and warm By its protection from the storm. But old age came as it comes to all. And people said the tree must fall. Still straight and strong one summer's day The old tree stood ; still blithe and gay The birds their merry matins sang. And all the wood with music rang. A gentle zephyr rustled low The fragrant needles to and fro ; Till suddenly the birds all flew Away with cries of fright, and through The forest came a mighty sound — The noble tree lay on the ground. And thus the tree that braved the storm Succumbed when days were bright and warm. And now the selfsame thing we see Of one who towered like the tree Above his fellows ; old but grand — A noble life and nobly planned. And with his fall, as fall man must — For God is merciful and just — A lesson comes to him who strives. And spurs us upward through our lives. 18 JOHN M. FRANCIS. AT REST. {Editorial from the Troy Daily Times , June 22 , i8g7.\ UNDER the bluest sky of June, the breath of the pure and gentle breeze laden with the fragrance of Nature's fullness, every tree and bush and stretch of sward vivid with verdure or with the glory of the blossoms, the choicest of flowers and the sweetest of floral messages tenderly strewn about, and a company of sorrowing relatives and regretful and tribute-bearing associates and friends standing in the glow of the slow declining sun that bathed fair Oakwood with the mild beauty of the closing day — thus was all that was mortal of John M. Francis laid away to sleep. There was nothing that was not beautiful but the pang of grief, and even the sorrow of bereavement was trans- figured by the thought of that well rounded life, fraught with usefulness and honors, and of the reunions which renew earth's acquaintanceships in heaven's. The sunset of summer's opening day in the sweetness of the opulent year was like the entrance gate into the Summerland. It was a funeral which was as the summing-up of a life of high and various activity. The great general of the war and president of the years of reunion, who esteemed Mr. Francis a friend and adviser, was recalled by the presence of his son, and Colonel Grant, the successor of Mr. Francis as United States minister at the Austrian court, may also be regarded as a representative of the honorable services of Mr. Francis as an ambassador of his country to foreign powers. The Empire state, to whose prosperity Mr. Francis had given so much of his thought and effort, was personated in the chief magistrate, who came as friend as well as public officer. Heads of the chief departments of state were there. Members of the Stale Constitutional conventions — Messrs. Townsend, Steele, Peck, Parmenter and others — attested the labors of the honored dead in aiding to frame the fundamental law under whose authority the community performs its functions. Such veterans in the public service as ex-Secretary of State Scribner and General Dumont, who had walked and talked and worked in the same paths with Mr. Francis, came to hear the last words at his burial. Journalists of dis- tinction from other cities — some of whom were graduates from the school of Mr. Francis' counsel and guidance— joined with the publishers and editors of Troy in the final tribute of personal esteem. The men who for years, and some almost to a half-century's length, have helped him in daily producing the proudest work of his genius, the Troy Times, and who knew him by the kind clasp of the hand as well as by the directing word, looked for the last time upon the face of one whose ideals had been their aim. Citizens of Troy long on the city's muster-roll of IN MEMORIAM. 19 fame came to do him honor. And at the foot of his grave while the pastor of Troy's oldest church spoke the final words of committal, there stood with arms locked and bowed heads the venerable Father Haver- mans, the oldest Roman Catholic priest in America, and Rev. Dr. Baldwin, pastor emeritus of the First Baptist Church, and next to Father Havermans in length of pastoral service in Troy. These were the two survivors of that clerical trio the other of which was the sainted Rev. Dr. J. Ireland Tucker. These three noble ministers of God, one in their love and service of heaven and man, were one in their personal friendship with Mr. Francis, in co-operation with him in doing the works of righteousness in Troy and in acknowledgment of the breadth of his sympathy and the nobility of his purpose, which made him with them of the one fellowship of God above and on earth. And of the nearest and dearest, whose ties were those of kinship and whose memo- ries were those of home, it would be sacrilege to write words that would pretend to name their relation to this sacred scene. " Their works do follow them." He rests from his labors, but that which he has done abides. And not only that which he has done is his memorial but that which he has resisted. As a journalist, standing for veracity and cleanliness, he has raised the standard of journalism and shut many agate through which deceit and impurity might have come. The families into which newspapers go owe him a deep debt for the unflinching face which he set against the false and the foul in public prints. His impress on legislation and on the gracious courtesies of national intercourse will not soon fade. His stalwart defense of the exactness of law and the supremacy of order is a part of the history of the suppression of riot and the re-establishment of social coherence. His fidelity to religion as the star of the soul made him the friend of the pulpit and a proclaimer through the wide utterance of the printed page of the voices and the works of the devout in churches. The memories of his ministering gifts and his friendly benedictions were as many as the tears which yesterday they caused to flow, and the dew of those tears will quicken the ministries which are the deathless seed of goodness. The journal to which the might of his thought and endeavor was given, with every memory of him, is pledged to new devotion to his lofty ideals. The benevolence of that strong, calm life will live in his children and in his children's children. The roses that fell upon the casket which enclosed his silent form and the evergreens that hung upon the walls of the chamber of his last sleep were symbols of both the glory of his life and the eternity of his influence. 20 JOHN M. FRANCIS. THE FUNERAL. The Ceremonies Attending the Funeral of Hon. John M. Francis — Services at the Residence and at the Family Plat — Impressive but Unostentatious — Many Prominent Persons Present. [From the Troy Daily Times, June 22, iSqy.^ THE remains of Hon. John M. Francis were laid at rest in beautiful Oakwood just as the hour of six was sounding last evening in the city of the living, while the sun lingered above the horizon and shed radiance on the green and flower covered hillside of the city of the dead. The funeral services were simple in character and of remarkable impressiveness. The funeral was notable for the many prominent citizens attending, including state officials and distinguished friends from out of the city. The employes of the Troy Times, about one hundred in number, assembled at the Times building at 3:30 o'clock and marched in a body to the family residence at Washington Park, where the remains were viewed. A white ribbon, bearing the black inscription: " In Memoriam. John M. Francis, Founder of the Troy Times. June 18, 1897," surrounded by a border of black, was worn by each of the force. Prior to the services a very large number of friends viewed the remains, which rested in a casket surrounded by flowers. The floral tributes were of rare beauty. Among the floral pieces was one from the employes of the Times office. It represented "Gates Ajar," composed of roses and bearing the figures " 30," which signify, in the language of the printer, " the end." PROMINENT PERSONS PRESENT. Prominent citizens from Troy and out of town filled the spacious residence. Among those present were Governor Frank S. Black and wife ; Colonel Fred. D. Grant, New York, ex-United States Minister to Austria-Hungary; General James A. Dumont, Washington, United States supervising inspector general of steamboats ; George H. Starbuck of New York, United States inspector of steam vessels ; George Orvis of Manchester, Vt. ; W. G. Doolittle, of Hot Springs, N. C; Hon. W. H. Steele of Oswego; Hon. John A. Sleicher and Henry McMillen of New York ; Esek Cowen of New York ; Hon. John A. Quackenbush of Schaghticoke ; George G. Rockwood of New York; Hon. G. Hilton Scribner of Yonkers, ex-secretary of state; Hon. George W. Aldridge, superintendent of public works; Hon. Louis F. Payn, superintendent of IN MEMOEIAM. 21 insurance; William Barnes, jr., of Albany; William F McLean of Pratts- burgh; John S. Parker of Prattsburgh; Edward Riley of Pulteney; Hon. D. K. Simonds, ex-state senator, editor and proprietor of the Manchester Journal and postmaster at Manchester, Vt.; J. L. MacArthur, proprietor and editor of the Granville Sentinel ; Mr. and Mrs. Spencer Tuthill of Prattsburgh ; Mrs. Alice F Anderson of Bath ; Andrew B. Jones and family of Albany, and Miss Harris of Utica. The venerable Rev. Dr. George C. Baldwin, pastor emeritus of the First Baptist Church, and the oldest Protestant clergyman in Troy ; Rev. Peter Havermans, pastor of St. Mary's church and the oldest priest in America, and Vicar Gen- eral Swift, of this city, were also in attendance. King Solomon's Lodge, F. & A. M., of Troy, of which Mr. Francis was the oldest member, and Troy Chapter, Sons of the Revolution, of which Mr Francis was a charter member, were represented by delegations. THE SERVICES. The services at the house began at 4 o'clock, Rev. Dr. T. P. Sawin, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church, officiating. "ABIDE WITH ME." The hymn, "Abide With Me,'' was sweetly sung by a quartette, the members of which were Thomas Impett, Edwin Humphrey, John Edwards and George H. Kewley. The stanzas of the hymn are : Abide with me! Fast falls the eventide; The darkness deepens; Lord, with me abide! When other helpers fail, and comforts flee, Help of the helpless, O abide with me ! Swift to its close ebbs out life's little day; Earth's joys grow dim, its glories pass away; Change and decay in all around I see; thou who changest not, abide with me ! 1 fear no foe, with thee at hand to bless; Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness. Where is death's sting? Where, grave, thy victory? I triumph still, if thou abide with me ! Hold thou thy cross before my closing eyes; Shine through the gloom, and point me to the skies; Heaven's morning breaks, and earth's vain shadows flee; In life, in death, O Lord, abide with me ! FROM THE SCRIPTURES. Dr. Sawin read for the scripture lesson the following well chosen selections : The Lord answer thee in the day of trouble; The name of the God of Jacob set thee up on high; Send thee help from the sanctuary 22 JOHN M. FRANCIS. And strengthen thee out of Zion; Remember all thy offerings, And accept thy burnt sacrifice; Grant thee thy heart's desire, And fulfill all thy counsel. Peace be to this house. Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the father of mercies and God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our afHiction that we may be able to com- fort them that are in any affliction, through the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God. The voice of one saying, Cry. And one said. What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field; the grass withereth, the flower fadeth; because the breath of the Lord bloweth upon it; surely the people is grass. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth; but the word of our God shall stand forever. O thou that tellest good tidings to Zion, get thee up into the high mountains; O thou that tellest good tidings to Jerusalem, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God! Behold, the Lord God will come as a mighty one, and his arm shall rule for him; behold, his reward is with him, and his recompense before him. Behold, happy is the man whom God correcteth; Therefore despise not thou the chastening of the Almighty. For he maketh sore, and bindeth up; He woundeth, and his hands make whole, He shall deliver thee in six troubles; Yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee. In famine he shall redeem thee from death; And in war from the power of the sword. Thou shall be hid from the scourge of the tongue; Neither shall thou be afraid of destruction when it cometh. At destruction and dearth thou shall laugh; Neither shall thou be afraid of ihe beasts of the earth. For thou shall be in league with the stones of the field; And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with thee. And thou shall know that thy tent is in peace; And thou shall visit thy fold, and shall miss nothing. Thou shall know also that thy seed shall be great. And thine offspring as the grass of the earth. Thou shall come to Ihy grave in a full age, Like as a shock of corn cometh in its season. But thou shall go to thy fathers in peace; Thou shall be buried in good old age. The hoary head is a crown of glory. If it be found in the way of righteousness. And even to old age I am he, and even to hoary hairs will I carry you; I have made, and I will bear; yea, I will carry, and will deliver. Bless the Lord, O my soul. And all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, And forget not all his benefits; Who forgivelh all thine iniquities; IN MEMOEIAM. 23 Who healeth all thy diseases; Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; Who crowneth thee with loving kindness and tender mercies; Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; So that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's. The Lord executeth righteous acts, And judgments for all that are oppressed. He made known his way unto Moses, His doings to the children of Israel. The Lord is full of compassion and gracious, Slow to anger and plenteous in mercy. He will not always chide; Neither will he keep his anger forever. He hath not dealt with us after our sins; Nor rewarded us after our iniquities. For as the heaven is high above the earth, So great is his mercy toward them that fear him. As far as the east is from the west. So far hath he removed our trangressions from us. Like as a father pitieth his children. So the Lord pitieth them that fear him. For he knoweth our frame; He remembereth that we are dust. As for man, his days are as grass; As a flower of the field, so he fiourisheth. For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; And the place thereof shall know it no more. But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him. And his righteousness unto children's children; To such as keep his covenant. And to those that remember his precepts to do them. For thou hast been a stronghold to the poor, a stronghold to the needy in his dis- tress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrible ones is a storm against the wall. Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned; that she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. Why sayest thou, O Jacob, and speakest, O Israel, My way is hid from the Lord, and my judgment is passed away from my God? Hast thou not known? Hast thou not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, fainteth not, neither is weary; there is no searching of his understanding. He giveth power to the faint; and to him that hath no might he increaseth strength. It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, saith my soul; therefore will I hope in him. Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump; for the trumpet shall sound and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruptible and this 24 JOHN M. FRANCIS. mortal must put on immortality. But when this corruptible shall have put on incor- ruptible and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. O death, where is thy vic- tory? O death, where is thy sting? The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law, but thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not vain in the Lord. And he showed me a river of water of life, bright as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb, in the midst of the street thereof. And on this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve manner of fruits, yielding its fruit every month ; and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. And there shall be no curse any more ; and the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be therein ; and they shall see his face ; and his name shall be on their foreheads. And there shall be night no more ; and they need no light of lamp, neither light of sun ; for the Lord God shall give them light : and they shall reign for ever and ever. And he said unto me, These words are faithful and true. The Lord bless thee, and keep thee; The Lord make his face to shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee; The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. "LEAD, KINDLY LIGHT." The quartette sang impressively the hymn, "Lead, Kindly Light,' the stanzas of which are : Lead, kindly light ! amid the encircling gloom. Lead thou me on ! The night is dark, and I am far from home; Lead thou me on ! Keep thou my feet ; I do not ask to see The distant scene ; one step enough for me. I was not ever thus, nor prayed that thou Shouldst lead me on ; I loved to choose and see my path ; but now Lead thou me on ! I loved the garish day, and spite of fears, Pride ruled my will ; remember not past years. So long thy power has blest me, sure it still Will lead me on ; O'er moor and fen, o'er crag and torrent, till The night is gone ; And with the morn those angel faces smile Which I have loved long since, and lost awhile ! THE PRAYER. Dr. Sawin then offered prayer, in which he said : "Almighty God, we adore thee as our creator, our preserver and our bountiful benefactor. In thy light we see light, and in thy life we live and move and have our being. As thou hast created us we bear here IN MEMORIAM. 26 thine earthly image, and in this creation is the promise that we shall yet bear thine heavenly image. Thou madest us for thyself and we shall never find completion until we find it in thee, unhindered by mortal con- ditions. It is for this that thou dost summon us hence. Thou dost send thy messenger and we hear the word which calls, and what can we do but obey ? Sometimes thy dispensations are dark and mysterious, and we receive them with broken hearts and with faith that is sorely tried. We submit, but the blow is heavy and well beyond endurance, and if thou didst not strengthen us we should faint and cease to pray. But there are other times when thy word is clear, even as the shining after rain. Thou dost give us cause for grief, but at the same time thou dost show us how we may rejoice. Thou dost take from us one dear and near, but his going is as the going of a victor. Thou dost permit him to fill out his work here to our satisfaction as well as thine, and so dost thou minister comfort even whilst thou dost afHict. So it is with us now. We give thee thanks, therefore, for the life which thou hast spared so long for the great work which through thine assisting grace he was able to do and to finish, for the large and wise and helpful influence he has exerted in the world by means of his enterprise, his zeal, his courage, and all the talents thou didst give him. Thou didst fill his days with labor and didst crown him with honor, and didst make him in times of darkness and peril a power for righteousness and truth and justice — a noble defender of the rights of man — and a vigorous promoter of human wel- fare ; and now only in the fullness of ripened years hast thou taken him from us. For this grace we thank thee. And yet our hearts are heavy because we shall see him no more on earth, and no more shall witness the outward expression of his truth and goodness, and therefore we pray for the comfort wherewith thou dost comfort them that are in affliction. " Especially do we pray for those who were of his household, near to him in his heart's affection. For the children bereft of a father's love and care and counsel we entreat thy mercy and thy tenderest love. Put underneath them thine everlasting arms and be their eternal refuge. May they find in thee at this time that which shall sustain them and give hope and peace, and may the memory of his paternal goodness be to them an abiding inspiration. Be thou their Father and the God of all comfort. " We pray also for the younger ones, the children who gathered about their grandfather, and cheered him by their loving ways and their joy- ous life, and helped him to bear the monotony and pain of his sickness. Very dear were they to him, and do thou be dear to them for his sake, and comfort them according to thy wisdom and love. " We remember also this large company of men whose services were enlisted by him, and who now feel the loss of a dear friend and employer. We thank thee, for them, that thou didst enable him to set on foot large enterprises which called for their help and their faithful endeavor, and 26 JOHN M. FRANCIS. we beseech thee that thou wilt so bless them in this afifliction that their esteem and honor for him whom thou hast taken shall enlarge their own lives and give them a spirit of high and noble trust in thy goodness. " We thank thee, our Father, for the manifestation of the sympathy and love expressed here to-day, and for the precious, comforting words which have come from many friends in near and in far distant lands. Thou dost thus teach us that it is better to go to the house of mourning than the house of feasting. We mourn with those that mourn and weep with those that weep, and our hearts are greatly strengthened thereby, for in sharing the sorrows of others we find reason for believing that all things work together for good to them that love thee. " More than all else, our Father, do we thank thee now for the sweet assurance and deep trust that came to our friend in the last years of his life. Thou didst lead him and he followed. Thou didst teach him and he sat at thy feet and listened. Thou didst give him the vision of immortality and hope of salvation through Jesus Christ thy Son. Thou didst grant him the joy of meditating daily upon the truth of thy word — and thou didst increase his faith with the increase of years — so that his age was as the noonday — and thus thou didst prepare him for the call to meet thee in the land that is far off, where the King abides in his beauty, and to meet and dwell forevermore with the dear beloved one, the sharer of his toils and his rewards, who at thy summons passed on to the heavens some time before. We bless thee for this grand reunion — never again to be broken — and for all the sweet delight that shall for- ever accompany it. Therefore our hearts are greatly comforted, for we hear the words of our Lord saying to us even as he said to his disciples of old, ' Let not your hearts be troubled ; ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions ; if it were not so I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you, and if I go I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there ye be also. We rest here, Father, in the word of thy Son, and beseech thee to visit us with thy compassions and thy mercy that endureth forever. May we all so live and act that when thou shalt summon us we may hear the welcome plaudit already heard by our beloved friend, ' Well done, good and faithful servant, enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.' " Go with us all, we pray thee, through our pilgrimage on earth, and at last, when it comes time for us to lay aside the burdens and cares and joys of this earthly life, do thou admit us into thine eternal kingdom, there to dwell with thee and with thy Son in the glory everlasting, and with all our loved ones in the sweetness of immortal and unfading affec- tion, and unto thy great name shall be praise evermore. Amen." IN MEMORIAM. 27 'THE HOMELAND.' The last selection by the quartette was " The Homeland," the beau- tiful hymn reading as follows : The Homeland ! O the Homeland ! The land of souls freeborn ! No gloomy night is known there, But aye the fadeless morn. I'm sighing for that country, My heart is aching here ; There is no pain in the Homeland, To which I'm drawing near. My Lord is in the Homeland. With angels bright and fair; No sinful thing nor evil Can ever enter there ; The music of the ransomed Is ringing in my ears. And when I think of the Homeland My eyes are wet with tears. For loved ones in the Homeland Are waiting me to come Where neither death nor sorrow Invade their holy home : O dear, dear native country ! O rest and peace above ! Christ bring us all to the Homeland Of his eternal love. The services concluded with the benediction by Rev. Dr. Sawin. THE BEARERS. The employes of the Times office lined the way from the residence to the hearse and stood with uncovered heads as the remains were borne to the hearse. The pall bearers were: Martin I. Townsend, J. Hudson Peck, Nor- man B. Squires, William Kemp, Adam R. Smith, Aaron H. Graves Charles A. McLeod and Albert E. Powers. The carriers were : Benja- min Van Deusen, William T. Apps, H. H. Murray, Joseph C. Gary, Timothy Kelly, H. C. Shuster, D. H. Demers and Henry Wheeler, who are among the oldest in the employ of the, Troy Times. AT THE CEMETERY. When the funeral procession reached the Oakwood avenue entrance it was escorted to the family plat in the northern part of the cemetery 28 JOHN M. FRANCIS. by the members of the Troy Times force. When all had assembled about the grave the burial service, written by Dr. Sawin, was read by him and the ceremonies concluded with the strewing of roses in the grave by the relatives and others. The grave was thickly lined with evergreens and around it were strewn evergreens and beautiful peonies, entirely cover- ing the earth at the grave. In the same carriage there rode to the cemetery Rev. Peter Haver- mans, the oldest Roman Catholic priest in America ; Rev. Dr. George C. Baldwin, pastor emeritus of the First Baptist Church, and Vicar General Swift of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany. Father Havermans is the oldest pastor in Troy in point of service, and Dr. Baldwin is next oldest. In alighting from the carriage Dr. Baldwin offered Father Havermans his arm. They walked with locked arms to the grave, and thus they stood, with bowed heads, while the Rev. Dr. Sawin pronounced the words of burial for one who had been for many years the intimate friend of these two venerable clergymen. The entire funeral arrangements were carefully attended to by E. W. Millard. President Adam R. Smith of the Oakwood Cemetery Association gave his personal attention to the arrangements at the burial plat, and Superintendent John Boetcher was present as a per- sonal friend of Mr. Francis and to give his immediate supervision at the interment. THE VETERANS' TRIBUTE. At a meeting held June 21, 1897, the following minute was ordered placed on the secretary's book of the One Hundred and Twenty-fifth Regimental Association and a copy ordered sent to the family : Again Death has entered our midst and removed one of our honorary members — Hon. John M. Francis. Mr. Francis throughout his long and busy life was a stanch upholder of the Union, which our regiment in a measure helped to preserve, and his patriotic utterances, both in his newspaper and in daily intercourse with his fellow men, will always be remembered by veterans of the war of the Rebellion. His many Icind acts in behalf of veterans have made his name a household word among all vet- eran organizations, while his generous contribution toward the erection of the Soldiers and Sailors' Monument in this city will remain fresh in the memory of the soldiers until the last one shall have joined him in that "land from whence no traveler returneth." George W. Sweet, Secretary. LEE CHURCHILL, President. Watervliet, N. Y. IN MEMORIAM. 29 HON. JOHN M. FRANCIS. BY ANNIE M. TOOHEY. [From the Troy Daily Times, June 2j, iSgji\ I found a tiny flower Beside his precious bier, That still was softly moist With tender, fallen tear Shed by a saddened eye Of one who ever knew A father's loyal love. And daily guidance true. And I have pressed that flower With trertibling, rev'rent hands Between two sacred leaves; That faith of mine expands The promise of a life Beyond the shadowed tomb, Where soul of him we mourn Is wreathed in fadeless bloom. VISIT OF ME. FEANCIS TO BENNINGTON IN 1895. Bennington, Vt., June 21. — The death of Hon. John M. Francis, whose life was interwoven with the warp and woof of that splendid creation, the Troy Times, recalls the pleasant visit of the venerable gen- tleman to Bennington on the last day of July in 1895. The occasion was the long promised visit of Mrs. U. S. Grant to the Vermont Soldiers' Home. The party was made up chiefly of Mr. Francis and his daugh- ter, Mrs. J. C. Havemeyer, Mrs. Grant, Mrs Sartelle Prentice of Chicago, whose husband was a member of General Grant's staff, and Rev. Dr. George H. Smyth of New York, an army chaplain and a friend of the Grant family. Mr. Francis stood on the wide western veranda of the home, looking across a stretch of green fields to the rising hills and woods beyond. Great trees, bent beneath the weight of years, grew in the grove near by and the great fountain was throwing a white stream nearly 200 feet high and falling in heavy rain in the big basin beneath. A breeze, soft and caressing, was blowing over the meadows, and the whole scene was bathed in the summer sunbeams. Mr. Francis was enthusiastic over the view and remarked that Vermont had made no mistake in the selec- 30 JOHN M. FRANCIS. tion of a site for a home for the old soldiers. Turning to a Times corre- spondent he said he had a little story to tell about a newsdealer in Bennington during the war. A big battle had been fought, but the details were meagre at the moment, and the daily papers were awaited with great anxiety and impatience. A Bennington man was going to drive to Troy that day, and the newsdealer engaged him to get several hundred extra copies of the Times, and for his trouble he was paid $1.50. By this arrangement the papers would arrive in Bennington some time before the train, which was not due until about 9 o'clock in the evening. The man, who knew the value of fresh, important news, obtained the papers, for which he paid cash, and started for Bennington. But long before he reached home every one of the papers had been sold for fifteen cents a copy. While in Bennington Mr. Francis visited the Bennington battle mon- ument and other places of historical note and interest. The deceased impressed one as having a great soul, a kind heart and a gentle disposi- tion. Who can doubt that he journeyed to the Shadowland as he had walked the earth — calm, heroic, peaceful, dignified ? * IN MEMORY OF JOHN M. FRANCIS. BY F. V. T. \_From the Troy Daily Times, June 21, /Sgy.} "He was not, for God took him.'' So speaks the Holy Book Of him who walked with God. With tearful eyes and throbbing brow We read the sweet words over now And bow beneath the rod. The rod that smites us sore, For He hath taken thee Away from earth and its restraints To dwell forever with the saints Over the jasper sea. Ah! who can fill thy place? On whom the mantle rest? Where shall we find a heart so strong To aid the right, to crush the wrong, As that which stirred thy breast? Sadly we say, "Farewell!" While heaven's arches ring; We hear their shouts, e'en o'er the wave " Where is thy boasted victory, grave? O Death, where is thy sting? " Cohoes, N. Y. IN MEMORIAM. 31 HE BATTLED FOR THE RIGHT. [From the Troy Daily Times, June 24, /ift?/.] (Hon. John G. Schumaker, of Brooklyn, was for many years a warm personal friend of John M. Francis. Their intimacy dated back to the Free Soil Convention of 1848, of which they were both members, and continued unbroken until the death of Mr. Francis. Mr. Schumaker was also a delegate to the Constitutional Conventions of 1867-8 and in 1894, in both of which he and Mr. Francis served with industry and cordial co-operation. The appended lines are contributed by Mr. Schumaker as an expression of his high regard for his friend of nearly fifty years.) It was in eighteen forty-eight I first saw Francis, young and strong ; He came then as a delegate To " Free Soil " conclave at its dawn ! He came with heart and soul to fight For Freemen's rights and Freemen's homes— To bravely stand up for the right ! He spoke in no uncertain tones! We all know how in '48 A few and trusty men were found Whose battlecry throughout our state Dealt slavery blows the Union round ! Francis was of that noble band ! With voice and pen and heart aglow He fought right on — fought hand to hand — Till slavery died — its death we know. Yes, slavery died. Oh, yes — the woe, The blood, the tears — 'twas long ago. But still the part that Francis took — The firm, persistent, urgent task — In that great fight (as back I look) Is now his fitting epitaph. Brooklyn, June 21, 1897 J. G. S 32 JOHN M. FRANCIS. OUR LATE CHIEF. [From the Troy Daily Times, June 26, i8q'j.\ NOW that John M. Francis is departed, the public finds that its highest appreciation of his abilities does not comprehend their full extent. In other words, one feels the conviction that the greatness of such a man can hardly be measured until it is sealed by death. It is not a little thing when one who starts in life a typesetter becomes the founder of a newspaper like the Troy Times and then pass- ing to public life holds distinction in two constitutional conventions, to which is added diplomatic service as a minister to three European nations ; but in mourning the loss of such a man one finds a compen- sating feature in the fact that he had passed the usual term of life without the weakness of old age and that he was called away in the fullness of his mental powers, as the poet says : " And like the sun seems largest at his setting." John M. Francis was (with one exception) the last of those giant editors who led in that great national effort which overthrew American slavery, and his character reminds one of Greeley, without his vagaries ; of Raymond, without his occasional wavering, and of Thurlow Weed, without his bondage to partisanship. How much the nation owes to such a man is beyond estimate, and its measurement indeed is the duty of posterity. Personally speaking, the writer of this has long been impressed with the unspeakable value of such service and also such an example, and hence he will always hold John M. Francis enshrined in the highest attainment of American greatness. As Wordsworth says : " A memorable age, Which did assign to him the lot To linger 'mid the last of those bright clouds That on the breeze of honor sailed." When such a man is removed how naturally one at first yields to the pensive train of thought uttered by the same author : " So fails, so languishes, so grows dim and dies, All that this world is proud of. From their spheres The stars of human glory are cast down." But, no ! We still have their examples and their influence. Exalted by death they walk the earth in undying power. The poet also portrays just such a parting when he says : " Like a shadow thrown Softly and lightly, from a passing cloud, Death fell upon him." IN MEMORIAM. 33 And then what a picture of that funeral is found in the following lines : " Bright was the sun, the sky a cloudless blue ; A golden lustre slept upon the hills, But every face was pallid ; Seldom hath that eye been moist That wept not then." It was a fitting conclusion to such a career, and now those who enjoyed his friendship or felt his influence or assisted in his professional worlc will feel that life has received a fresh impulse even from his departure, and amid this class an humble place is claimed by The Hermit of New York. JOHN M. FRANCIS— IN MEMORIAM. [From the Troy Daily Times, June 28, iSqj.^ A man of mental brawn — like some grand oak Whose giant sinews stood the shock of storms Unmoved where weakness fell amid the wreck — At last, his mission done, now sleeps in peace Upon life's threshold floor. He sleeps to rest ! Sleeps but to wake in stature like a prince Among the intellects who stirred the world To loftier aims ; who now, in vaster spheres, Can tell an angel host the wondrous plan By which on earth God leads and perfects man. June 27, 1897. John C. Bali,. 34 JOHN M. FRANCIS. A FAREWELL WORD. [^From the Troy Daily Times, June 28, ^Sgy.] IN THE memorial tributes to the late John Morgan Francis, as repub- lished in the Troy Daily Times, that accomplished journalist and statesman is crowned with higher honor than was ever conferred by eastern mausoleum. And the estimates of brother journalists will be heartily endorsed by all familiar with the record of his life. John M. Francis had that infinite capacity for thorough, conscientious labor that is far better than brilliant genius. With him work was religion. The getting of facts for an honest argument was worship. In his working years he inspired all in his employ with his own passion for productive industry. Even when traveling^ and when supposed by others to be having a vacation, the headquarters of the Troy Times journeyed with him from place to place. While at the American legation in Athens and faithful to his mission in diplomacy, he kept his hand on the pulse of the Troy Times and guided its utterances with the skill of an accomplished statesman. In his friendships Mr. Francis was one of the few who cling closer than a brother. Through thick and thin he was always true to his friends, and this generous loyalty is responded to in the heart eulogies that laurel his grave to-day. He was every inch an American. His Welsh descent only added to the steadfast fervor of his patriotism. In November, 187 1, the American Thanksgiving was celebrated at the American legation in Athens with a joyous enthusiasm not yet forgotten by the guests who yet survive, whether Americans, Englishmen, Ger- mans or Greeks. The star spangled banner floated in the breeze that came up from the Salamis. Many flowers were sent in from King George's gardens. Mr. Francis read General Grant's presidential procla- mation and made a fervid address that was good medicine for homesick souls. Dear friend of well remembered days, farewell, till in some brighter clime we say " Good morning." Clinton, N. Y., June 26, 1897. E N IS MEMORIAM. 35 A MEMORIAL SONNET. J. M. F. — JUNE l8, 1897. [From the Troy Daily Times, July /, 7*97.] With sturdy arm for truth he wrought and right, This man whom loyal hearts to-day enfold ; Brave knight was he and pure as native gold, While Honor's shield he carried in the fight, And kept it stainless in the murkest night, Like they of Sparta in the days of old ; A hero cast in true heroic mold. Who feared no wrong though panoplied in might. His sun has set ; yet wide horizons burn With splendors rare his morning could not know ; And all the hilltops where we fondly turn Are swathed in glory of the afterglow ; And in its light with reverent hand I lay This wreath of song upon his grave to-day. Ward, Penn. Dr. Benj. F. Leggett. ON VISITING THE OLD HOMESTEAD. BY M. M. ADAMS. [This poem was written by one who was an associate of Mr. Francis in boyhood, and refers to the old homestead of the Francis family at Prattsburgh, Steuben County, New York.] [Written for the Troy Daily Times. I have been dreaming a dream to-day Of an old red house that stands by the way On a grassy knoll where the summer breeze Plays with the boughs of the apple trees ; The summer's heat and the winter's cold Have stained and seamed those shingles old, And in every board of that broken roof Has memory woven her silken woof, 36 JOHN M. FRANCIS. Of sweet hours spent there in youth's happy day ; Of friends once so dear, long since passed away ; And far in the distance bright dreams of the past Of childhood's ambitions too great far to last. I gaze o'er the fields where the children once played, And clear in my mind are the pictures they made. Now the blue smoke curls up from the chimneys near by, But this one long idle looks up at the sky. Above the rude path that leads down to the spring Hid in the green branches the morning birds sing ; And I mark the old way now all covered with grass Where child's naked feet used so often to pass With quick, bounding steps ere they kneeled to drink The pure, cooling draft from the mossy brink. On each blade of grass a tear I can see That quivers with mem'ries so blessed to me. They meet round the board, the good sire says grace. And the logs crackle loud in the old fireplace. While the tea kettle sings — yes, I see it again As it hangs by a hook from the smutty old crane, And the bright, eager faces, they carry me back To the days when I, too, trod with laughter the track Of childhood and youth as blithe and as gay, Full of hope and of day dreams as children to-day. I hear the stairs creak with a soft, loving tread. And a kind gaze still lingers on each golden head As the children are sleeping ; I see even now Some one pressing soft kisses on each peaceful brow. Mother, dear mother, we'll see you no more ; Years since you have sailed to a far distant shore, And the soft winds may whisper — they never can bring Back one note of the lullaby you used to sing. The steps are now broken and gone to decay. And the walls in the rooms are fast crumbling away ; The windows — they groan in the strong evening breeze, And the winds seem to moan in the old apple trees. The locks once so golden are all turned to gray, And the steps are too feeble to join childish play. Alas ! Brother and sister will meet here no more. And dear old red house, your long service is o'er. Prattsburgh, N. Y., 1897. IN MEMORIAM. 37 A TOUCHING TRIBUTE. Action Taken by the New York Press Association on the Death of John M. Francis — A Beautiful and Tender Memorial Address by Hon. John A. Sleicher. THE forty-first annual outing of the New York Press Association was held at the Thousand Islands, June 29 and 30 and July i and 2, 1897. A business session was held on Wednesday morning, June 30, at which Henry A. Brockway of the Watertown Times, presi- dent of the association, delivered his annual address, in the course of which he paid the following tribute to the late John M. Francis : The death of Hon. John M. Francis, the veteran editor of the Troy Times, on June 18, takes from our list another of the honored mem- bers who have contributed of their talent and influence through many years toward the maintenance of this organization, and whose useful life and high attainments have shed lustre on the newspaper profession. He was the friend of Grant, the trusted representative of our govern- ment at three foreign courts, a politician of high purposes and clean practices and a citizen who was greatly esteemed in the city where most of the years of his life were spent. A MEMORIAL. The following memorial of Mr. Francis, prepared by Hon. John A. Sleicher of the New York City Record, was read by Willet F. Cook of the Canajoharie Courier, Mr. Sleicher not being in attendance, being about to start for Europe : " We cannot be where God is not, On any sea or shore." With the first breath of the new born babe comes the thought of its consecration to its Maker ; with the last breath of the human heart mingles the hope of an eternity in heaven. It has been my sad duty to present to this association, at its last three successive meetings, memo- rials of three of our members, all of them living in faith and dying in hope. Elliott F. Shepard, a Christian journalist, with all the earnest- ness of an evangelist and the zeal of a crusader, was gathered to his fathers just as he had passed the meridian of life ; Bernhard Gillam, whose rare genius had illuminated the world and whose gentleness had won the affections of all who knew him, died in the flush of early man- hood ; John M. Francis, of whom I am now to speak, lived beyond the 38 JOHN M. FRANCIS. allotted time of life and went to his last sleep as calmly as one who drops into restful repose. We all knew John M. Francis, and we all loved him. His memory rises fresh before us now as we commune together. For he was one of us ; his voice mingled with our voices ; his admonitions were helpful and his counsels timely and wise. Although the owner of one of the most influential dailies in the country, he found pleasure and profit in the companionship of this asso- ciation, made up largely of editors of weekly newspapers. He no doubt remembered his own early experience, which, like that of most success- ful journalists, began in the country printing office. He had the time and the disposition to become prominently identified with our associa- tion, and frequently attended our annual meetings. He gratefully accepted the honor of an election to the presidency of this organization and served it faithfully and well in that capacity ; he always referred with pleasure and appreciation to the compliment he had received at our hands. The story of his life needs but a few words. It is the story of a self- made man. Born of the best Welsh blood, at Prattsburgh, Steuben county, N. Y., March 6, 1823, the youngest but one of a family of thir- teen children, we find him at the age of fifteen years apprenticed to the printer's trade in the office of the Ontario Messenger at Canandaigua. With an education mostly gained in that unrivaled preparatory school, the country printing office, he equipped himself at the age of twenty for a place as an editorial writer on the Palmyra Sentinel. A little later he had his first experience on a daily newspaper in the editorial room of the Rochester Advertiser. In 1846 he became part owner and the leading editor of the Troy Budget, but he sold his interest in 1849 and soon after- ward accepted a place on the old Troy Morning Whig. The event that marked an epoch in his career occurred June 25, 1851 — almost forty-six years ago to a day — when he founded the Troy Daily Times, which survives him as his living and speaking monument. For nearly half a century he gave his best life to the successful develop- ment of one of the most influential newspapers in the land. He was a Republican as soon as the Republican party was born, for its principles were his by instinct and by purpose. Twice a member of state consti- tutional conventions, three times an honored ambassador of his country to foreign lands, his life was crowned with many honors, and every public place he held was enriched and ennobled by his presence. In the city of Troy, with whose wonderful growth and prosperity he was closely identified for nearly half a century, he stood as a guard of honor for all that gave the city rank, dignity and influence. Every industry that was developed, every deserving public institution and even the laudable private ambitions of its citizens found encouragement in him and strength in the influence of his powerful newspaper. IN memoriaM. 39 I may speak in this brief memorial of but two things — the work and thfe character of John M. Francis. His work we all know. He was the model newspaper man of his times. He had what few possess — not only executive ability of the highest order, but also that which is not usually associated with executive ability, viz : a mastery of the minutest details of every department of his business. He was a practical printer, a com- petent editor and a successful publisher. Nothing escaped his eagle eye. Whether at home or abroad, he saw the Times as regularly as the sun rose, and a grammatical error, a trifling mistake in proof reading, a blurred line or bent column rule was pointed out by him and kindly criticised in the first advices that he forwarded to his office. Letter after letter poured in during his absence. The head of every department received instructions and advice from the chief, and so just were his criticisms that no message from him was ever resented. Nor did he spare generous praise when it was deserved. In the office he was a prodigy of industry. His desk was the centre of activity. He was tireless, patient and thorough ; and he dropped a subject only after he had fully exhausted it. Those of us who heard his address as president at our annual meeting at Troy recall the research, study and special knowledge it revealed in the preparation of his history of the art of printing. The address was one of the most instructive and appropriate that this association has ever heard. It was the work of a trained mind, enriched by knowledge gained by experience as well as by the study of the typographic art from the beginning of its history. Mr. Francis had in a marked degree that wonderful genius of common sense which, when combined with industry, assures success to the master of any craft. He knew the value of news at a glance ; from the outset of his career as publisher of the Troy Times he imparted to its local and general news departments a refreshing vigor that gave pre-eminence to his work and lasting strength to his publication. He had no patience with those who wasted valuable time and more valuable space on trifles. The news must be concise, fresh and full of facts and figures, if any of the latter could be had, and the facts and figures must be accurate to the last degree. The editorials must exhaust the subject. If a column were required it should be given, but his preference always was for a meaty paragraph which embodied strength and thought. He grasped the salient features of a subject as if by intuition, and his judgment was unerring. He never rushed headlong into danger. His conservatism was marked, but it never stood in the pathway of progress. He looked eagerly for every new advance in the art of printing, and when its advantages had been clearly demonstrated he was the first to seek it at any cost if it promised to improve the appearance of The Times. His was watchful conservatism that always adds strength to character and assures success. Such, in brief, was his work. If any one has thought that the crea- 40 JOHN M. FRANCIS. tion of a great daily newspaper was the result of good luck, let him disabuse his mind of that impression. The Troy Times was created by a master mind. It was lifted into prominence and power by a master worker whose thought by day and dream by night was the success of the venture upon which he had risked everything. He was conscious of the power of the press, and I rejoice in that fact. He knew the influence of his own paper and he felt that without that influence behind it no politi- cal force could control in local affairs. He knew also that successful party leadership could only be predicated upon the correct judgment of public opinion and that behind public opinion, now more than ever before in our history, stood the potential power of the press. At this time, when the fact seems to have been overlooked by some who have climbed into places of influence upon the shoulders of the press, it is well to recall one lesson that Mr. Francis has taught us. If the editors of this state knew and felt this power they would not have to be sup- pliants in the hall of legislation for fair and just measures of protection to our interests. It is yours to create legislators — to make and unmake public men — and if you realized that power and did not hesitate to exer- cise it the influence of this association would be more generally recog- nized and respected. The character of Mr. Francis was as marked as was his genius for his chosen profession. He was a good man. His convictions were deep and abiding. His devotion to his family was most touching and beautiful. His loyalty to his friends Was steadfast through evil and good report, and his fealty to his party made him a "stalwart" of Republican stalwarts. He studied men and newspapers rather than books, but his mind was a storehouse of wisdom. No one in the state kept in closer touch with the people. None stood more firmly for the people's rights. He applied himself with intense application to his work, but when the task was done he set it aside and gave himself up to delightful moments of rest and recreation with his family or his friends. He had that self- control, that mental equipoise so helpful to the busy man and so neces- sary to the successful man. When The Times building was burned he was in Washington. The news came to him at night, and he told me that after he had received the telegram he returned to his chamber and slept quietly and undisturbed until morning. " There was nothing I could do by worrying," said he. " I knew that everything was being done that could be done, and so I went to bed and finished my rest." How many of us could or would have had such serenity of mind under such troublesome circumstances ? Mr. Francis had the qualities of head and heart which always make strong friendships. He loved companionship and sought it wherever he might be. He was observant of all things and his mind was richly stored with personal experiences, which he was always ready to relate in the most entertaining way. Many an evening have I sat and listened to his IN MEMORIAM. 41 personal recollections of men and events, experiences at home and abroad ; and the brightness of his mind, his appreciation of humorous situations and his love of the noble in man and the beautiful in nature gave to his conversation a special charm and freshness. At that well remembered meeting in the Adirondacks which was made specially note- worthy by a "lovefeast" of the oldest members, Mr. Francis was called out, and the zest and freedom with which he entered into the occasion was a revelation to those who had not known the genial, companionable side of his nature. Will any of us ever forget the merry song he sang and the chorus in which we all so joyously joined ? He was a reverent man. Things sacred were never scoffed at in his presence. He believed in the Godhead and respected all who worshiped their Master, of whatever church or denomination. I can never forget an impression made upon my youthful mind some twenty years ago at the seashore, where I spent a few days with Mr. Francis as his guest. It was a quiet, beautiful summer night. The sky was glorious with count- less stars. We sat on the veranda alone. Mr. Francis was unusually thoughtful and silent as he surveyed the glittering field of sparkling light above, and finally said to me : " Look at the sky. Is n't it beautiful ? Think of the countless worlds we see, and of the countless worlds that are beyond our vision, each moving in its own field, yet all in harmony with nature's wonder- ful planetary system ! How can any one look at such a sight and say there is no God !" The same thought no doubt was in the deeply reli- gious mind of Sir Robert Grant when he penned the familiar lines : "The starry firmament on high, And all the glory of the sky, Yet shine not to thy praise, oh, Lord, So brightly as thy written word." Simple, unaffected, cordial, warmhearted, no man in his profession was more widely known and respected than Mr. Francis. Countless friends remember his words of appreciation and encouragement, and his generous hand was freely extended to aid the deserving. Many have told me of the substantial help they received from him, and of the influ- ence for good that he steadily exerted over their lives. On the way to the cemetery, after the recent funeral services, an early friend of Mr. Francis, who had been a printer's boy in the latter's employ, told me this incident : After leaving the Troy Times the young man went to New York, where a business opening presented itself of such an attractive nature that he returned to Troy to see if he could secure a loan of $200 from relatives and friends with which to embark in the enterprise. Making a social call on Mr. Francis, he spoke of his hope and aspirations. Mr. Francis inquired when he expected to return to New York. The answer was, "As soon as I can raise the money." " Then go to-night," said Mr. Francis, as he placed a check for $200 in 42 JOHN M. FRANCIS. the hands of his old friend. I may add, to complete this story, that the gentleman, overwhelmed with gratitude, said : " I will repay this money in three months." Mr. Francis said, "George, don't ever say that. Never make promises that you are not sure of keeping." The money was returned, however, within sixty days, for success marked, the enter- prise from the outset. I write with special knowledge of his kindness. To me he was a preceptor and counselor and friend for nearly thirty years. Curbing my youthful enthusiasm with a gentle hand and lead- ing my ambition into higher paths, he helped me with the guidance of a father. It is hard to think of him as dead. A life so fruitful, a purpose so beneficent, a character so benevolent and a soul so affectionate, could have been spared to bless mankind for many years. And now let us consider the lesson of this life. For his career was full of lessons. He began with nothing, and in the brief compass of a human life created a great newspaper, accumulated a large fortune and achieved public distinction that falls to few men. What was the secret of this wonderful success ? He inherited a vigorous constitution. He was industrious to an unusual degree. He was cautious and discreet, keenly observing and of good habits. In his service he was faithful to his employer's interests, never slighting his work, never begrudging his labor. In fact, conscience regulated his success, and the most impres- sive lesson he leaves to us is the value of conscience as our guide. With it we are safe where'er we go. Without it we are lost. We cannot understand the mystery of death. We do not question the rulings of a divine dispensation, for that is not for us. We can only echo the words of the sainted Cardinal Newman : " Lead, kindly light, amid the encircling gloom !" Rest to thee, our friend ! Rest in peace, our brother ! Sweet be thy sleep until the resurrection morn when we shall see thee, face to face, again ! " And we shall find once more beyond earth's sorrows, Beyond the skies, In the fair city of the ' sure foundations ' Those heavenly eyes, With the same welcome shining through their sweetness. That met us here ; Eyes from whose beauty God has banished weeping. And wiped away the tear." SPREAD UPON THE MINUTES. Arthur MacArthur of the Troy Budget moved that the memorial be spread upon the minutes and a copy sent to the family of the deceased. The motion was seconded by J. W. Slauson of the Middletown Press, Henry McMillen of New York and H. A. Dudley of Warsaw. It was then adopted unanimously. IN MEMORIAM. 43 PATHETIC AND PROPHETIC. \_Fro?n the Troy Daily Tinies^ October ^, iSg"j.\ THE Dansville, N. Y., Advertiser, of which the veteran journalist, A. O. Bunnell, is editor and proprietor, in its issue of September 30 has the following editorial article : " We publish on our first page an admirable article under the title of 'Working Together,' taken from the Troy Times of September 17. It is excellent in spirit, clear in statement, cogent in conclusions. The Republican party conducted within the lines here laid down would be irresistibly dominant for good through many years to come. When it is known that the first six paragraphs of this notable editorial leader were dictated by the late John M. Francis, the founder and editor of The Times, two days before the fatal congestive chill, the sage advice given will have peculiar significance. With what persuasive force these eloquent words come to us from his silent resting place with the added impact of the character and' work of one of the foremost editors of the age ! They should make us better men and better editors, as well as better Republicans." Especial interest attaches to the Troy Times article mentioned because of the circumstances under which it was prepared, and for the reason that to many who have read it there seemed in it the spirit of prophecy, so accurately did it set forth conditions that manifested themselves after the soul of him who inspired it had passed from earth. Two days before John M. Francis experienced the chill which led to a fatal termination of his illness he had dictated the first six paragraphs of the Times article. The matter was put in type, and the following day the proof was submitted to Mr. Francis. He read the proof with his usual painstaking care, and then said : " That is all right so far as it goes. There are a few other ideas which I wish to embody in the article, but my strength is not equal to the task lo-day. Mark the proof ' Hold for orders.'" But the order never came from the lips of the honored founder of the Troy Times, established by him nearly fifty years ago. A few days later Death had placed upon them the seal of eternal silence. And yet "he speaketh." His utterances were published when they seemed most timely and fitting, supplemented with a few phrases logically carrying out to a pertinent application the wise counsel that was, so to speak, his parting message to the readers of the paper which he created. 44 JOHN M. FEANCIS. The article has commended itself to many readers as containing advice most pertinent to the situation as it now exists. From stanch Republican friends have come declarations that nothing could be more suitable as kindly advice to members of the Republican party, to the interests of which, as an agency of public good, John M. Francis was so loyally devoted from its organization. The article published in the Troy Times of September 17, to which The Advertiser refers, is reproduced below : WORKING TOGETHER. "Government is administered in this country through partisan agen- cies. A principle of public progress or a method of procedure becomes operative in the affairs of state only as it is backed by voting force. It is votes thac are counted. Votes like soldiers are massed by aggregation. But this combining of units can be accomplished only by organization. As is an army to a mob, so is a party to a leaderless band of political ' irregulars.' The army system and discipline concentrate and continue the attack through the siege to the battle. The party organization and fidelity concentrate and continue the effort of a campaign to its culmina- tion at the polls. " All partisan organizations represent the instinct of self-preservation. Informal though they may be in their spontaneous beginning, they soon develop the structural formation, the spine and the ribs, that stands for defense and the power of persistence. It is sometimes amusing to observe how quickly a new protest against the apparatus of party becomes a piece of machinery as rigid as that from which it seceded. The initia- ting and perhaps self-chosen committee comes to be as inflexibly domin- ating as any ' boss ' of long years or extensive service or large following, whom that same committee may be loudly denouncing. This may be amusing, but it is not surprising. It is inevitable. It is essential to a continuance even comparatively brief. "As it is the party of the majority that impresses itself upon the public administration in a country where the majority rules, it behooves any party wishing the practical approval that comes with authority to avoid all divisive influences. Union is strength, and unity involves the self-restraint of minor individualities. In the military corps there must be the mergmg of the individual. All cannot be captains. Each cannot IN MEMORIAM. 45 choose the line of march. There must not be as many tactical com- mands as there are men. So in a party the fundamental principles that give the organization its standing must prevail. Personal hobbies, which have a limited following, must be kept in abeyance. They need not be surrendered as hobbies, for they may contain the seed of party principles, but they must not be thrust upon the party with the threat or penalty of revolt in the event of rejection. So all cannot be leaders. " He who thinks more of the advancement of his political principles than the gratification of ambition for personal preferment will willingly accept the leadership that the opinion of his party, regularly expressed, has selected. He has the privilege of affecting the choice of leaders just as much as his influence entitles him to do so. If this canon of party loyalty be not adhered to, there will not be left enough of the party to be worth leading. The first essential of concentrated action is willingness to coalesce. Every great document of the American community, from the federal constitution down, has been the product of compromise — of deference to individual views and concession of individual desires to a few dominant principles, which because dominant have been unifying. " Nor can a party which is to be large enough and inclusive enough to be a power in the affairs of the people pick its membership or even its officers like a select club organized to advance a literary or social cult. During the civil war recruits were selected for their fighting quali- ties, and not for their home occupations or associations. The preacher trudged in the ranks, shoulder to shoulder with the hand laborer, and the follower of creed kept in line with the man who had no creed at all except faith in the Union. There were generals from all stations and degrees. Some were graduates of colleges and military schools and some were graduates of battles. Occasionally there was one who swore, or perhaps played cards or mayhap drank whisky when the glass went round. No church membership or college examination tests were imposed or even dreamed of. A victorious army was not to be built up by exclusion, except of traitors, but by inclusion. " So a victorious party is not a tea party. It is a union of all who believe in that party as an efficient agency in the prosecution of govern- ment, and who yield to others, and expect for themselves, representation and share of management so far as numbers give title. A successful party can never be made of members of a mutual admiration society, of 46 JOHN M. FRANCIS. those who establish a shibboleth based on lineage or social acquaint- ance, or of those who prefer to cast a black-ball by themselves to a ballot with others. In essentials unity, in non-essentials liberty, in all things charity. It is a good motto for partisan action. " Such truths are especially timely because the preliminaries are on for another election campaign. The Republican party, in the rising tide of its success, must avoid pharisaical narrowness and self-consuming ambitions and all revenges that would lead through personal resentment to party misfortune. It is a grand party and must have magnanimous supporters. There is no badge but Republicanism. There is no pass- word but loyalty. Close up the ranks, then, and every man as one man forward march ! " It is especially needful that at this time the Republican party should have the unhalting step and the unbroken line. That party is the only organized representative of the principles which were decided last November to be the most worthy of preservation in American affairs — the genuineness of the national word and the authority of the civic structure. The Democratic party has been split asunder by the test. The Republican party was strengthened by the challenge. The honor of the country, upheld with prosperous results by the party that with bullets or ballots, as the need arose, has protected the American Union, still looks to that party for the decisive electoral voice that shall be the guarantee of peace. " The agitators of public dishonesty and of revolt against the defenses of the law are not idle. The intertwined relations of the civic fabric make every choice by citizens important in its far reaching influence. There is no off year and no meaningless election when political princi- ples are at stake. The success of those principles is bound up with the success of the party that upholds them, and the success of that party is dependent upon the unity and fidelity of its members. " Republicans, in nation and state and county and city, keep together ! Your party was never more necessary to society or more able to justify its faith by its works than with its acknowledged purposes, under its present leadership and in this year 1897." ^onxnnlisiic 'Sxxbntcs^. fotiriialisttt gritjutjes. Tributes to the memory of Mr. Francis were paid by the press generally. So numerous and extended were these expressions of regard that it is impossible to reproduce them in full. Extracts from the editorial articles of representative newspapers follow. THE following from the pen of Hon. C. L. MacArthur, editor of the Troy Northern Budget, appeared in the issue of that paper of June 27 : Round Lake, Saturday, June 26. — When John M. Francis died a few days ago I was sick at the time and absent from Troy. Had it been otherwise I should probably have written something of him for print at the time. It will be fifty years ago early in the next August since at his solici- tation I came from New York to join him in the purchase and publica- tion of the old Troy Northern Budget (daily). He wrote a full account of it for me once in what old readers will remember as the " First Annual Fes- tival of the Troy News," the first Sunday paper in the state, outside of New York, which was started by me — the pioneer in state Sunday jour- nalism preceding the present Budget. I well remember my first day in Troy, half a century ago, with Fran- cis, and the old Budget. It was a hot day in August in 1847 — the anni- versary of British emancipation in the West Indies. The colored men of Troy were celebrating the day with a big procession, headed by Wil- liam Rich, the famous Troy house colored barber, long since dead, on horseback, wearing a long, fluttering marshal's sash that lazily swayed in the summer breeze. Mr. Francis and myself were hot, radical Aboli- tion Democrats then — but the party of " Free Soil, Free Men and Free Press " had not yet been born. It did not emerge into existence until the next year — that wonderful revolutionary year, 1848, which saw France rise from the ruins of monarchical Bourbonism into a republic, and wit- nessed in America the laying of the foundation of that great national anti-slavery sentiment which later culminated in Lincoln's emancipation proclamation. The Republican party of freedom, as crystallized under Fremont, was not borri until nearly ten years later, in 1856, and to abo- 50 JOHN M. FRANCIS. lition dreamers of our type in that half century of long ago the freedom of the slave in this country seemed as remote as any unexpected event possibly could be in the future. My ! How the great events of the next two decades of the future unrolled the dramatic curtain to our vision with living pictures of the unexpected and the startling — and when the sun rose twenty years later it flashed resplendently over a field where the greatest of civil wars had raged and slavery had gone out and liberty had come in ! In all these rapidly recurring events — from 1847 to 1867 — Mr. Francis enacted a part which reflects the highest honor upon the character of the American citizen of that period. Among " the men of forty-eight" — the Free Soilers of that period — Mr. Francis played a con- spicuous part. William Cullen Bryant was then the editor of the New York Eveving Post, the head of that brilliant coterie of whom Churchill C. Cambreleng, the other Benjamin F. Butler, John Van Buren, Silas Wright, William C. Cassidy, Martin Van Buren, John A. Dix and a host of other illustrious men of the day were members. Mr. Francis was much honored with this group, and Mr. Bryant regarded him as the most able young Free Soil editor in the state. It is something to have lived in this period of great lovers of freedom, and even to have basked in the warmth and light of their life-giving effulgence ! On that August morning, fifty years ago, the telegraph had but just come to Troy. Mr. Francis took me over from the front of the Budget office, then located on State street, south side, where the postoflfice was formerly, corner of the alley between First and River streets, to the Athe- naeum to see this new wonder — the telegraph. It was located in a small hall room, a little 7x9 room, at the head of the stairs, second story, and William C. Buell and one messenger boy constituted the entire tele- graphic force. It was ample for the business of Troy, which was then mainly confined to market reports. Mr. Francis was particular that the Budget should get all that was obtainable by telegraph. He always wanted " all the news.'' He had a great instinct for and thorough appre- ciation of news. There are men even in the editorial profession now who do n't know news when they see it. Mr. Francis knew news and its value to the journalist every time. In one field of journalism he was almost a pioneer. He had a won- derful tact at paragraphing. George W. Demers was a disciple and pro- tege of Francis, and was the greatest paragrapher who ever wrote for the American press. But Francis was his predecessor, inventor and teacher. In the morning Francis could take his bundle of mail papers, " go through them like a dose of salts " and gather all the news there was in them into brief, crisp paragraphs, all gathered under appropriate heads to print, and thus in the newspaper that left his hands it was possible to see the whole news at a glance as in a mirror. He had a rare faculty at condensation. One faculty which Napoleon and Grant possessed Francis possessed in a large degree. He was a good judge of men in the selection of his IN MEMORIAM. 61 staff and his subalterns — of the men to work with him. Besides George Demers, he was the discoverer of James S. Thorn, whom he took as a local from the old Whig. " Jimmy " Thorn was the best " local " the Times or any other Troy newspaper ever had. What made him so valuable was that he knew the value of little items in newspapers — those little personal matters that relate to the every-day, home business life of everybody. As a " snapper-up of inconsiderable trifles " Jimmy Thorn never had a peer on the Troy press. As all of life is a make-up of a multitude of little things, Thorn had the charm of weaving these deftly into the local columns of the Times in a way that pleased everybody who read his items. Abraham Fonda and F. B. Hubbell, two of the best newspaper men ever connected with Troy newspapers, were at different periods gathered to the staff of the Times, because Mr. Francis knew their full value as newspaper men. W. E. Kisselburgh, now dead, and Henry McMillen and John A. Sleicher, both living, also were gathered under the wing of Mr. Francis at a time in their lives when they could do him the most good. On the 25th of June the Troy Times celebrated its forty- sixth birthday — a long period for any newspaper to flourish in prosper- ity — and for that long career of prosperity the Times was largely indebted to the genius of Mr. Francis in knowing how and who and when to select his editorial aides. As a writer Francis dealt in the heaviest sledge-hammer logic. It used to be said of Horace Greeley that he could seize a fact as a solid chunk and hit the reader with it square in the face with such force as to knock him down. As a writer Francis dealt very much in that style of knock-down argument. He didn't bother himself much with metaphors, mental frills, wit or sarcasm. Logical argument, with some attempt at persuasion and heavy logic, was his best hold. He was a political fighter from way back. He helped to drive out David L. Seymour and Abraham B. Olin and kept " Jim " Davis out, and was mainly instrumental in putting Joseph M. Warren, the Democrat, into Congress. But he stood by Griswold loyally to the day of his death. Alas ! for these fighters of the old wars ! " Their blades are rust, Their bodies dust, Their souls are blessed with God, we trust ! " Mr. Francis as a journalist never believed in giving much space in his paper to jokes or light stuff. He said the editor did n't live that could keep up a constant supply of that sort of light artillery ammu- nition to his newspaper. The supply played out too soon. He was not fond of jokes. We do n't think he ever perpetrated a joke in his life. Life was too serious a business for him. And yet he was the most com- panionable of men. He loved his friends dearly and dearly enjoyed their society. He did not have a keen appreciation of the ludicrous, and the late George R. Davis was in the habit of saying that Francis didn't 52 JOHN M. FRANCIS. know a witticism from a hand car. And yet he was one of the most genial of men, very warm in his friendships, and what was better he never betrayed his friends or went back on his friendships. Starting life poor with the world all before him through which he had to blaze and carve his way unaided by any extraneous helps, he had ingrained into him the necessity of economy, frugality and thrift if he was ever to rise above the common level of the common herd. It was not true that Mr. Francis was not a liberal giver and a liberal spender of the ample means which came to him in his later life for any cause or any object in which he took an interest. He gave the largest contribu- tion of any one to the soldiers' monument of Troy, as I happen to know and it did n't require any dinging and pleading to extract from him that contribution. He was spoken to but twice for that contribution and he gave it freely. I give him full credit for it. I should be glad to write more in praise of Mr. Francis did time and opportunity permit. This is my contribution to his memory. mac. - [From the Troy Press.^ John Morgan Francis, founder of the Troy Times, journalist, diplomat and statesman, freighted with years and covered with honors, changed his world to-day. In his own home, surrounded by loved ones, the recipient of the tenderest care which skill or affection could suggest, he sweetly and peacefully laid down the burdens of earth and passed to rest. With his mission nobly fulfilled, and the tenderest ties of com- panionship the heart of man can know drawing his thought heavenward, he welcomed the transition. For half a century John M. Francis was one of the foremost factors in the citizenship and exercised a potential influence in molding the destinies of the city. Here he not only laid the foundations, but devel- oped the superstructure of fame and fortune, and illustrated in his illus- trious career the brilliant possibilities the republic affords to the boy who has only brain and brawn for capital. Indomitable always, Mr. Francis early foreshadowed the conspicuous success he wrought out by the force of the commanding talents with which he was endowed by nature. He came to Troy poor and unknown ; he soon became both opulent and eminent. The fact itself is a tribute to his genius more eloquent than words. The reason that induced Mr. Francis to locate in Troy is not gener- ally known. Back in the forties he traveled for the Henry O'Reilly Tele- graph Company, going from town to town to establish agencies, but the corporation was not a thrifty one, and he was obliged to seek employ- ment elsewhere. His father-in-law, Pomeroy Tucker of Palmyra, was a IN MEMORIAM. 53 prominent Democratic journalist, and backed by his recommendation, Mr. Francis applied to the Democratic State Committee at Albany for employment in .newspaper work. The Troy Budget was at that time a party organ, dependent for existence upon the committee, and the party managers thought a bright and vigorous young man like the applicant would benefit the paper. He came to Troy as a member of the Budget editorial force, where he remained for several years, exhibiting superior gifts as a writer. Meanwhile he became attached to the city and cherished day dreams of a great newspaper of which he should be at the head. Confiding his plans to influential friends and securing their assistance, the Troy Daily Times was started in 185 1 as an independent newspaper. During the Fremont campaign of 1856, however, Mr. Francis espoused the Republican cause, and for forty years the Times has been the leading local organ of that party. During the progress of the Civil War the Times developed into one of the most prominent papers of the state. It became a recognized power politically, and Mr. Francis a leading counselor of his party. In the years of his sturdy manhood, long after fortune had smiled boun- teously upon him, he continued to wield a laboring oar in the conduct of the Times and watchfully governed its editorial expression, meanwhile keenly supervising its local, telegraphic and miscellaneous departments. His services were recognized by various administrations, and he repre- sented the government in the courts of Athens, Lisbon and Vienna, also writing a series of memorable letters during his European residence. The brightest, ambitions of his youth were more than realized, and he could truly exclaim, with Horace, as he witnessed the newspaper born in pain ana poverty grow in affluence and power : " I have reared a monument my own, more durable than brass. Yea, kingly pyramids of stone in height it doth surpass." Personally, Mr. Francis was a man of domestic tastes, affectionate and companionable. Combining conservatism with energy, his plans were well thought out before they were carried into execution. He was in no sense an innovator, but believed the established order of things should be changed only when powerful reasons therefor presented them- selves. In emergencies he sought counsel from friends able to give it wisely, and profited thereby. In this way he avoided the pitfalls, politi- cal and financial, into which a more headstrong man would surely have fallen. The mundane career of John M. Francis is closed, and it is a heritage of which his descendants will boast for generations to come. The ripened shock has been gathered by the Great Reaper. Stricken hearts grieve over his loss ; sorrowing hands will lay him away ; but for him Death has been swallowed up in Victory. 54 JOHN M. FRANCIS. \^From the Troy Daily Record.^ An earnest, worthy, victorious life ended yesterday when death came to Hon. John M. Francis, the founder, editor-in-chief and one of the pub- lishers of the Troy Times. The end was not unexpected, as Mr. Francis had been in failing health for a year or two, and of late there had developed increasing evidence that the sands of his life were running low. But the naturalness of the end in no wise lessens the sorrow over its coming, and the loss will be none the less keenly felt because brought about by the ripeness of years. The life of Mr. Francis strongly illustrates the great possibilities in- volved in American conditions when met by ability, fidelity and zeal ; it proves anew that honesty of purpose, strength of intellect and an abid- ing sense of fairness and justice are the conquerors qf circumstance. Through the exercise of the enviable qualities with which he was endowed in a marked degree, Mr. Francis rose from inconspicuous con- ditions to a place high in the respect and admiration of thousands the world over. His reputation extended even beyond the confines of the nation, and the story of his death will carry regret and sorrow to friends in many lands. The active newspaper career of Mr. Francis covered the most important period in journalistic history. It was a period when the railroad, the -telegraph and the ocean cable widely extended the horizon of the daily newspaper and improved processes for the printing kept pace with the development of the available field for daily news. It was a time also when the newspaper reached the highest degree of usefulness and influence. Through all these years Mr. Francis marched to the step of wise progress, and always in the front rank. In consequence there came to him a constantly widening influence, which he exercised with con- scientious regard for the right. In the hour of the nation's trial he worked manfully for its safety. He was a Republican and a strong par- tisan, but a stronger patriot. His grasp of national politics was excep- tional, and in the councils of his party his voice was heard and heeded. Several times he was called to represent his country abroad, and the United States never had a more faithful or efficient member of its diplo- matic corps. His last effort in public position was as a member of the State Constitutional Convention of 1894. In that distinguished body he was accounted a leader, and the Constitution of the State bears many a beneficent impress of his labors. He took the deepest interest in the pro- ceedings of the convention, apparently feeling that with its closing would come his farewell to public life. Thus was rounded out a career which bears the stamp of conspicuous success, of distinguished honors, of rewards well earned. The work he performed was not for a day or a generation. It will live through years not to be numbered. But it is not to Mr. Francis the man of affairs that the thought to-day IN MEMORIAM. 56 turns most constantly. It is Mr. Francis the friend and counselor who at this time finds most tender consideration. No one who has known Mr- Francis personally can fail to place his qualities as a man even above his abilities as an editor, a statesman or a diplomat. The largeness of his experience and the breadth of his mental grasp made him an ideal social companion, and the simple kindliness and justice of his nature earned for him the enduring trust and respect of all privileged to be intimately associated with him. His brilliant intellect was unimpaired by the friction of the years, and to the last he maintained his interest in the news of the world, and his affectionate thoughtfulness for the well-being of family and friends. Troy has lost a leading citizen, and the State and the Nation a ster- ling patriot. Hundreds mourn a personal friend, who ever was ready with a kindly word, a sympathetic thought, a helping hand. \_From the Troy Standard.'\ John M. Francis, senior proprietor of the Troy Times, and one of the most prominent men in this section of the country, died this morning, after a lingering illness, which, though of several years' duration, only confined him to the house for a few weeks. Always of a vigorous nature, he never gave up until the vital spark had almost ceased to exist, and death came to him peacefully and calmly, when he was surrounded by the members of his family. Mr. Francis was a good citizen, and during his long and useful career held many positions of trust. He was a writer of more than ordinary ability, and amassed a fortune from his paper, which he made a power in the Republican party. He was troubled with a weakness of the heart for a number of years, and his malady became worse after attending the State Constitutional Convention in the summer of 1894. For several years he had spent about half his time in the North Carolina mountains. By his death the city parts with one who had watched its growth almost from infancy, as he had also marked the pro- gress in the newspaper world, and he was one of whom it could be said that the world was better for his having dwelt within it. He died peace- fully, as he had lived, and deserves all the honor that can be bestowed upon the departed. 'V — \_Fro7n the Troy Sunday News.^ John Morgan Francis, after having lived three-quarters of a century rich with honor, loved by his home city and revered by the world, has passed through the sunset gates. Journalist, diplomat, statesman, his fame needs no words of ours. Words are but the mere shadows of all 56 JOHN M. FRANCIS. that was, the mirror of all that is. His fame is secure. He laid the foundations of it deep in the human heart. He came into our generation a free, untrammeled spirit, with sympathy for all. He believed in humanity, that it was greater than all the creeds, greater than all the books. He sympathized with the downtrodden and oppressed, and was great and grand enough to place on every brow the tender kiss of human sympathy. He was built upon a broad and splendid plan, was a man of the loftiest ideal and a perfect model of integrity. Throughout his long and honorable career he never for a moment abandoned the sublime standard of truth. He investigated, reasoned, thought and spoke his honest convictions courageously and conscientiously. He separated the dross from the gold in the crucible of his grand brain, and humanity was the beneficiary of his labors. In every phase of his career, as the founder of the Troy Times, one of the most powerful and influential party papers in the republic ; as the diplomatic representative of this government at the Royal Courts of Athens, Lisbon and Vienna, or as the statesman who helped mold the tenets and destinies of a great political organization, his success was equal. With an analytic mind, a comprehensive grasp of detail and an unwavering integrity of purpose, his efforts culminated in successful con- summation. In the shadow of death the just man pronounces judgment as he would be judged. He appreciates the weakness of the race, and knows that the greatest walk in shadow, while faults and failures mingle with lives of all. The failings of Mr. Francis were few. His virtues were those that stand out in contrast by reason of their scarcity among man- kind. In the evening of his days this great and grand man experienced much suffering from an affection of the heart. For many months he sat in the deepening twilight waiting for the dawning of the grander day. He had not been afraid to live ; neither was he afraid to die. In his still vigorous brain were clustered the hallowed memories of the day, and in his great heart were mingled the dawn and dusk of life. Chivalrously he hearkened to the call sounded by the mystic trumpeter from death's pale realm. Soothed and sustained by an abiding faith in the fulfillment of the promises contained in the book of books, and surrounded by those nearest and dearest to him, between smiles and tears, he reached his journey's end. And so we return to the clasp and kiss of the universal mother one of the bravest souls ever housed in human clay, one who enriched the world by his sojourn in it, and one vvhose nionument is erected in the hearts of men, IN MEMORIAM. 5Y [/•>(?;;; the Troy Observer.~\ In the death of John M. Francis Troy loses a valued citizen, and the journalistic arena of the Empire state one of its gladiators. 4- — \_From the 7^roy Bttdgei.^ In the death of Hon. John M. Francis, the distinguished founder and editor-in-chief of the Times, Troy and journalism have suffered a great loss. As an editor Mr. Francis was for so many years prominently identified with the interests and growth of the city that he became an integral part of its progress. For over half a century he was connected with the journalism of Troy. Naturally, in such a long period of time, he became a chief factor in the newspaper history of this city. In 1846 he was the editor of the Troy Northern Budget, being associated with Hon. Charles L. Mac Arthur in the publication of this paper. His career has been an illustrious one. How brilliantly he succeeded in journalistic and diplomatic circles is told elsewhere in to-day's Budget. When Mr. P'rancis came to Troy he was poor and unknown ; when he passed into the great beyond on Friday he was rich and honored. He had passed beyond the allotted span of man's life. Mr. Francis acquired great emi- nence in journalism, diplomatic and political circles, and was one of the most widely known of his profession in the state. [^From the Albany ArgusS\ In the death of John M. Francis of Troy the American newspaper world has lost one of its oldest and most distinguished ornaments. For though he had held various prominent offices — as member of two Con- stitutional Conventions and as Minister Plenipotentiary to Greece, Por- tugal and Austro-Hungary — these were merely episodes in his career of seventy-four years, and the chief distinction of his long and useful life was achieved in newspaper work. In boyhood he learned the trade of a printer, and at the age of twenty — 1843 — he became the editor of the Palmyra Sentinel. This proved to be his true vocation, and he continued to serve editorially on the Rochester Advertiser, the Troy Budget, the Troy Fast and the Troy Whig, until in 185 1 he founded the Troy Times, of which he remained chief proprietor until his death. The Times, by his labor and under his guidance, became a Republican journal of the first rank, and is the best monument to his ability. Mr. Francis was a menial, kindly man, who will be held in affectionate remembrance by all 58 JOHN M. FRANCIS. that had the good fortune to know him intimately, while in the esti- mation of the wider circle that only knew him as an editor, a statesman and a diplomatist, his death will be regarded as a public loss. [From the Albany Telegram.} The community is in mourning over the loss of one of Troy's most respected and valued citizens, John M. Francis, who passed Friday to the unknown world. His death was a severe blow to the city, for he was a good citizen, and during his long and useful career he was identified with the best interests of the state and nation. From boyhood up John M. Francis had watched the progress of his adopted city, and his influ- ence had always been felt on the side of the right. His was a vigorous nature, and up to the last he displayed those qualities for which he was noted. It may truthfully be said of him that he had rounded out in his seventy-four years a life of usefulness. He died peacefully, surrounded by members of his family. The Telegram unites with other journals and the many friends of the deceased to extend heartfelt sympathy to the members of the bereaved family. Troy can ill spare such noble hearted, influential men. [From the Albany Sunday Press.] American journalism, in the death of John M. Francis at Troy on Friday morning last, experienced a loss as great as was ever inflicted upon it. Mr. Francis passed away in the ripeness of age. He had passed the mark of " threescore and ten, " and was approaching fourscore when he was called from the field of labor to that of eternal rest. Mr. Francis set out at an early age to take part in the battle of life. He started at the lowest round of the ladder and patiently climbed until he reached the top, accomplishing excellent work at each step. That his work was highly appreciated by his state and the general government was demon- strated by the positions he was called to as Minister Plenipotentiary to Austria, Greece and Portugal and a member of the Constitutional Con- ventions of this state. These were all services in addition to his edi- torial work on the public journal he started in Troy — the Dat'fy Times in 1851. It would be impossible to give an idea of the amount of judicious work performed by Mr. Francis. From his boyhood he was always pains- taking. The columns of his paper were always cleanly, erudite and interesting. It was these qualities which made it the power it is with all classes of readers. Mr. Francis was a very genial and courteous gentle- IN MEMOEIAM. 69 man, and a helpmeet to the meritorious in all the walks of life. Many men now standing high owe their success to his advice. Though much is passed and gone with his departure, the work he performed in the sixty years he labored stands as an example of what can be done with the same industry, integrity and perseverance he demonstrated. Mr. Francis, though physically robust, was a sufferer for several years, the result of his incessant perseverance. He has now gone to a well-earned rest, where, for all time, he will be relieved from all pains and physical penalties. The condolence and sympathy of a very large circle of friends will be extended to the bereft family of the deceased. [/"rom the Albany Trfnes-Union.\ By the death of Hon. John M. Francis this country loses an upright citizen, a distinguished diplomat and a brilliant newspaper man. His life was long, varied and crowned with success. Mr. Francis became known through the country as an efficient statesman as well as a consum- mate newspaper man. But it was in newspaperdom that he won his great- est triumphs. Everywhere he was recognized as a master of the art of newspapermaking, and everywhere hailed as an ardent champion of the principles which he professed. True to his friends in life, they pay tribute to his merits in death by sorrow at the loss of this estimable man. \_From the Albany Press-Knickerbocker.^ A distinguished journalist and prominent politician passed away yesterday morning. Hon. John M. Francis, senior proprietor and editor- in-chief of the Troy Times, was a familiar figure in state and, national affairs, and his career has been marked by events that have given a degree of prestige and popularity not surpassed by many men of his time and circumstances. He was a strong and forceful character in many ways, and made good use of naturally high qualities of mind and the opportunities presented to him in a lifetime. [From the Albany Evening Journal?^ The death of Hon. John M. Francis of the Troy Times takes away a forceful figure in American public life. He was one of the ablest and roost distinguished of our journalists, and had served his country with 60 JOHN M. FRANCIS. distinction in the diplomatic world. For a half century he was conspic- uously identified with the interests of Troy, and it may truly be said he was one of the leading citizens of New York state. His newspaper was always conducted with signal skill and is to-day a representative paper of the country. — -h — [From the Brooklyn Eagle. ^ John M. Francis, founder, editor and owrter of the Troy Times, died in that city on Friday at the age of seventy-four years. For some time he was a sufferer more from the general breaking up of his constitution than from any specific cause, and he bore the encroachments of disease with fortitude, philosophy and faith. His was a rounded and benign life. He united the art of the printer, the accomplishments of the writer, the culture of the traveler and the trained experience of the diplomat in his career, which began at the case and ended in the sanctum, though the course of it for a while deviated into statesmanship, into the making of organic law and into other large departments of public service. Very positive were the esteem and affection in which John M. Francis was held. His way of serving his party was to try to make it better. His way of serving his city and his county was to try to make both greater, not merely in material resources, but in moral power. His way of serving his state or nation was to try to keep it abreast with civilization, progress, education and virtue. He was singularly happy in the grand points of his life. He deliber- ately chose a stirring city as his residence, and when he died his work in it, and his work for it, had made him its chief citizen. The woman whom he married was his peer in vigor of intellect, as well as in the graces of the mind. She was not only consort, but companion, colaborer, inspirer, sustainer and the most loyal of counselors. Life had no dark days for him while they were together, and the wound and shock of her earlier departure were softened by the confident hope of a deathless reunion. Her contributions to authorship secured for her an honorable place in American literature. Her husband was constant in his con- cession of a large share of his successes in life to the aids which her love and wisdom brought to his use and sight. The children of this admirable household honored their parents and were worthy of their parents' honor. The great journal which he established quickly passed from experiment to success, and from that to a high measure of moral and political power. The honors which the consideration of the government and the favoring votes of the people brought to this man were unaffect- edly appreciated, and were faithfully and efficiently employed by him for the good of the nation and of the commonwealth. Age insured to him a retrospect that was ennobling and uplifting, a circle of friendships in which the young vied with those of advanced years to make him feel that he had their service and their love, and an IN MEMORIAM 61 outlook beyond the transition which men call death upon a blessed immortality. None who knew him would recall him, but all of them will miss him till they shall meet him again, and to his mourning kindred and colleagues upon whom the stroke falls the heaviest, the Press of the State and the Press of the Republic will tender their sympathy and con- dolence in this hour of glorified memory and sanctified sorrow. [^From I he Bttffalo News.'] The death of Hon. John M. Francis, the proprietor and editor-in- chief of the Troy Times, removes from earthly scenes and activities one of the foremost newspaper men of the state and of the country. Beyond the sphere of newspaper enterprise Mr. Francis occupied honor- able positions under the government, as former Minister of the United States to Austria, Greece and Portugal. In these important missions he acquitted himself to the entire satisfaction of the government and to those also who came in contact with him in business or social inter- course. Mr. Francis was a Republican from choice and principle. He aided in organizing the party, and stood by it in all its trials as well as in the brighter times of its success. His paper has always been a true exponent of the higher sentiment of the parly. From a printer boy at the age of fifteen he advanced step by step until, at the age of seventy-four, he held a first position as editor of one of the most influential journals of the state, and was looked upon as the patriarch of the state press, honored and respected by all its members. \_J^rom the Corning Journal^ Hon. John M. Francis died at his home in Troy, N. Y., June i8. He was a distinguished Republican editor, and had served with much credit as United States Minister to Austria, to Greece and to Portugal. It is an exceptional case where one man has been honored as the representa- tive of the government to three different kingdoms. He was a man of large capacity and of rare energy and industry. Mr. Francis was born in Prattsburgh, Steuben county, in 1823. He began to support himself when under age, and learned the printer's trade, and became an editorial writer on a Palmyra paper. In 185 1 he founded the Troy, N. Y., Daily Times and controlled it until his death. It has ever been an influential Republican newspaper. He made it a power in politics, so that the politicians of the counties on the upper Hudson river were compelled to recognize its ability and influence. As a man he was worthy of high regard. He was an honor to the county of Steuben, as he made a brilliant record for useful service. 62 JOHN M. FRANCIS. [From the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle. \ As a journalist Mr. Francis was a positive force, and his paper is the most successful in Eastern New York, both as an organ of enlight- ened opinion and as a business enterprise. It was always conducted with the utmost care, and has never ceased to command public confi- dence and support. Mr. Francis had great regard for his employes, and many grew old in the service of the paper. The death of Mr. Francis will be deeply regretted by the newspaper fraternity throughout the state. [From the Saratogian.~\ While the whole of American journalism mourns profoundly the death of John M. Francis, it nevertheless points with pride to him as a typical example of the high intelligence and indomitable energy of the newspaper man. Everything he did he did well, and his life work is a monument to his memory. Through his death, at the ripe age of seventy-four years, American journalism of the purer kind loses one who had rightly assumed a position in its very foremost ranks. Hundreds of friends who knew him personally will mourn a kindly man, and hun- dreds of his co-workers who never met him will regret that his facile pen has ceased forever its patriotic molding of public opinion. Many tributes of admiration and respect will be laid upon his bier. The best eulogy of John M. Francis is that he will be missed. [From the Philadelphia Press.^ The death of John M. Francis, editor of the Troy Times, removes one who was for many years one of the most conspicuous figures in the jour- nalism of New York state. He founded and -built up one of the most successful, prosperous and influential papers of the interior. He was a man of singularly sound judgment and unerring in the interpretation of the popular judgment. He had a useful and honorable public career as Minister, at different times, to Greece, Portugal and Austria, respec- tively. He was a prominent and useful member of the New York State Constitutional Convention of i867-'68, and again in 1894, and was for many years a man of influence and weight in the Republican party councils of his state. His death is a distinct loss to New York jour- nalism, in whose service he won an honorable and enviable distinction. IN MEMORIAM. 63 [^From the North Adams Transcript.^ It is with a sense of real loss that this community must learn of Mr. Francis' death. Although he was not of Massachusetts, we nevertheless have felt the influence for good of his noble life and virile editorial work. The Times has nightly and weekly brought into our homes a pure and benefiting influence. Whatever other journal might compromise with political illusions or choose less than the highest standards in public morals, a very large community has felt that Editor Francis and his paper would be found right and always true to the best. Who will say that that trust was ever betrayed ? The life that is now ended was noble. It was rich in all that contributes to the best in man- hood. It was brave ; it was successful. Honor and thanks for what John M. Francis did in life ! Peace and kindest memory for him in death. \^From the Burlington Free Press.\ The announcement of the death of Hon. John M. Francis, the hon- ored senior proprietor and editor-in-chief of the Troy Times, will be received with regret by newspaper men everywhere, as well as by a wide circle of strong personal friends. Mr. Francis was a man of marked ability, and he had represented this country as Minister to Austria, to Greece and to Portugal in a manner highly creditable to the nation as well as to himself. He was one of the best known newspaper men in the Empire state, and he had ever conducted his newspaper on a high and worthy plane. In these days, when so much of our journalism has come to be synonymous with sensationalism, the loss of such a sterling journalist as John M. Francis is a public calamity. \From the Plattsburgh Press. \ Mr. Francis was a member of the Republican party from its organi- zation, and always its zealous champion and defender. He displayed conspicuous ability not only as a journalist, but as well in every station he was called upon to fill. Of tireless energy and indefatigable industry, he applied himself to the task of mastering every situation, succeeding to the entire satisfaction of those high in authority who had reposed confidence in him. Undeviating loyalty to his friends was among his pronounced characteristics. By his death the nation loses a patriotic citizen, his party an hon- ored and useful member, and his profession one of its conspicuous suc- cesses. 64 JOHN M. FKANCiS [From the Buffalo Enquirer.^ The death of John Morgan Francis of Troy removes from journal- ism one of its most shining lights in the Empire state. Mr. Francis was a newspaper man who made his way from the printer's case to the estab- lishment of a paper of his own, The Times, which has been a journal of influence and reputation beyond the ordinary limitations of publications of its size. Its senior proprietor and editor-in-chief was honored with municipal office, sat in two Constitutional Conventions of this state, and served as Minister to three European countries — Greece, Portugal and Austria-Hungary. Mr. Francis was a man of great breadth of character and deep insight into the affairs of men. \_From the Rochester Herald^ An honorable exemplar of the old school of journalism and of all that is respectable in the new was John M. Francis, editor of the Troy Times, whose death is reported. His connection with the press of the state extended back over half a century, and during the greater part of that period his editorial and political influence was great. He was a stalwart Republican, and yet a generous political opponent. Hg was honored by his party, but not beyond his deserts. His venerable and interesting figure will be sadly missed from the newspaper ranks. The Herald t&nAe.rs. to the Troy Times thi^ expression of its sincere sympathy. \_From the Newlntrgh Journal.^ Hon. John M. Francis, senior proprietor and editor-in-chief of the Troy Times and ex-Minister of the United States to Austria, Greece and Portugal, died at his home in Troy this morning, full of years and honors. Of few men can it be said that they crowded more of useful work into life than he. For what he was, and for what he did, his memory will be honored. He leaves to his family the legacy of a spot- less life. His career will be an inspiration to American youth. The best citizenship finds an illustrious example in his private life and his services to his state and country. IN MEMORIAM. 65 [From the Buffalo Commercial.'] Hon. John M. Francis, founder of the Troy Times, had served his paper well, his state well, the nation well, and, so those who best knew him assert, " in all the experiences of life recognized the hand and the love of Him who, though invisible to the eye of flesh, is revealed to the believing heart." Surely, no man could ask for a better epitaph. The Republican party always found him a loyal worker and prudent coun- selor. In fact, in many a test this broad-gauged man had never been found wanting, and his death yesterday takes away one of the most useful citizens of the Empire state. [From the New York Mail and Express.] The journalistic profession suffers a distinct loss in the death of Hon. John M. Francis, who had for nearly a half century been the editor and controlling spirit of the Troy Times. A diplomatist as well as a journalist, Mr. Francis gained in the courts of Greece, Portugal and Austria laurels which added successive decorations to a career already rich in patriotic achievement. He was a good man and a true. Lovely and pleasant in his life, in his death he leaves to his son and successor the priceless heritage of a blameless life and honorable name. [From the Syracuse Journal^ Hon. John Morgan Francis, founder of the Troy Times, a journalist of high repute, a diplomat of distinction and a citizen of admirable character and achievement, died at his home in Troy, N. Y., yesterday. Few men in the state have been more actively engaged in public affairs, or have wielded a wider or better influence. Mr. Francis was an able journalist and a successful business man. He was favorably known throughout the state, and in Syracuse, where he frequently visited, he had many warm friends. His years were full of honors. [From the Buffalo Times.] Mr. Francis' career was full of experiences and activity. He died full of years and of honors, and enjoying the esteem of the community in which his home had been for nearly half a century. QQ JOHN M. FRANCIS. [I^rom the Co hoes Dispatch.^ The death of Hon. John M. Francis, the founder and senior pro- prietor of the Troy Times, effaces a brilliant star from the journalistic firmament and makes a void in the social circle of the community including Troy which it will be most difficult to fill. He had a most pleasing personality and a warm and genial nature. He was a wise counselor and a valued guide, and the people of Troy, of which place he was a resident for many years, will feel deeply the loss they have sus- tained in his death. ^ \_Froni the Rochester Union and Advertiser^ John M. Francis was a veteran journalist of the old school, which aims to do good and build up, as contrasted with journalism of the new school or new journalism, as it is called, with a yellow tinge upon it. It is no affectation to say that the Union and Advertiser sincerely mourns the death of John M. Francis. His career from boyhood as printer, pub- lisher, editor, diplomat and fundamental lawmaker attests his mental vigor and acquirements and stands a monument to his worldly success. \^From the Saratoga Eagle. '\ By the death of John M. Francis, senior proprietor and founder of the Troy Times, the journalistic fraternity of the state loses one of its brightest and most honored members. The deceased was not only a journalist but he was a diplomat, a statesman and a leader of citizens. His public services cannot be measured by the pen or honored with words, but his record will be a fitting memorial for years to come. \^Froni the Syracuse Post.'\ The death of Hon. John M. Francis, senior proprietor and editor-in- chief of the Troy Times, removes a distinguished citizen, an honored Republican and a very successful and worthy man. Mr. Francis hon- ored the newspaper business, of which he was a very able representa- tive ; he honored the Republican party by long and faithful service ; he honored his country as its representative abroad in very important stations. IN MEMORIAM. 67 [From the Burlington Nevis.\ Mr. Francis' death will be deplored by thousands of people who never saw him nor even the city of his residence, but who have known him for a generation as the controlling mind of the Troy Times — a paper to which he gave individuality and force and which he made a power in the community. Mr. Francis won high honors, but none so great as that reflected upon him by his lifework on his paper. \Frovi the Schenectady Union. ^ For half a century Mr. Francis has been identified with the best interests of Troy, that ever developing city, morally and materially. He has grown with its growth and infused his spirit into its enterprise and its social well-being. His best monument is the widely known Troy Times, which he founded forty-six years ago, and of which he has ever been the controlling genius. \From the Kingston Freeman.^ John M. Francis, who died yesterday, was a brilliant man in politics, as an editor and in business. His influence could always be relied upon in support of correct principles, and his death causes widespread sorrow. \From the Ballston Journal.'\ Yesterday afternoon a special dispatch to the Daily Journal office announced the death of John M. Francis, the founder and editor-in-chief of the Troy Daily Times. It gave a pang to the heart of the editor of the [ournal, whose personal acquaintance with the deceased began thirty-seven years ago, during all of which time he had a growing esteem and admiration for the distinguished journalist who kept the Troy Times in advance of its contemporaries in Eastern and Central New York. He established The Times in 1851 and made it a recog- nized power in advocating the principles of the Republican party. His political sagacity was often demonstrated by the policy he sug- gested, and as often as this was adopted success followed, giving to his counsels great weight with the leading men of his party. During his journalistic life he developed rare qualities of head and heart, and his capacious memory retained a vast accretion of general information and a phenomenal knowledge of world-wide public affairs. 68 JOHN M. FRANCIS. [^Frorn the Buffalo Courier-Record.'\ By the death of John M. Francis, editor and senior proprietor of the Troy Times, a notable figure is removed from the political and journal- istic circles of the state. Mr. Francis was a respected leader of his party and a useful citizen who gave largely of his time to public affairs. \From the Utica Herald!\ Full of years and of honors, the elder in service of the newspaper fratefuUy of the state press, John M. Francis is dead. His long, busy, successful, useful and honorable life closed yesterday at his home in Troy, with the enterprises and advancement of which city it had been associated for more than fifty years. Without fortune, and with only such educational advantages as a thirst for knowledge, a strong will and a determined purpose enabled him to acquire, Mr. Francis began the battle of life. He became a critic of literature and a leader of thought in his profession and a constructive force in the state. He began at the printer's case ; engaged in reporting, advanced to editorial writing, and in 185 1 founded the Troy Times, of which paper his has been the controlling will from its birth till his death. His business and editorial abilities were both of a high order, and the Times was, from its founding, a success financially and of wide influence in molding public opinion. At home or abroad, in private or official life, John M. Francis and the Troy Times were one. In the paper the founder will continue to live. In his life and achievements, always the ambitious, the striving, the earnest honest young man will find incentive and encouragement. \^From the Scranton Tribune^ The death on Friday of John M. Francis, founder and editor of the Troy Times, completes a career of uncommon usefulness. Almost the last of that great group of editors which the conditions of a generation ago, plus their own ability, conspicuously identified with the develop- ment of American journalism, his subtraction from the equation of jour- nalistic endeavor leaves a void that is not likely wholly to be filled. Others will carry on his work along the lines which he laid down, and bring to new duties an equipment not inferior to his own; but the prestige of the poineer was about him, and it is the builder whom posterity honors. John M. Francis served his country well as a maker of two State Constitutions and as minister to Greece, Portugal and Austria. His per- sonal influence in public affairs was widespread and wholesome, and IN MEMORIAM. 69 his counsel at critical periods of political life was highly appreciated for its sanity and sagacity and very helpful to the common weal. But after all it was the John M. Francis who stood back of and incorporated his ideas and aims into the Troy Times who wrought most and best. That paper is his monument, and the part which it has borne in the upbuilding of rational sentiment and creditable enterprise in the constituency to which it ministers must far surpass in testimony to his work and worth the finest eulogy. Throughout a period of forty-six years the Troy Times has stood like adamant for the decency and decorum of journalism ; has refused to print in any space for any price a word which its editor would hesitate to use in speech in a company of ladies and gentlemen, and, while prompt to utilize new ideas in mechanism and facility, has preserved undeviatingly the best traditions of the earlier era of the newspaper business: What the Public Ledger under George W. Childs was to Philadelphia the Troy Times under John M. Francis was and is to Troy and Northern New York. We can conceive of no better tribute than this to pay to the memory of him who is dead. \_From the Amsterdam Democrat and Recorder^ Twenty-five years ago the leading journalists of Central and Eastern New York were Daniel Manning of the Albany Argus, Ellis H. Roberts of the Utica Herald and John M. Francis of the Troy Times. Manning was called from his editorial chair to become Secretary of the Treasury. For some years now he has been in the grave. Roberts has been sub- treasurer in New York and was recently made United States Treasurer. The third of this distinguished trio, Mr. Francis, died in Troy on Friday. He won for the Troy Times a commanding position among the news- papers of the East. A man of courage, of convictions, of honesty, these attributes were reflected in his paper. It has always been the champion of Troy. It has always labored for the welfare of the city. To do this it has been obliged to battle with the forces that make for evil, and it has never shrunk from the duty. As a result of its efforts, Troy is to-day a better city, with a higher moral tone and cleaner politics. As a faith- ful exponent of Republicanism, the Times has rendered magnificent serv- ice. When other newspapers wavered, it has been stanch and true. It is the best monument of John M. Francis, and long will keep his memory green. He survived from the days of personal journalism — the days when people took the New York Tribune to read what " old Greeley " wrote. There are not many like him left. When such a man dies, therefore, his character and work should receive the tribute they have earned. Not only as an editor but as a diplomat did he excel. In 70 JOHN M. FRANCIS. foreign courts he won honors which were worthy of his fame in his own country. Take him for all in all, he was one of the men who stand above their fellows as mountains rise from the plain — who do a noble part toward the advancement of the republic. \^Froni the Rochester Post Express, ^ The death of Mr. Francis is the loss to journalism of one of its well known and respected members, and to the state of one who had highly honored it by his service. In 185 1 he founded the Troy Times, which from small beginnings, has become one of the most influential Repub- lican newspapers in the state, as well as one of the most lucrative of newspaper properties. He has from the first b6en its responsible editor. It has been under his supervision an earnest exponent of Republican principl 'S, and has done valiant work in behalf of good government always, one of its most notable achievements recently being that which resulted in the overthrow of the evil ring which long ruled the politics of Troy. Aside from his journalistic service, Mr. Francis had held positions of trust and honor under both the state and federal governments. He was a terse and well informed writer, especially strong in statistical knowledge. He was a model of courtesy and genial bearing in the pro- fession, and had through the advance of years become its Nestor in the Empire state. We recall the name of no other editor of equally pro- longed service. Few journalists have had larger experience or done better service than John M. Francis, and his death will be especially deplored by the many friends in the profession that he had made. \Froni the Buffalo Express.'\ The late John M. Francis was one of that rapidly disappearing class of newspaper men, of whom Horace Greeley was the most distinguished representative, who began their careers as office devils on country news- papers and worked up to the ownership of great city dailies. Next to the youngest in a family of thirteen children, the advantages of a liberal education were denied him. He found a substitute in the trade of a printer, where he learned what schools often neglect to teach — to think. His apprenticeship was served on the Canandaigua Messenger, beginning when he was fifteen years old. The country printer of those days was also a writer, and it was barely five years before young Francis had developed sufficient ability in turning out copy to enable him to graduate from the case to the desk. His first work as an editorial writer was done on the Palmyra Sentinel. Later he was associated with Hiram Humphrey IN MEMORIAM. 7l in the editorship of the Rochester Advertiser, a daily paper. He was still a young man, twenty-three, when he went to Troy, becoming chief editor and joint owner of the Northern Budget, then one of the leading Demo- cratic journals of the state. When the Democratic party split on the slavery question he went with the Free-Soil faction. Soon afterward he sold his interest in the Budget, and in 1851 he founded the Troy Times, of which he remained until his death the chief owner and editor, although in his later years the burden of work fell upon the shoulders of his son, Charles S. Francis. \_JFrom the Oswego Times ^ In the death of Hon. John M. Francis, which occurred last Friday, passed away the most conspicuous journalist of the state outside the metropolis, as well as one of the worthiest in the whole journalistic pro- fession — one whose enduring monument is that just and deservedly influential paper, the Troy Times, which he founded in 1851 and man- aged and edited with uniform success and rare fidelity to the public interests up to the hour of his demise. That work has made his name a household word in Central New York for over two score years, and a familiar and honored one in the highest ranks of journalistic achieve- ment throughout the nation. Set against that name, too, is high official honor, conferred in more than one field — the diplomatic and the legisla- tive, as examples — but more cherished and satisfactory to him than all these, we must believe, however justly gratifying, were the tokens of appreciative esteem, unremittingly tendered, and not to be numbered, of which he was the recipient from the great home newspaper constituency which he so admirably, intelligently and conscientiously served. A career signalized by so much useful labor and cheered in its course by so many evidences of kindly regard is a career at once to be emulated and eulogized. Such, imperfectly and incompletely as these words are serving to tell it, was the career — the life — of John M. Francis. How very widely his genial smile and kindly ways will be missed ! \_From the Yonkers Statesnian.'\ A dispatch received at the Statesman office, just before going to press, brought the sad intelligence that Hon. John M. Francis died on Friday at his home in Troy. He was of Welsh stock and essentially a self-made and a well-made man. He was the founder and editor-in-chief of the Troy Times, one of the very ablest journals of the state. At different times he had repre- sented the United States as minister to Austria, Greece and Portugal. He also ably filled many important positions in this state. He was Y2 JOHN M. FRANCIS. sound in judgment, patriotic by instinct and a Republican by convic- tion. His life was active and practically useful in the highest sense. He was a power for good in the city of Troy, and his unselfish services reflected credit upon the state and nation. While bold and courageous for what he deemed to be the right, yet his treatment of questions, whether moral or political, was so courteous as to secure the respect of those who differed from him. {^From the Utica Observer. \ The death of Hon. John M. Francis, the editor of the Troy Daily Times, breaks into the very front rank of the journalism of the state of New York. If he was not the oldest daily newspaper editor in the state in point of service, he was near to the place. He founded the Troy Times in June, 185 1, and his control of it has been unbroken, though he was at different times abroad for considerable periods as a representative of the United States at the courts of Austria, Greece and Portugal. Mr. Francis started the Times with little capital, the experience of a printer and reporter, a stout heart and a strong head. He made a news- paper which the people of Troy liked. He prospered almost from the start. He was fortunate in the men associated with him. He judged men well. Begun as an independent paper, the Times soon went into the Republican ranks and has long been regarded as one of the strongest Republican journals in the state. In a case like this the history and character of the newspaper are the history and character of the man. The newspaper interprets the indi- vidual. This while he lives. Then it becomes his monument. And fair and high and shapely and conspicuous stands the one which John M. Francis reared. + \Froni the Watertown Times. '\ Mr. Francis was the pioneer of modern journalism in this state. Before him the " local " department was unknown. He gave individuality to newspapers, and raised the business to a higher dignity. He was always progressive, and had a large influence on the business of news- paper making all over the country, keeping his own journal, now in con- trol of his son, in the advanced rank of influential newspapers of the nation. Mr. Francis was a strong man and an influential one in all ways. In politics he was always a force for good government, and in social relations his influence was no less potent for good. He was an intimate and close friend of the late Beman Brockway of the Times, who always admired him as a man and prized his friendship. A close friend of IN MEMORIAM. 73 General Grant, the latter gave him his first appointment as Foreign Minister to Greece, and he afterward served in Portugal and Austria. In every place he served with distinction, and won honor and credit to the nation. Of late years he had taken well-earned ease, contributing to his newspaper when disposed, but never entirely abandoning work. His has been an active and useful life. The world is better that he lived. + [J^rom the Brooklyn Times.] A dispatch from Troy states that John M. Francis of the Troy Times died at his home in that city shortly before noon Friday. To the old- timers in politics the announcement means a great deal. It means that one of the last of the great editors, who impressed their personality upon the politics of the state, has gone to join his illustrious contemporaries. For John M. Francis was a personal and potential force in politics. He belonged to the passing time when the newspaper counted for nothing, and the man behind the newspaper counted for everything. It was not the Tribune that spoke then, but Horace Greeley. It was not the Albany Journal, but Thurlow Weed. It was not the Commercial, but Hugh J. Hastings. And it was not the Troy Times, but John M. Francis. Mr. Francis was a man of war from his youth up. He was a stalwart Republican. His sterling qualities were recognized by succes- sive Republican administrations, and he rendered valuable service in the diplomatic corps, but it was as a fighter in the field of state politics that he won his chief renown. He was one of the last of an illustrious band. \^From the Utica Press.] The death of Hon. John M. Francis, editor and senior proprietor of the Troy Times, removes from New York journalism one of its oldest and brightest exponents. He was a Republican from the birth of that party, and was honored by it with various distinguished offices. For years he has been looked up to as one of the leading newspaper men of the state. He took front rank among Troy's most prominent and influential citizens, was public spirited, outspoken and genial. He made for himself an enviable record and reputation, of which any family may well be proud. + \From the Fredonia Censor.] In the death of Hon. John M. Francis, editor of the Troy Times, the editors of the state feel the loss of one who was a great honor to their profession, and many of them have the added regret that long and 74 JOHN M. FRANCIS. delightful personal relations are forever severed. Among the latter are the editors of this paper, who for many years prized their pleasant acquaintance with Mr. Francis, and in later years with his son, who so ably conducts the paper his father founded. John M. Francis was one of the best types of the men who have risen to distinction from the humble beginning of a printer's apprentice. He has been Minister to Greece, to Austria and to Portugal, and was a prominent member of the Constitutional Conventions of 1867 and 1894. All these high positions he filled with honor. He died aged seventy-four, the oldest editor in the state, except Willard McKinstry, the senior of the Censor. Mr. Francis will be greatly mourned and missed. \^From the Watertown Standard.^ The death on Friday of John M. Francis, the editor-in-chief of the Troy Times, at the age of seventy-four, removes from the world of jour- nalism and politics a man of more than ordinary force and distinction. For he won marked success, and leaves as a monument of his ability a splendid newspaper property in the Troy Daily Times, which he founded in 1851. As a journalist he made his paper a force in the politics of the state and a marked business success of great value. He held responsible positions abroad, and his ability and personal force were duly recog- nized by the Republican party, of which he was a distinguished sup- porter during a long career. The printing office made John M. Francis, and he made a printing office that is a creditable monument of his journalistic and business ability. \Fr07n the Granville Sentinel.^ The death of Hon. John M. Francis, the founder and editor of the Troy Times, which occurred Friday, was learned with deep regret by thousands of Washington county residents. In those homes, especially where the daily or weekly edition of that paper has been read for years, and sworn by, his death was felt to be a personal loss. The earthly existence of this distinguished editor and statesman was well rounded, and furnishes encouragement to the struggling young man. Riches and honors came to Mr. Francis through industry and perseverance, aided by a matchless genius. He began life as a printer's devil and fought his way to the top round of the ladder. He was unquestionably one of the ablest editors in the state. The great newspaper he built and the noble life record he consummated are monuments to his memory more enduring than brass or granite. Thousands of friends, like our- selves, will miss his kindly greeting and welcomed counsel. IN MEMORIAM. 75 \^From the Syracuse Standard.^ The late John M. Francis editor of the Troy Times, came to hold a place of the highest honor in his profession through the constant asser- tion of exalted convictions of a journalist's duty. His career extended over a long period of active work on the press, and though impaired health compelled him to lay aside the laboring oar on his own news- paper, it never ceased to bear the impress of his inspiring mind. The Troy Times was distinctively his newspaper. It has always had the pub- lic confidence of Eastern New York, because in that section it was a proverb that John M. Francis, its owner, was an honest man. * \_From the Lockport Revieiv.^ Troy mourns the loss of one of its leading citizens in the person of John M. Francis, senior proprietor and editor-in-chief of the Troy Daily Times. On the 25th of June, 1851, he founded the Troy Daily Times. He became a member of the Republican party at its birth and espoused the cause of that party through his publication. Under his able management the Times has become the best Republican paper in the state. Few journalists have had more experience or done better service than Mr. Francis, and his death will be deplored by the members of the profession. 4- \From the Lockport Journal.^ The death of Hon. John M. Francis, senior proprietor and editor of the Troy Times, calls for more than passing notice. In his pass- ing away the profession which he adorned not only loses a veteran and honored member, but the state and country at large a patriotic and leading citizen. Mr. Francis through a long and busy life had been prominently identified with public interests. He made his impress upon affairs. He was an honest and straightforward man, and the Troy Times, which he founded, is to-day one of the very oldest and most suc- cessful papers in the state. \_From the Binghamton Leader.^ For sixty years of the seventy- four during which he lived Mr. Francis was a diligent worker in the newspaper field, although his active interest in the work was suspended during the periods in which he rep- resented his country as minister abroad. At the time of his death he T6 JOHN M. FRANCIS. had been forty-six years at the head of the Troy Times, which he founded and conducted so successfully that it stands as one of the leading papers of the state to-day. In his death journalism and exalted citizenship sustain a loss that will be widely and deeply felt. \From the Binghamton Evening Herald.^ When Hon. John M. Francis, editor of the Troy Times, died the newspaper world lost one of its ablest inhabitants. He was a man of extraordinary qualities and eminent qualifications for the work of a newspaper maker. He lived a long and useful life, and that he was a good citizen even those who opposed him politically are now willing to admit. It is the presence in the newspaper business of such men as Mr. Francis that helps to dignify it and to make it indeed one of the fore- most, if not the foremost, of the professions of the day. \^From the Binghamton Republican.^ John M. Francis lived a long, busy and useful life, and for half a century had been one of the most energetic and influential forces in the city of Troy. The Troy Times was his creation, and he lived to see it become strong and successful. Mr. Francis took a leading part in the two Constitutional Conventions in this state to which he was elected delegate, was minister to Greece under President Grant and minister to Portugal under President Arthur, who promoted him to the Austrian- Hungarian mission. *■ \From the Ogdensburg Journal^ The death of John M. PVancis, editor of the Troy Daily Times, removes from this life one of the oldest and most respected newspaper men of the state. Mr. Francis was one of the few remaining men of the newspaper era of Horace Greeley, Henry J. Raymond and the elder Bennett. He made during his busy and well filled life a deep impress upon the affairs of the city, county and state, and dying carries with him the respect and affection of a wide circle of friends. \Froni the Glens Falls Tinies.'\ In the demise of Mr. Francis the journalistic world has suffered the loss of one of its foremost exponents. The deceased was the highest type of manhood, and as a public servant and private citizen was the IN MEMORIAM. 77 acme of honor and integrity. He possessed a deep and abiding faith and passed away as he lived, in perfect peace and trust. His was a practical religion. Mr. Francis' life has been truly successful and the world is better because he has lived. \Fromihe Worcester, Mass., Spy.] By the death of Hon. John M. Francis, editor and proprietor of the Troy, N. Y., Times, that city loses an accomplished, amiable and dis- tinguished citizen. Though his father served in the British navy Mr. Francis was an American to the heart. During the civil war his eager support of the Union brought on the sacking of the Times office, and in late years he served the government as minister to Austria, Greece and Portugal. YFrom the St. Albans Messenger.] The death of Hon. John M. Francis, senior proprietor of the Troy Times and ex-minister of the United States to Austria, Greece and Por- tugal, removes from the ranks of American journalism one of its best and foremost representatives. The paper over which he exercised editorial control for so many years stands in the front rank of American journal- ism in its best estate. \Froin the Auburn Bulletin.] The death of Hon. John M. Francis, the able editor of the Troy Times, is a serious loss to the profession of journalism. Mr. Francis was a man of commanding ability, and he made the paper which he established one of the leading Republican journals of the state, and it is to-day a monument to his untiring energy and great ability. \From the Springfield, Mass., Union.] In the death of John M. Francis, editor of the Troy Times, journal ism lost a manly and able man who for almost half a century was editor of that valuable paper, which owes its success and importance to his abilities. Mr. Francis was not only a journalist, for he acquired dis- tinction in diplomacy, through representing his country in Greece, Por- tugal and Austria. He was a stanch Republican and an opponent always of evil influences in politics. His life was notable for its honesty, its truth and goodness. Full of years and honor, he died in peace on Friday. 78 JOHN M. FRANCIS [Fro?n the Fort Plain Free Press. ^ Hon. John M. Francis, the eminent editor and founder of the Troy Times, died Friday after a useful and busy Ufe. He was not only a journalist of marked ability but a distinguished diplomat. It can be truly said that an honorable and foremost citizen has passed over to the great majority. The Troy Times stands as a monument to his memory \From the Chatham Courier.^ John M. Francis, founder and editor of the Troy Times, passed away last Friday at the age of seventy-four. His life was well rounded out ; its influences potential and benign. His accomplishments were many, his culture varied, his work faithfully and conscientiously done. May he rest in peace. 4"^ \From the Greenwich Journal.] The venerable editor of the Troy Times, John M. Francis, was gath- ered to his heavenly home last week, after a protracted illness. He was a man of great intellectual ability, and succeeded in winning fame and wealth. His death is regretted by the entire nation. The writer enjoyed his friendship for years, and will ever cherish many kind recollections of him. The older readers of the Journal remember Mr. Francis as being connected with innumerable public enterprises. Politically, he was well known and had been honored with several important offices. \_From the Neiv York Times.'] The late John M. Francis of Troy and former Postmaster General Thomas L. James were old-time friends, both being of Welsh descent. A few days ago General James related the following incident of how John M. Francis' father called on George Washington in quest of an appointment in the American navy. Richard Francis was a midshipman in the British navy, and after seeing active service in the West Indies he went back to his home in Haverfordwest, in Wales, resigned his com- mission and got married. Soon afterward he came to this country with a letter of introduction to George Washington from William Pitt the younger. General Washington at that time was in Philadelphia as president of the Constitutional Convention. Young Francis called on him and presented the letter, which asked that Washington secure him a com- mission in the navy of the new republic. According to the story as IN MEMORIAM 79 told by General James, Washington replied: "My young friend, I would be glad to oblige Mr. Pitt and delighted to gratify you. I am not certain yet whether or not we have a country. When that question is settled affirmatively then we will have a navy, and I will gladly remem- ber you and do what I can for you." The father of his country then invited Mr. Francis to dine with him and proved himself a very courteous and cordial host. Mr. Francis returned to Haverfordwest, in Wales, and remained there until 1800, when he came again to this country in the ship Brutus, on which were also General James' grandparents and great-grandparents. The Francis and the James families settled near Utica, in this state. \^From the Sandy Hill Herald.^ Hon. John M. Francis, editor-in-chief of the Troy Times, died full of years and honors, esteemed by everybody. His life was a pronounced success. Like most of our foremost men he started at the bottom of the hill and by force of character, integrity and perseverance acquired wealth and the esteem of his fellow citizens. Mr. Francis enjoyed a state and national reputation, and when he died his death was universally regret- ted. His record is an additional evidence of what a poor boy can attain in this free Republic without the aid of wealth or social standing. The Herald joins with its brethren of the press in offering its sympathy over the demise of a personal friend, a brother editor, and a gentleman whose friendship was an honor to any man. \^Frovi the Marine Journal, New York City.] For many years we have been honored with ihe friendship of Hon. John M. Francis of Troy, who died last week, and it was only a few weeks ago that we were reminded that he had passed his seventy-fourth birthday through his sending us an account of a dinner given him by his relatives and friends at a Southern watering place on that occasion, which was made specially enjoyable by the written congratulations and tributes of affection from absent children, grandchildren and other near relatives from home, all of which were put together in a unique little pamphlet, with a splendid likeness of the beloved parent, grandparent and friend as a frontispiece. All who ever knew John M. Francis will bear witness to his being the soul of honor, the truest of friends, a sterling citizen and a patriot of patriots. Not long since we received a letter from Mr. Francis, an extract from which will give those who do not know him a better insight into his character and gratify what we con- sider a pardonable pride on our part in possessing : 80 JOHN M. FRANCIS. While at Washington I had daily conferences with our friend, General Dumont, who holds your paper in highest esteem. And, too, I wish to thank you heartily for the justice you have so bravely exercised in his behalf in your able edi- torial discussions. Somehow it is in my nature, under the most adverse circum- stances, to hold fast as with the grip of death to an old friend who has my fullest con- fidence and whose deservings seem to my mind unquestionable as one who has dis- charged his duties conscientiously and with careful fidelity. And so T see that is your avowed policy and you have the courage of your convictions in asserting openly and aboveboard wherever you had been deceived in the past and now define your position with a fearlessness and logical force that admit of no misinterpretation. So much I am glad to say to you in the hurry of answers to accumulated correspondence during my absence. Keep right on in your righteous service. Faithfully yours, John M. Francis. As is well known, Mr. Francis was eminent in the politics of the state and nation. His newspaper, the Troy Times, has always been a true exponent of the higher sentiments of his party and, like the Tribune of this city, a great jiewsgatherer as well as a publication that could be relied upon for general as well as political facts concerning the nation and the state. Mr. Francis represented this country as minister to Greece and Portugal and Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipo- tentiary to Austria-Hungary. He was an active member of the last Con- stitutional Convention of this state, and in the National Republican Con- vention in 1880 one of the 306 delegates that stood by General Grant in the memorable national convention that nominated Garfield. The Marine Journal tenders its sincere sympathy to the bereaved family of our late honored and revered friend and fellow citizen. \From the Oneonta Spy.^ In the death of Mr. Francis the country has lost an able statesman, and the state one of the brightest, cleanest and best of editors. \From the Yonkers Gazette,^ A member of the Republican party from its birth, Mr. Francis has ever since worked enthusiastically for its success. He was a delegate to nearly every state and national Republican convention, and was a leader of the " 306 " who voted to nominate Grant at Chicago for a third term. He served his country faithfully as minister to Greece and Austria. As a diplomat he was both skilled and courteous. IN MEMORIAM. 81 [From the Cooperstown Republican.\ The journalistic profession suffers a distinct loss in the death of Hon. John M. Francis, who had for nearly a half century been the editor and controlling spirit of the Troy Times. A diplomatist as well as a journalist, Mr. Francis gained in the courts of Greece, Portugal and Austria laurels which added successive decorations to a career already rich in patriotic achievement. \_From the Saratoga Sun.'\ The death of Hon. John M. Francis, founder of the Troy Times, removes one of the oldest and ablest journalists in this state or any other state. Mr. Francis was one of those rare men who have both the executive capacity and the opportunity to exercise it in a wide and impor- tant field. He discharged his public duties with fidelity and discretion, but his life work was in a different field, and it was for that he was hon- ored in life and will be remembered after death. \From the Gloversville Herald.\ John M. Francis, the veteran editor of the Troy Times, whose death occurred on Friday, for half a century was one of the foremost factors in the citizenship of the town which was so fortunate as to be his resi- dence ; he honored important public positions and in every field of activ- ity he entered made an enviable reputation. \From the Lowville Journal and Republican.^ In the death of the venerable John M. Francis, senior editor and pro- prietor of the Troy Times, the profession loses one of its ablest and noblest members. He had passed his seventy-fourth year, and until the last few months had been actively at work in the office a good share of the time. He had occupied many high official positions with great credit to himself and his country. \From the Nyack Journall\ The State Press Association of New York, at its annual meeting next week, will recognize the fact that the journalistic profession suffers a dis- tinct loss in the death of Hon. John M. Francis, who had for nearly half a century been the editor and controlling spirit of the Troy Times, one 82 JOHN M. FRANCIS. of the leading papers of the state, which we believe he founded. Dip- lomatist as well as a journalist, Mr. Francis gained in the courts of Greece, Portugal and Austria laurels which added successive decorations to a career already rich in patriotic achievement. He was a good man and true. Lovely and pleasant in his life, in his death he leaves to his son and successor the priceless heritage of a blameless life and an honorable name. l^From the Bath Courier. \ Hon. John M. Francis, the founder, senior proprietor and editor-in- chief of the Troy Times, died Friday morning at his home in Troy, aged seventy-four years. As the natural result of his intellectual ability and his proved capac- ity for affairs, high political preferment was conferred on Mr. Francis, both by his state and by the national government. Mr. Francis retained a loyal friendship for his associates and rela- tives in Steuben county and of late years had made an annual pilgrimage to the scenes of his youth. During these visits many of our citizens enjoyed his kindly and genial society, and they have rejoiced in the use- fulness and the honor which have been his. \From the Watkins Democrat.^ John M. Francis, the deceased editor of the Troy Times, had been in editorial harness since 1844. The period from that date, to the present day covers a memorable period in the history of the nation. Mr. Francis was a rare type. His ideals ' were of the highest, and his journal had always been earnest, striving for that purity of tone which is character- istic of every self-respecting paper. He made his journal a strong party paper, yet never consciously approving evil in any guise. And thus, through the years of Mr. Francis' control, the Times had acquired the reputation that individual men covet, that of possessing a mind and a lofty character. [From the Jefferson County Journal, Adams, N. F.] In the death of Hon. John M. Francis of Troy the Daily Times met with an irreparable loss and the city of Troy loses one of its sturdiest defenders of all that goes to make up the highest standard of morality, good government and a high grade of citizenship. His loss, which fall IN MEMORIAM. 83 with crushing force upon his bereaved family, will be keenly felt by all the best citizenship of Troy and Rensselaer county ; while journalism throughout the country will be touched by a sense of real loss to its force. Mr. Francis founded the Troy Daily Times in 185 1, and the splendid success of that journal, its wide influence and great power are due to the cool head, far seeing judgment, indomitable will, tireless zeal and unbend- ing integrity of its founder. His keen insight and intuitive knowledge of character enabled him to select with unerring judgment a corps of lieutenants that under his masterful direction always wrought faithfully in the building up of that splendid monument to his genius. While he always kept in view the main purpose he never lost sight of the slightest detail, and the most trivial item appearing in that journal never escaped his attention or failed to receive his comment. Merit was heartily com- mended and he was never scant of praise wherever deserved, and while he often criticised incompetence with severity, that criticism was tem- pered by a kindliness that made reproof bearable and always pointed a way to improvement. While his exhaustive editorial labors made stern demands upon his attention, he was enabled to assure himself of the correct adjustment of the financial affairs of that great enter- prise, and in that field brought to bear the same unerring judg- ment that characterized his editorial labors. Mr. Francis was essen- tially a newspaper man, but he always found time for investiga- tion of and participation in the political affairs of his city, county, state and country. His knowledge of men and affairs made him a valu- able adviser in all matters pertaining to state or nation. He was chosen to represent the United States as minister to Greece, Portugal and Aus- tria, and in his capacity as minister plenipotentiary he brought in play the same sturdy characteristics and faultless judgment that had been shown in the management of his personal affairs. He was elected a mem- ber of the New York State Constitutional Convention of 1867-68, and rendered conspicuous service. In 1893, without his solicitation or knowl- edge, he was nominated as delegate-at-large to the Constitutional Con- vention of 1894, and received the highest vote cast for any member of that convention, and to his arduous labors in that body may be justly charged the break in that iron constitution through which crept in the insidious disease that finally ended in his death. Mr. Francis delighted in deeds of charity, and while devoted to and laboring for his family and immediate circle of friends, he never forgot to encourage struggling worth. His charity was not of that narrow order that can be measured by. dollars and cents, but ran out into that broader field where it was possible for him to console sorrows and assuage pain arising from a sense of lost opportunity and moral failures. " We cannot see a mountain near" — it takes a distance in space to appre- ciate the majesty and symmetry of rugged mountain outlines, and so it 84 JOHN M. FEANCIS. is when a great man falls ; it takes a distance in time to appreciate his moral and intellectual stature and to form a correct estimate of the strength and worth that enabled him to build up the monument he leaves to his memory. The Troy Daily Times is Mr. Francis' grandest achievement. It is the result of his life's work, and there is little fear that the unswerving course mapped out and pursued by the old mariner will be deviated from by the new pilot. \From the Pittston, Penn., Gazette.] To the last Mr. Francis retained his warm interest in the affairs of the state, and but a few days before his spirit passed to its reward he dictated for the influential Troy Daily Times, of which he had been editor and proprietor for nearly half a century, the body of an editorial article which has attracted wide attention by reason of its patriotic spirit and sound reasoning. Mr. Francis, in these closing pub- lic words of his life, makes one of the strongest possible appeals for har- monious action as the basis of success in political life. It was directed, primarily, to the Republicans of the Empire State, but it is equally applicable to those of Pennsylvania, and we commend it in its entirety to our readers, certain that they will appreciate its truths. [^From the Washington County Post.] His death brings a most natural and happy period to a most suc- cessful and honorable life. His monument is the Troy Times. Through this came those honors which crowned his editorial service and made him the national representative at European courts. Not many editors may win either his wealth or his fame, yet the story of his life may well serve to encourage those who toil to-day in humbler spheres. Diligence, patience, singleness of aim and a true genius for his calling brought him well merited success. 4* — [From the Plattsburgh Press.] By his death the nation loses a patriotic citizen, his party an hon- ored and useful member, and his profession one of its conspicuous suc- [From the Auburn Advertiser.] Mr. Francis was a friend to be proud of, a father to respect and man who was ornamental and useful everywhere. IN MEMORIAM. 85 [From the Malone Farmer. \ He was a pronounced Republican, a man of great force of character and indefatigable industry and energy. By his death the United States has lost one of its ablest and most conspicuous citizens and the Repub- lican cause one of its strongest defenders. \From the New Ephemeris, Athens, Greece, Aug. 5, iSgi.\ Hon. John M. Francis, formerly minister here of the United States of America, who in the elections of i860, when I also was there, contributed largely to the fortunate choice of Abraham Lmcoln, and afterward to the emancipation of five millions of negroes who are now living in the enjoyment of equal rights, has passed over to the reward of the lovers of freedom, equally distinguished for his love of Greece, his patriotism, his philanthropy and many other virtues. D. Z. Sakellarios. [From the Middletown Press.] A kind friend, an earnest, able, fearless man and a sterling patriot passes away. Mr. Francis was a self-made man oi strong convictions and rugged, uncompromising character. He was present at the birth of the Republican party, and his trenchant pen has been earnest and effect- ive in the advocacy of Republican principles ever since. The death of such a man, who has thus faithfully discharged every public duty, while it comes with especial sadness to the home circle, is also a public loss. [From the Winona, Minn., Republican.] No member of the journalistic profession who has recently died leaves behind him a greater void than Hon. John M. Francis, who for nearly half a century has been the editor and controlling spirit of the Troy Times. A diplomatist as well as a journalist, Mr. Francis gained in the courts of Greece, Portugal and Austria laurels which added successive decorations to a career already rich in patriotic achievement. Well advanced in years, about the latest of his appearances in a public capacity was at the reunion at Philadelphia in 1893 of the 306 who con- stituted the "Grant Guard " at Chicago in 1880. He was a good man and true. 86 JOHN M. FRANCIS. [J'rom the Boston Transcript.'] The death of Hon. John M. Francis, the veteran editor of the Troy Times, removed from the journalistic profession not only one of its prom- inent members but a representative of the old school. [From the Rensselaer Star-Eagle.'\ In the death of Hon. John M. Francis, editor of the Troy Times, a great man passed away. Nature endowed him with commanding talents, which he cultivated to their highest capabilities. Mr. Francis was not only a brilliant writer, but he united with these qualities great wisdom and ability as a newspaper manager and unquestioned political sagacity. \From the Whitehall Times.] The country sustained an irreparable loss by the death of John M. Francis, which occurred last Friday. Mr. Francis was a journalist of half a century's experience, and as editor and senior proprietor of the Troy Times his influence was felt throughout the land. The Times stands to-day as a lasting monument to his efficiency andability. As his body turns to ashes the memory of this noble man is immortalized and will forever be magnified by all mankind. -i" \From the Wilkesbarre, Penn.^ Record^ The death of John M. Francis of Troy is a distinct loss to the best class of journalism and Republican politics in the state of New York. As editor of the Troy Times he was one of the conspicuous figures in the journal- istic world in the interior of the Empire State. While building up one of the most successful and influential newspapers of that state, he was at the same time prominent in politics. The political honors he enjoyed in his lifetime came to him as a direct recognition of his worth, ability and genuine manliness. \From the Glens Falls Republican.] He began at the foot of the ladder of journalism and had long since reached its topmost round. Not only had he shone in his profession but also in public life. He was a power for good in every position he was called upon to fill. He died in the full knowledge and expectation of the bright hereafter. Well can it be said of him : He was an intelli- IN MBMORIAM. 87 gent gentleman of the old school. His mind was candid, sincere and benevolent, his friendship lasting and unalterable. The modesty, sim- plicity and sweetness of manner rendered his conversation as amiable as it was instructive and endeared him to those who had the pleasure of knowing so valuable a friend and unostentatious man. His death is to the city of Troy and the profession he so completely honored an irreparable loss. [^From the Troy Daily Times, August 7, iSgj^X The Troy Times has received the Athens Acropolis for July 8. This is one of the largest of the many journals published at the capital, of Greece. It contains a generous tribute to the statesmanship and personal character of the late John Morgan Francis. Although our readers are already familiar with the personal statistics in this article, we publish a full translation as an example of the Greek method of doing honor to the memory of one who has served the public with ability and fidelity : HON. JOHN M. FRANCIS. On the i8th day of June the Honorable John M. Francis died in the city of Troy, N. Y., in America, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. Many readers of The Acropolis well remember him as the ambassador of the United States at Athens from 187 1 to 1874. He held a prominent place among the representatives of the great trans- Atlantic democracy as one who heartily interpreted the philhellenic sentiments of his government, and was most fortunate in winning the lasting confidence and love of the Greeks. With keen sorrow we announce the death of one who during his residence among us was the model representative of a friendly power. John M. Francis was the twelfth of thirteen children of his father, who near the beginning of this century immigrated from Wales to America. Full of the confident enthusiasm which characterizes the Anglo-Saxon race, he early devoted himself to public journalism, and while still a young man he founded forty-six years ago the Troy Daily Times. This new venture quickly gained a foremost position as an organ of the political party to which Mr. Francis belonged. In recog- nition of his political services and his well known statecraft and personal worthiness President Grant commissioned him for diplomatic service at Athens in 1871. After ten years he was again commissioned for a similar duty in Portugal, and in 1884 was transferred from Lisbon to Vienna. When released from diplomatic service he returned to editorial work on the Troy Times, and in 1894 was elected a member of the con- vention for forming a revised constitution of the state of New York. The straightforward, unpretending, unselfish career of this man faithfully interprets his character. Wherever known he was an honored »» JOHN M. FRANCIS. example of the best American citizen, the earnest Christian, the hospi- table entertainer, always honoring frankness and sincerity, always hating deception and falsehood. While proud of his own country he made no concealment of his love for Greece. It was impossible, as he once said, for him to forget the land in which he passed four of the happiest years of his life. Nor could he forget the people, the brave hearted, intelligent peuple of Greece as he knew them, especially in the provinces, where he often made excursions. In this hour of our national groaning and distress the death of this generous and upright philhellenist brings us a new suffering, but his memory will be kept green with us, honored alike with the name of his great country, always a generous friend of Greece. + [Prom the Schenectady Star.\ There are men to-day in the Troy Times employ who have been there since the paper was started, and twenty or twenty-five years' work with John M. Francis is the record of nearly all his men. This gives a better estimate of the man than any mere words can do. All his life Mr. Francis has been a Republican, and his paper has always upheld the pnnciples of that great party. Three times United States minister to foreign courts, he was known the world over. Mr. Francis was one of three men in the last session of the State Constitu- tional Convention who were members of the Constitutional Convention of 1867-68. - * \_From the Manchester^ Vi.^ Journal.'] Mr. Francis established the Troy Times in 185 1 and soon made it one of the best and most influential papers outside of the metropolis, and such it has always been. He was a man of untiring energy, a good writer, of unimpeachable character and integrity and his opinions and writings always carried great weight. His paper was bright and clean and he always had the respect of all, even of his political opponents, though he was a strong Republican and always positive in his declara- tions. + [From the Valatie Rough Notes."] He was without doubt the most noted editor in this section of the state, and he had made himself famous as a diplomat and had served the state as a delegate to two constitutional conventions. The Troy Times was his creation and to it he gave the best days of his life, and no monument of stone that may be erected to his memory will be more lasting than the fame he acquired by untiring newspaper work. IN MEMORIAM. 89 [From the Troy Daily Times, August i8, i8g'j.'\ The Troy Times of Saturday, August 7, contained the translation of a tribute to the memory of the late John M. Francis, which appeared in The Acropolis, one of the many Greek journals published at the capital of Greece. Since then we have received The City, another Greek newspaper, which contains, along with a portrait of Mr. Francis, an editorial esti- mate of his character and public service, of which the following is a trans- lation : JOHN M. FRANCIS. [Formerly Minister of the United States at Athens.] Many Athenians will clearly recognize the noble countenance of Hon. John M. Francis, who, during his entire life, until near its close, was the embodiment of energy and enterprise. He was born in Prattsburgh, N. Y., March 6, 1823. At fifteen years of age he made a beginning of newspaper work as an apprentice in typesetting. After five years the publisher, recognizing his ability, invited him to do editorial work. Soon after this he engaged in a part- nership for publishing another newspaper, and finally in 1851 he under- took an individual enterprise in Troy, N. Y., and founded the Troy Daily Times, which has lived and flourished until this date. For nearly forty-six years in the columns of The Daily Times Mr. Francis unfolded his principles, which were likewise the principles of justice. He was the advocate of democracy in its broadest and best sense and of a large liberty, and was never disloyal to his principles. Afterward various honorable offices were conferred by the government. In May, 1871, President Grant appointed him the representative of the United States in Greece. Here for four years he discharged the duties of this office, honored and beloved by all. After his resignation he undertook a voyage around the world. Later he was made United States minister to Portugal, and in 1884 he was commissioned as envoy extraordinary and minister plenipotentiary at Vienna. Other large honors were conferred upon this indomitable publicist until the close of his life. Mr. Francis died after reaching his seventy-fifth year. \From the Rochester Post Extress.\ In 1851 he founded the Troy Times, which, from small beginnings, has become one of the most influential Republican newspapers in the state, as well as one of the most lucrative of newspaper properties. He has, from the first, been its responsible editor. It has been under his supervision an earnest exponent of Republican principles, and has done valiant work in behalf of good government always. 90 JOHN M. FEANOIS. Aside from his journalistic service, Mr. Francis had held positions of trust and honor under both the state and federal governments. In various diplomatic stations he acquitted himself with credit. Mr. Francis was a greai traveler, having visited nearly every country in the world, and having once made the circuit of the globe. He was a terse and well informed writer, especially strong in statistical knowledge. He was a model of courtesy and genial bearing in the profession, and had, through the advance of years, become its Nestor in the Empire state. We recall the name of no other editor of equally prolonged service. His later years have been those of lettered ease and wise counsel. Few journalists have had larger experience or done better service than John M. Francis, and his death will be especially deplored by the many friends in the profession that he had made. \_From the Washington County Advertiser, Fort Edward.^ Mr. Francis began life at the bottom of the ladder and by perse- verance and ability had mounted to the top, and from that position for the last years of his life he could view with satisfaction the results of his labors. He always filled the positions to which he was appointed with faithfulness and ability. 4- \From the Newspaper Maker, New York City.] It is as an editor and a champion of every right movement tending to the elevation of the people that John M. Francis deserves to be held in grateful remembrance, and the respect and high regard of his con- temporaries are a lasting tribute to his exalted accomplishments. {From the Rome Sentinel.] Every success John M. Francis won was by his own efforts, every honor bestowed upon him he deserved. The unanimity with which the press of the country pays sincere tribute to his memory is evidence of the high esteem in which he is held in the profession which claimed him as one of its foremost representatives. \From the Ehnira Advertiser^ The death of the veteran editor and founder of the Troy Daily Times is a distinct loss to the journalism of the country. While his diplomatic career was highly creditable to him, it was but the occasional episode, the vacation, so to speak, of his serious lifework. The period extending IN MEMOEIAM. 91 from 1851, when The Times was founded, to the present day covers a memorable epoch in the history of the nation, and during that time Mr. Francis played an admirable part. In the first place his ideals were of the highest. He took journalism seriously. It has been said of him that he would never allow a word or a sentence in his paper which a gentleman might not utter with propriety in his own home, and The Times always maintained that purity of tone which is characteristic of every self-respecting journal. Again, Mr. Francis was an uncompromising patriot, enjoying the unique distinction of having his business establishment mobbed for his courageous stand in support of the military measures of 1863. His journal has always been conspicuous for the strength of conviction which has been reinforced by a rare ability in its editorial discussion of public policies and the questions of the day. It has never been evasive nor guilty of time-serving. A strong party paper, yet never consciously approving evil in any guise. And thus through the years of Francis' control. The Times has acquired the reputation that individual men covet, that of possessing a strong mind and a lofty character. It has reflected its founder's ideals, and thus become a power for good in the land. The departure of a man like Francis will be sincerely regretted by friend and opponent alike. He has performed a splendid service and his example will be long emulated. \From the Dansville Advertiser. \ One of the saddest tasks of a journalist's work is the recording of the death of old and tried friends and loved members of a family, whether the loss touches him closely or not. For nearly every death hurts the heart of some human being. The death on Friday last of Hon. John M. Francis of the Troy Times fills with a sense of personal loss the hearts of many people in this and other countries. Love for him as a man was as deep as his fame as a journalist, politician and diplomat was wide. As a friend his sympathy and helpfulness were unbounded. As a journalist his ability and power were most freely acknowledged by those who knew him best. Next to Horace Greeley he held most perfectly at his pencil's point the political history of this country. A proof of this wonderful faculty came to us in this office. At the close of the twenty-fifth convention of the New York Press Asso- ciation Mr. and Mrs. Francis and other friends honored us with a brief visit. One morning the newspapers brought an extended notice of some treaty or other important political document which much interested Mr. Francis. " The writer of that artice is not correct in his statements nor sound in his conclusions," said Mr. Francis, " I must set him right through the columns of the Troy Times, for my readers are much inter- ested in this question." Without a moment's preparation, without refer- 92 JOHN M. FRANCIS. ences of any kind, Mr. Francis rapidly wrote an article which would fill three or four columns of The Advertiser. It was dotted with dates and enriched by quotations of opinions of statesmen and newspapers, fault- less in rhetoric, irresistible in argument. "Will this do?" he asked us, deferring to our opinion as though we were his peer, an honest habit of his which endeared him to many associates. " Well, then, let's go up to your house and sing our song," referring to a little musical performance in which Mr. Francis, Mr. Fairman and the editor of this paper formed a trio. We refer to this simple thing because it illustrated the boyish spontaneity of this great man, and his camaraderie. In a letter from Alexandria Bay, describing the outing of the New York State Editorial Association, John L. McArthur, editor of the Gran- ville Sentinel, wrote to his paper as follows : " But in the midst of the festivities and social side of this annual gathering, there is a shadow of gloom. One of our number, loved, respected and counseled with, has passed out into the greater life. The quiet and dignified John M. Francis of the Troy Times is not with us — only in memory. He was my friend, and somehow I cannot shake off that sadness and sense of loneliness which environs the heart and steals upon me at this time as his absence is noted. Somehow " ' I long for the touch of a vanished hand, And the sound of a voice which is stilled.' "And yet — and yet, is he not with us? As I write he enters yonder door and with his accustomed tread slowly approaches the vacant chair and sits down. He does not speak, but he is there ! We can't see him or touch him, but we are conscious of his presence. And yet are not those we call dead with us? Purified and sanctified with the touch of immortality are they not here with us, but in their higher state invisible to our sight and insensible to our touch ? What person can deny that he has not felt the presence of friends who have passed through the tomb to eternity — become spiritualized by the forces of death and immortalized by the touch of God? Everyone loved Mr. Francis, and although he has passed out from among us there is a satisfaction in knowing that he has simply made " ' A step over this sin stained world, Overhung with clouds of night, To the golden hills, and the city there That shines with eternal light.' " IN MEMORIAM. 93 [From the Buffalo JVews.] A pebble cast into a summer sea Makes a slight splash and a few ripples sway And widen in great circles, noiselessly, Then, like the pebble, pass from sight away. So, when man dies, the bosom of Death's deep Dimples a little and its ripples rise, And o'er the mourn'd one, in his marble sleep. Tears well, but soon are dried in mortal eyes. Not so with all; once in a great decade — And sometimes not in any — in that sea. That sea of Death, the mighty ripples made By the great dead extend eternally. And a great influence, borne of noble deeds, Nurtured by gentle acts and knightly strife. That healed all wounds and helped all Godlv creeds, May leap the shoals and shallows of this life. And with those widening ripples that he made — In dying, he the path of Right who trod — Spread on through all the realms of sun and shade And touch the beaches of the sands of God This to John Francis ; thro' all future days The land he loved shall echo with his praise. MARK S. HUBBELL. Buffalo, June 26, 1897. [From the Newport, R. /., N'e'wsi\ At the beginning of the anti-slavery agitation in its later phases he took a stand on the side of the oppressed, breaking to a considerable extent with his party, and when the stormy period immediately preced- ing the breaking out of the Rebellion came, he threw his whole soul into the controversy in behalf of the old flag and universal freedom. He was so outspoken on these questions that though one of the most respected citizens of Troy and of the state, his newspaper establishment was sacked by a mob of " respectable citizens " and much of his property destroyed. But, nothing daunted, he kept steadily on in the same course and maintained it to the end. Mr. Francis afterward received and carried many honors, but none that showed the man in his true character better than the firmness under those trying conditions. He represented his country as its min- ister to Austria, Greece and Portugal, and these repeated appointments from different Presidents show the appreciation in which he was held. 94 JOHN M. FEANCIS. \_Froni the San Francisco Evening Posti\ Mr. Francis was one of the oldest and most distinguished journalists in the United States, and had served with distinction in the diplomatic service. On March 6 of this year he was tendered a dinner by Mrs. Helen C. Evans, in honor of his seventy-fourth birthday. Many friends and people of distinction were assembled at the Moun- tain Park hotel at Hot Springs, N. C, to honor the day and the man. As a souvenir of the occasion an artistic little volume was printed giving the speeches of compliment, and among them the following appre- ciative verses : JOHN M. FRANCIS. " Formed on the good old plan, A true and brave and downright honest man." Such the man we love and trust. Stanch .and loyal, firm, yet just. On this birthday gathered now Twine we laurels for his brow. Strong though gentle, brave though kind. Large of soul and broad of mind; Him we honor here you see. Great in his simplicity. May his days be days of peace; May his nights be nights of ease; May the years yet have in store Joys and blessings more and more; Every good to him impart — This the wish of every heart. Mr. Francis was well known in San Francisco. He paid a visit here about two years ago, and was at that time tendered a banquet by the Union League Club. \From the Evening Wisconsin, Milwaukee.^ John M. Francis, senior proprietor and editor-in-chief of the Troy Times and ex-minister of the United States to Austria, Greece and Por- tugal, died at his home to-day. * * * In June, 185 1, he started the Troy Daily Times. It was a small affair then, but it had in it from the first the promise and potency of what it has since become. Ability, energy, independence, and for some time severe labor, self-denial and endurance were needed to raise it to a position of influence, but all these were forthcoming, and for a great many years that paper has had a national reputation. What Horace Greeley was to The Tribune., Mr. Francis was to the Daily Times. Mr. Francis joined the Republican party when it was started and was ever afterward active and influential in its cause. IN MEMORIAM. 95 IjFrom the Oswego Times.^ In the death of Hon. John M. Francis, which occurred yesterday, passed away the most conspicuous journalist of the state outside the metropolis, as well as one of the worthiest in the whole journalistic pro- fession — one whose enduring monument is that just and deservedly influential paper, the Troy Times, which he founded in 1851 an4 man. aged and edited with uniform success and rare fidelity to the public interests up to the hour of his demise. That work has made his name a household word in Central New York for over twoscore years and a familiar and honored one in the highest ranks of journalistic achieve- ment throughout the nation. Set against that name, too, is high official honor, conferred in more than one field — the diplomatic and the legis- lative, as examples — but more cherished and satisfactory to him than all these, we must believe, however justly gratifying, were the tokens of appreciative esteem, unremittingly tendered and not to be numbered, of which he was the recipient from the great home newspaper constititency which he so admirably, intelligently and conscientiously served. A career signalized by so much useful labor and cheered in its course by so many evidences of kindly regard is a career at once to be emulated and eulogized. Such, imperfectly and completely as these words are serving to tell it, was the career — the life — of John M. Francis. How very widely his genial smile and kindly ways will be missed. %setvucis from |l^etters» J-etmcts from Setters. «aU](«j(j»«<(i» From the many sympathizing letters received by the family of John M. Francis the following extracts are taken. The tributes indicate the respect and affection entertained for Mr. Francis, and the qualities which called forth esteem and regard. [From Hon. Chauncey M. Depkw, N'ew York.'] Ihave read with great interest and pleasure an article in Tke Times which I received a few days since, on the necessity of party organization. In the present crisis, so acute and critical, it was most wise and timely. What interested me most was that the best of it should have been the work of your father. Though the last contribution to his paper, and written so near the end of his life, it shows all the vigor and lucidity of his best days. I knew your father from the commencement of my public life, and my esteem, respect and love for him grew with the years. He was so strong and fair as a journalist, so faithful to his party, his prin- ciples and his friends in politics and so bold and yet safe in the ever varying condiiions of party warfare, that for more than a quarter of a century he has been one of the most influential and attractive figures in the public life of our state. In every instance where he thought I had or ought to have an ambition for office he was the first to appear and urge my claims or consent. I sent you my message of sorrow and sym- pathy on hearing of his death, and reading this article stirs me to speak of my friend and his good works more fully. You have a most precious heritage in the career and memory of such a father. * [From His Majesty George, King of Greece.'] I was very sorry to hear the sad news about the death of your dear father, whom I had the great satisfaction to know so well personally. I liked him sincerely and highly appreciated his character. His memory will always be dear to me. I know he had great sympathy for Greece, and he always felt great interest for this country, where he was liked and respected by everybody. 100 JOHN M. FRANCIS. {From Hon. G. Hilton Scribner, Yonkers, N. K] The quiet of this lovely place has given me time to think and review the past of the dearest friendship and good comradeship I have ever known. Your father was one of the few men with whom I did not have to get acquainted. He was as transparent to me the first time I met him up in the Catskills as when I last saw him at your house only a few days before he left us. The beauty and real value of our intimacy and attachment was that it never had an interval or a break for a moment from first to last. Not that we always agreed about everything, for we often took different views, but with us that never disturbed the under- current of our good feeling in the least. Of course, as you know, I am more of a theorist than Mr. Francis ever was, but no one could appre- ciate more thoroughly than I did the knack he had, which almost amounted to genius, of drawing a straight line right through the middle of anybody's theory, leaving all there was of practical use on one side of it and throwing the rest to the winds — never being tempted ever again to discuss it. I think he was often tried with me on account of my prone- ness to wander beyond a sure footing in practical and provable things, but he was always good natured with me even then. I can hardly face the thought that all our dear meetings and reunions are over. Not an hour has passed since I was at Troy that I have not thought about the sad, dream-like reality. [From Gen. A. L. Chetlain, Chicago, ///.] The announcement of the death of your good father has just come to hand, and my heart is sad beyond expression. For twenty-seven years we have been warm friends, and for a half score of years our intimacy has been close — we were more like brothers than friends. He was a rare man, possessed of most admirable qualities of heart and mind ; taken altogether he was one of the noblest men I ever knew. I mourn for him as for a brother. With the rare faculty he had of becom- ing acquainted with people and drawing them near to him, he will be sincerely mourned for by men and women the world over. He was truly a good and a great man. He was endowed with a will power most extraordinary, yet was as gentle as a woman. In the nearly half century in which he wielded his pen as an editor, he did much to elevate and bless mankind. Of such a man it can be truthfully said that the world is better for his having lived in it. Oh, how his loved ones at Yonkers and Troy will miss him. He was so good, so considerate, so generous and so loving to all ; no one knows this better than I. When we were together the winter and spring of 1895 at Lakewood, Old Point Comfort and Washington we often of an evening discussed the subject IN MEMORIAM. of death and of a future state. His faith was unfaltering, and he believed, as I do, not only in a future state, but in recognition and reunion of loved ones. Blessed faith. [From Dr. Julius Frei, Chief of Bureau of London Standard, Vienna.^ I am deeply moved by the death of your dear father and feel the loss of a true friend. Mr. Francis, who always took his duties most conscientiously, one day wanted to be informed on a certain subject by an older resident of Vienna than himself and he wrote a few lines to me, inviting me at the same time for Thanksgiving day. This was the origin of our acquaintanceship, which did not take long to ripen into lasting friendship. I was invited to the table of your parents, alas! both dead now, and for hours and hours we used to sit together chatting over politics and sundry matters of the day. Next, however, to his country and his race — no, not next, before — he loved his newspaper, the Troy Times, to speak of which he was never too tired, nor I to listen. It was his second life, and The Times stood first in his love, in his thoughts, in his cares. 4. \Froin Hon. Stewart L. Woodford, United States Minister to Sfain.'\ When I heard of your father's death I telegraphed you. Getting to my office I found the generous and affectionate telegram he had sent me on the seventeenth, and your telegram the next day telling me of his peaceful departure. His message must have been almost the last one he could have sent to any one outside his immediate family. I cannot now tell him how I value his loving thought of me, but I do want you to know I hon- ored him and how I appreciate his last words to me. They will be help and strength to me when I shall need help and strength. Your father lived a large and honored life. \_From Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, Washington, D. C] It is with deep regret I read the announcement of the death of your beloved and honored father, so true, so brave and so kind. It is such a short time since I saw him in Washington that it is hard to realize he is gone from us. Accept my sincere and affectionate sympathy. \_From Hon. F. H. Orvis, Manchester, Vt.'\ I mourn with you and mingle my tears with yours. 102 JOHK M. IfRANClS. \^From Dr. F. D. Crim, Hot Springs, N. C] I shall remember him, not as a patient, but as an associate, whose conversation was always instructive, and whose simple, honest manner made him a valued friend. [From Hon. John H. Puleston, M. P., London, England.'] I want to express my deep sorrow and my sympathy with you and other members of the family now mourning the loss of one so much beloved. You will have the sympathy of a wide circle of personal friends and a still wider circle of those who admired and respected Mr. Francis as a public man, and a public man not only in the sense of his conduct of the great paper he established, but of his public work in the respon- sible positions he occupied at home and abroad. His loss will long be felt, but it is some consolation to you and all to know that you have the memory of a spotless and useful life to treasure. When I look back upon the days when I had many, many friends in America with whom I delighted to be associated, it is painful to reflect on the fact that so many of them are gone, and this feeling came to me with renewed force when I heard of the death of Mr. Francis. . [From Hon. Frank S. Black, Governor State of New York.] He was a great man, a true friend, and his counsel and friendship to me I have felt in many ways. As well as I can, which is at best but poorly, I extend to you my sympathy, my respect and my friendship. 4.. [From Hon. Andrew H. Green, New York.] I am greatly grieved by this word ; a valued friend and co-laborer of many years leaves us. The sphere of his beneficent influence broad- ened with the lapse of years' until its dimensions were those rarely accorded to man. His kindness and gentleness and the tenacity with which he adhered to high principles rendered him effective in his numer- ous and delicate relations with public affairs, and a charming associate in the intercourse of private life. I can never forget the spontaneous, enthusiastic tribute paid him on a memorable occasion by the delegates to the recent Constitutional Convention. He was full of years and was gathered to his people. He is among those who are at rest. I knew him long and well. His genial nature, his steady judgment and his fidelity to principle gave him a strong hold upon those who knew him. His influence was for good. IN MEMORIAM. 103 [From Prof. Edward North, Clinton, N. K.] It has been a comfort to recall the days that can never come again. I have not thought it possible that I should outlive one whose life will be perpetuated in the Troy Times. [From Hon. William J. Mantanye, Cortland, N. F.] He was a grand man and a good friend that I hoped to see many times yet. His life was an honor to himself and will always be cherished with pride by his family and friends, and it was a glorious illustration of the possibilities with ability and energy under our form of govern- ment. I join with you and his family in mourning his departure. In the Constitutional Convention of 1894 we became good friends and co-workers. + [From Hon. Thomas C. Alvord, Syracuse, N. y.] Let our sorrows mingle — yours is the loss of a father, mine of more than a friend, — a brother. [From Gen. James A, Dumont, Supervising Inspector-General of Steamboats, Washington, D. C] I need not tell you how sad I feel to think I shall never see in the flesh again my dear, kind, faithful friend of so many years ; and what a blow it must be for you —the loss of such a kind, indulgent father, whose only thought and aim in life I know was the welfare of his dear children and their children. [From Hon. John Gennadius, late Greek Ambassador to Great Britian.] I can hardly tell you how deeply grieved I was by the sudden and sad news conveyed to me. The death of your revered father and my most honored and cherished friend has added one more pang to a year full of trials and misfortunes for Greece and for me. For it is Greece also that loses in him a warm friend and a wise counselor ; and to me his loss will leave a void that may be only less felt by the increase of your own good friendship. If there can be any consolation in death, it is in his case, for he left us full of years, full of honors, surrounded by all that marks a good and true life here below. You have his great heritage to keep alive and his many friendships to maintain. 104 JOHN M. FRANCIS. [From Hon. Thomas C. Platt, United States Senator, Washington, D. C] Mrs. Platt joins me in expressions of sincere sorrow and sympathy to you and your family in your great affliction. \F70m Prince R. Wrede, Minister from Austria-Hungary to Buenos Ayres, South America.] There is no consolation in such a loss but time and the thought that this is nature's law. You had the best of fathers, and I a dear and excellent friend. Your dear father's death must have been as the scrip- tures describe it, the death of the just and good man, an example for all of us how to live and how to die. [From Hon. Jesse Johnson, Brooklyn, N. F.] I am very greatly pained to learn of the decease of your honored father, and I should not do justice to my own feelings did I not convey to his family my appreciation of his character. I first met him in the Constitutional Convention, having peculiar opportunities to form his acquaintance from the fact that we were associated on a committee where we each gave much of our time and thought. From the first he impressed me as a man of large and generous grasp of public affairs and of public questions. Later I was particularly impressed with his earnest, his very great desire to do something in the supreme law for bettering city government. His kindness to me and his expressions of regard and confidence I very greatly prize. And so I would not be deemed intru- sive when I say that I regarded him as a large, strong, true and brave man, who wrought well, wisely and largely, who earned, received and enjoyed the honors and requitals that are due to such, and who, when his work was done, in the eventide of surcease and calm heard in peace the call to another and a higher life. [From Hon. Alfred S. Gillett, Philadelphia, Penn.'] I need hardly say that since the death of your good father my heart and thoughts have silently, but none the less sincerely, responded in sympathy with you and other loved ones of his household. His walks among men had been long, useful, honorable and successful. My years of life outnumber his. But we loved to talk to each other of " the long, long ago " and of the time when we were both boys living not far apari in the now great state of New York, he the son of a good honest farmer, and I the son of a good honest Presbyterian minister. Both of us were IN MEMORIAM. 105 early taught by our parents that we must work and depend upon our own efforts for success, if we ever expected to attain it. My last inter- view with your father was in Washington at his hotel. There we talked together of the past, the present and what we thought would be the future of this great Republic. He had taken an honorable part in build- ing and upholding it, and I had hoped his health would be restored and life prolonged that he might continue to enjoy its blessings. [From Dr. M. Alexander, Oporto, Portugal.} Your father was a dear good friend of ours while in Lisbon, and many a happy hour I have spent with him after a hard day's labor. It was sunshine to me when he came, because his presence drove away the cares and toils of the day, and I always felt that if I ever should need a friend I could go to your dear father with the certainty that he would befriend me. + [From Hon. Andrew D. White, United States Ambassador to Germany.] You have my sincere sympathy, and at the same time my hearty con- gratulations that you have had so long as your guide and dearest friend a man of such strong, sterling and truly noble characteristics. [From Count D. Messai.A, Chamberlain to Her Majesty Queen Olga, Athens, Greece.} I cannot tell you how sorry I have been on hearing the sad announce- ment of the death of your dear father and my most esteemed friend. During the time which separated us, from the moment you left Greece, I never ceased to keep the most dear remembrance of you all, and I was happy to think that my esteemed and honorable friend, John M. Francis, also kept me in thought. His memory will be always with me. [From A. O. Bl NNELL, Secretary and Treasurer of the New York Press Association.} The death of your blessed father, my dear and faithful friend, comes to me like the loss of a member of my own family, for he has seemed a father and an elder brother to me for more than a score of years. I never could understand why he should always be so thoughtful of me, why he so often confided in me, and even asked my opinion of matters political and journalistic and social, as if the pupil could teach the sage, excepting that his big heart overflowed with kindly feeling toward all mankind. Now the dear father and mother are reunited, and this 106 JOHN M. FRANCIS. thought must reconcile you to his death and help console his many, many friends in this association and the world over for their irreparable loss. -i- [From Rev. Joseph Waite, Hartford, Conn.] During all the years when I was his pastor, and since, I ever found him a most genial and generous friend as well as an interesting and entertaining companion, and I mourn exceedingly that I shall see him no more in the flesh. {From Thomas A. Creigh, Omah, Neb.\ A grand, good man and one whom I will always remember, and I rejoice that it was my privilege to know him and claim him as a personal friend. You have great reason to be thankful that it was your privilege to be associated so closely with him during all your life and that he was spared to you so many years. [From Hon. James A. Burden, Troy, N. K] I sympathize with you in the sad loss of your father. Several times lately I have been at the point of writing to your father and congratu- lating him upon his life work. I did call at your office to speak with him on this subject and I was told he was not in town. And I now say to you the Troy Times is a more fitting monument to the memory of your good father than stone. [From R. F. Westcott, Richfield Springs, N. F.] I knew your father better than almost anyone outside of the family. I was with him after your mother's death, and knowing him so well I saw his true nature. He was as pure and gentle as a child, and as brave as a lion, full of sympathy and love for all his friends, and as a father these traits were intensified. The death of such a man is a great loss to the world. — •^ [From. Gen. William H. Watson, Utica, N. Y.\ Your father has passed away at the end of a life full of years and crowned with many and well deserved honors. It was the saying of one of the Latin poets, bis vixit qui bene, and to whom can this statement be more fittingly applied than to your honored father? His conscientious- IN MEMORIAM. 107 ness and exalted ideas of the duties which accompany the execution of public trusts and the possession of high political honors were everywhere appreciated. — -h — [From Prof. A. L. Wait, Ithaca, N. F.] • It was always a pleasure for me to meet your father. He seemed so unselfish and so desirous of assisting any one who needed his help. I always felt that I was sitting at the feet of a teacher. There was an honesty, kindliness and authority in his utterances that greatly impressed me. 4- [From Andrew W. Little, New York.'] It is about forty years since I was brought into business relations with your father. There was a mutual confidence in- all our business transactions that always endeared him to me ; his friendship was real. John M. Francis was like his great newspaper — a compact man. [From Peter Xanthakis, Athens, Greece.] The announcement of the loss of your honored father has given us great sorrow. I loved and esteemed him, he was so kind, so hearty, so true. Here his honorable memory still lives. The Athens newspapers referred to him as a Philhellene and, sure enough, we have never had in Greece his equal as a diplomatic representative of the United States. \From Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Wieting, Syracuse, N. F.] I deeply mourn the loss of my good friend, who was also the life- long friend of Dr. Wieting, and I extend to you all my heartfelt sym- pathy. 4. [From Hon. John W. Vrooman, New York.] The world can ill afford to spare men like John M. Francis, but he had fought manfully and bravely the battle of life, and God in his wis- dom called him hence in the fullness of the years which he honored in official service, and which he beautified in private life. While we mourn the loss of your father, my friend, we have the consoling thought that the " record of a generous life runs like a vine around the memory of our dead, and every sweet, unselfish act is now a perfumed flower. " His life was full of generous acts, and the remembrance of it will con- spire to make us better men. 108 JOHN M. FRANCIS. [/>-oOT Ben Van Deusen, Troy.] Please allow me to offer my sincere sympathy to you and the family in this hour of sorrow. My acquaintance with your father extends back to 1846, when I was employed by him on the Budget anA since November, 185 1, on the Times. I feel that I have lost a true friend. \^Froin Hon. Ale.xander Wilder, Newark, N. J.\ It came upon me as a most painful shock. I wanted to exclaim with Charles XII. of Sweden at the grave of John Sobiesky : " How sad and unfortunate that such a man should ever die!" My acquaintance with Mr. Francis began during the civil war. I was then on the staff of The Evening Post. We chanced in various political movements to take always the same side, and to entertain like views. Frequent meetings at Albany and elsewhere developed warm personal regard, which with me has never declined. When he received honors, it seemed to me in a way as though I had been honored. I remember him in the Constitutional Convention of i86'7. What a congress of giants ; yet how many are gone from among men. The incomparable William A. Wheeler, Alvord, Tilden, Flagler, Greeley, Stratton, Folger, Lapham, Clinton, Cassidy, Brooks, Wright, Dwight, Townsend, Church and others — I seem to see them now. Mr. Francis filled his sphere of duty with a fidelity beyond my power to praise as it deserves. \Froin Rev. Dr. George H. Smyth, Manchester, Vt.] God gave him to you and to his country, which he served with fidelity, efficiency and honor for many years, and then took him to await the home coming of his dear ones, never again to part. [From Dr. John H. Edwards, fVMte Plains, N. F.] I can only repeat what you must hear from every side, the con- viction that our state and the country have lost one of their most eminent and useful citizens. Looking at the whole course of his public life, it must be confessed that very few of our prominent men have stood so generally and so strongly upon the right side of the vital questions which have had so much to do in his time with the making of national char- acter and our country's history. His influence for good has been far- reaching, and will be widely felt long after the end of his personal activity. IN MEMORIAM. 109 Of the purity, tenderness and selfforgetfulness of his private life it is not for me to speak to you who have known him as he always was in the dear relations of the home. And yet I came near enough to him to know the warmth and delicacy of his domestic affections, and so can somewhat appreciate the keenness of the present sorrow felt by those nearest of all to him. There remains for you not the mere memory of past love and happiness, but the glad hope that such a personality is not lost in nothingness, but, perfected through grace, survives in the higher service and the unbroken union of the better world. [^From L. Meletopoulo, late Greek Minister of Foreign Affairs , Athens, Greece.^ I have been very concerned to learn the death of your dear and distinguished father, my old and most honored friend. The remem- brance of your late father is vivid in my memory and dear to my heart. You know among the so many brilliant qualities of your eminent father there was that of inspiring keen feelings of friendship to all those who approached him. My friendship with him was of that kind, so that when at his second visit to Athens (in 1876) during his voyage around the world he told me most kindly that he reckoned me as one of his best friends in the old hemisphere. I was very flattered, but not aston- ished. I considered him, too, as one of my best friends, not only among many Americans and Europeans with whom I have been connected, but also among all my acquaintances. I hardly need to say that I found him as all my fellow-countrymen did, one of the best friends of Greece, which of course added to my attachment to him. Your late father honored his family and his country. All his life can be summed up as a continuous stretch of beneficence for his kinsmen and friends, his fellow-citizens and society at large by his deeds as well as by the moral and Christian principles he professed and practiced. Therefore his memory must and will be imperishable. {From A. J. Palmer, New York.'] My memory of him is vivid and most grateful. Somebody has said that the " wisest man is the man who does not require his friends to think with him," but is it not more agreeable when one's friends do think with him ? Your father was my kind of a man in public affairs precisely. He was one of the glorious 306 who voted for my old commander, General Grant, to the very last, just exactly as I would have done. His very noble career in public life and the views he entertained endeared him to me. 110 JOHN M. FRANCIS. [^From Mrs. Robert F. Westcott, Richfield Springs, N. F.] Dear old patriot ! What a record he leaves of a life well spent, as a tireless worker in almost every good cause. {From Hon. George W. Weaver, Rochester, N. V.] Not only yourself but your city and our state and commonwealth will miss him and mourn. An honest, persistent and tireless worker for the good of humanity and the establishment and development of prin- ciple in a community. [From Hon. D. W. Botassi, Consul General of Greece, New York City.} I read in our papers, with deep regret, the death of your father, and I beg you to accept my sincere and' hearty sympathy. His memory will be ever dear to us Greeks, for he was always a friend of Greece since he went to our country as United States Minister to Athens. [From J. H. Breslin, New York City.'] Accept my sympathy in your loss of a good father ; I mourn the departure of a good friend. -f [From Hon. John A. Barhite, Rochester, N. F.J Although for years I had known him by reputation as one of the leading men of our day, I never had the pleasure of his personal acquaintance until the Constitutional Convention of 1894. I was a member of that body and occupied a seat very near him during the entire session. For a man of his age he endured the labors of the session remarkably well. I came to admire him for his sterling integrity and his ready grasp of the subjects which were presented for discussion ; his advice was always sought by the other leaders of the Convention, and his counsel at all times had weight with the younger members of the Convention. — -b — [From Mrs. Harriet G. Benedict, Boston, Mass.] I am inexpressibly shocked and grieved to see in the papers this evening that your dear father died to-day. I read with so much interest the beautiful souvenir of his birthday dinner, and the expressions of affection from his family and friends were touching and showed the regard held by them for the noble man. Well, your mother, of blessed IN MEMOBIAM. HI memory, has had thfise ten years more of heaven than he, but what a joyful welcome she must have given him to-day ! His heart has been with her all these years, and although he was a devoted father and grand- father, still you all must feel that he is so far happier now that you can only bow your heads in submission and say, even with sorrowing hearts and streaming eyes, " Thy Will Be Done." My heart is with you in this hour of your great sorrow, for he was dear to all of us, and it saddens our hearts to think that we shall never see him again ! I am glad to have known suc'h a splendid man, and all who knew him must have felt their lives enriched by knowing him. * * * -pg jj^^g jj^g^j ^^^^ ^ jj^^ is to have earned the eternal reward, upon which he has entered, and dearly as we loved him we cannot wish him back. [From Hon. Charles T. Gorham, Marshall, Mich.'] I am deeply pained by the sad event of your father's death. I have known him long and loved him much. You have lost a noble father ; I a noble friend. 4. [From Hon. N. A. Woodward, Batavia, N. K] I shall and do mourn his loss as one of my best friends departed to "that country from whose bourne no traveler returns." My first and perhaps only personal acquaintance with him was while he was Chairman of the Committee on Preamble and Bill of Rights, of which I was a mem- ber, in the Constitutional Convention of 1894. There, although we some- times differed as to questions arising, I found him courteous, indulgent, yet decided in his opinions and always ready to render a good reason for them. I soon became strongly attached to him, and he became a warm friend of mine. * * * * Though men die, yet their actions live and act again, and have their influences upon those that surrounded them and were within the sphere of their influence. And so it will be with John M. Francis. ^ [From Dr. W. I. Eames, Inspector General Royal Navy, London, England.] I assure you I feel deeply for you in your bereavement, knowing as I do what a good man he was and how much attached to each other you were. I also feel myself that I have lost a valued friend and one for whom I had the warmest attachment. He was always so kind to me and mine, and indeed in this I cannot dissociate him from Mrs. Francis, your mother. They were both my best friends in Lisbon, and I shall never forget the warm and generous welcome he gave me when we visited him in his home in Troy. 112 JOHN M. FBANCIS. {From Mrs. Belle K. Brownson, Washington, D. C] I feel we have lost a valued friend, whose personal esteem we prized most highly, and the last sight I had of the dear good man in my own home in Washington will ever be a charming recollection. {From Henry W. Box, Buffalo, N. F.] I do not know a man more universally respected, or more deservedly so. His example will prove an inspiration to thousands who in the struggle of life rely upon mental and physical vigor, fidelity to duty and a moral character for position and preferment. {From Rev. Washington Frothingham, Fonda, N. Y.'\ You have my deepest sympathies in this severe affliction. Your father was a very remarkable man, gifted with rare power and con- trolled by noble principle, and I count it an honor to have been in his service. {From Rev. Stanton P. Allen, Willsboro, N. F.] " And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me. Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth ; Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors ; and their works do follow them." These words came to our heart in the afternoon of yesterday when I opened the wrapper of Friday's Times and saw the turned rules indicating the death of John M. Francis, your venerable father, and my respected friend. Our sympathy is heartfelt and sincere. Among the sacred treasures of my earthly journey is a letter written by your father at the time I started out to preach the Gospel of Christ and severed my nine years' connection with the Times. The words of this extract from that letter are stereotyped on my soul ; " Deeply we regret parting with you ; fervently we hope that in the sacred office of future duties, your efforts may be crowned with God's blessings for yourself, your dear family and for those who are to have the benefit of your earnest ministry." 4, {From Ellen B. Lambert, Salem, N. K] He was always so cheery and hopeful, in spite of trials and ill health; he was a precious example to every one, and it is hard to believe we will not see him again. IN MEMOEIAM. 113 [Front Mrs. Roswell A. Roberts, Yonkers, N. K] I am sure that all who knew him will cherish his memory as that of a loving and tender father, an unselfish man, large of heart and pure in life, a man whose loss is to be deplored with genuine sincerity. \_From Mrs. A. L. Chetlain, Chicago, III.'] What a useful, honorable, helpful life it has been. It was a pure life, a good life one that the coming young man can take for a model. And what a genial companion he was with all, young and old. None who have enjoyed his friendship can ever forget him. He impressed himself so forcibly with his wonderful conversational abilities, his wisdom, his justice and his love of mankind. [From W. Creighton Lee, Orange, N. F.] He was a man to be well remembered, and who in life was well loved, and made so many happier by his kindness that his place in life must still be filled by the memory of his deeds. [From A. R. Smith, Troy, JV. Y.] With the memory of both father and mother is united so much of goodness that you hold a legacy of sweet memories which must last as long as life. [From Hon. George W. Aldridge, State Superintendent of Public IVoris.] Accept for yourself and the members of your family my sincere condolence on the death of your distinguished father. His death though it has not come until the fullness of years, is a distinct loss to the state and to the Republican party, which has for so long benefited by his wise counsel. * [From A. L. Blair, Boston, Mass.'] I have a vivid remembrance of his uniform courtesy, not to say kind- ness, in our relations extending over eleven years, during which period he was the employer and I the employe. Democratic in his ways, he admitted me, as he admitted other assistants, to a pleasant comradeship which detracted nothing from the dignity of his position, but at the 114 JOHN M. FRANCIS. same time deepened my regard and quickened my affection for the senior proprietor of The Times. Be assured that I keenly sympathize with you in your affliction and that I shall ever cherish the memory of John M. Francis. 4. \From Hon. Philip Bissinger, New York City.'\ The sad news of the death of your father, my highly esteemed friend, has entirely prostrated me and put me into deepest mourning. Accept my profound and heartfelt sympathies in this great loss that has befallen you. 4" \From Harriet L. Constantine, Boston, Mass.l It seems to me now that a part of my own life were taken, for when we were in perplexity over our home matters we were always sure of counsel from him — yes, a counsel full of loving tenderness. [J<'rom Hon. Alonzo B. Cornell, iate Governor of New York State !\ Information has just reached me of the death of your honored father who has for so many years been one of my most intimate and cherished personal friends. I have enjoyed the honor and pleasure of many years' acquaintance with your good father, which has been to me a source of increasing satisfaction. 4, {From Homer N. Lockwood, New York.} We have traveled together and had many sympathies in common. My beloved wife also had a warm affection for your dear mother, and they both entered into rest the same year. Your father was a model American with a well-balanced intellect, who filled every station with credit to himself and his country. I can well understand your irrepar- able loss, and I send you my sincere sympathy. {From Hon. Edward Lauterbach, New York.] Among the many delightful hours which I passed during the ses- sions of the Constitutional Convention, none were so fuU-frought with benefit to myself as those passed in his company. His vast experience, his broad humanity, his sound judgment, were such that his advice and leadership might be and were always by me implicitly followed. To have earned, as I think I did, his sincere friendship was the richest prize which came to me from my participation as a delegate. IN MEMORIAM. H5 If there could be accorded me the privilege of selecting a career which I could adopt as an exemplar of my own, I think I would prefer to emulate the example of John M. Francis, so eminent was his citizenship, so noble was his life's work and achievement. [From Mrs. John A. Logan, Washington, D. C] You have my sympathy in the irreparable loss of your grand old father, to whom the nation, as well as his family, is indebted for the example of a great and useful life that has left an indelible stamp on the affairs of his country. It seems strange that such incomparable lives should be so brief, and that death should so soon snatch them away for- ever. Verily we both know what a great bereavement means, and while time will work wonders it can never heal the wound of afflictions such as we both have borne. [From SiGlSMUND KuTNOW, London, England.] How much you have lost no one can appreciate more than myself, who has had the honor of calling so good and noble a man, a man of such sterling qualities and so devoted to his country and friends, his personal friend. [From Hon. Robert T. Lincoln, Chicago, III., late United States Ambassador to Great Britain.] It was a great delight to me to enjoy his friendship, and I can well understand how you grieve over the severance of the close relations that existed between him and you. It must be a great consolation to you to think of those relations. [From Horace B. King, Springfield, Mass.] I have lost a noble friend, a just adviser and a lenient judge — one who knew my little strength and great weakness, and whose quick sym- pathy has lightened the gloom of many dark periods of my life. [Cable Dispatch from Sir Henry Irving, London, England.] Deeply grieved. True, profound sympathy with you all. 116 JOHN M. FEANOIS. {From Gen. Thomas L. James.] A truer, nobler man or more devoted friend than your father never hved. [From Lawrence C. Hull, LawrencevilU, N. _/.] It is not given to many men to do as large a work in this world as he did ; and the legacy of his memory is a rich possession for his children and his children's children. So rich a life is inspiration toward both character and achievements. [From Capt. Robert W. Hunt, Chicago, /li.] Surely few men have been able to influence passing events for the best interest of mankind more than he. You have a precious inheritance in his memory. ^^ [From Leonard H. Groeseeck, Syracuse, N. K.] Accept my deepest sympathy. Your dear father and my dear friend has left us for eternal peace and rest. \From Hon. J. H. Goodenow, late United States Consul General to Turkey.^ I heard last evening with the deepest regret of the death of your dear and honored father, whom I had known for twenty-five years and only to respect and esteem him most highly. He was a very kind friend of mine, and I shall greatly miss him. {From Major Glentworth, Vienna, Austria.} I learn of the death of your much esteemed father with deep sorrow, the more so as his friendship towards myself remains one of the most cherished remembrances of my life. [From J. H. Cunningham, Ufica, JV. V.} The newspaper ranks have not in a long time lost so heavily as in the dropping out of the founder of the Troy Times. IN MEMOEIAM. 117 YFrom Robert Cluett, Troy, N. K.] The sorrow which the death of your father brings is not confined to your home circle, for he was so well known and so generally esteemed that the sad event has come like a personal loss to many hearts. I have known Mr. Francis from my boyhood, and have watched his career with deep interest, and the honors which have been bestowed upon him by the nation, state and city have given me gratification. They were the recog- nition of traits of character that he possessed to a marked degree and which always win the admiration and praise of men. \Froin Irving Browne, Buffalo, N. F.] Only a few weeks ago I had a very kind and cheerful letter from your father, and it gave me something of a shock to read of his death. There are no tears to be shed over his departure, for his life was well rounded and he has gone to rejoin his wife, with whom no doubt his thoughts dwelt much. A life full of honor, influence, good deeds and friendly offices, to be tenderly and reverently remembered, as I shall always remember him. I am glad I felt moved to write him recently and assure him of my grateful recollections of him, and I am glad I have his cordial and hearty answer assuring me that I had not been forgotten. Such old friends as we were cling closer to one another as our ranks thin. {From EsEK Cowen, New York City.] You have to mourn a good man and an excellent father, I one of my best and warmest friends. He departs full of years and honors, after a life that was certainly a success, and must have been happy. {From George W. Cochran, Washington, D. C] Death loves a shining mark, and the surrender of your father peacefully and tranquilly is another evidence of a life beyond the grave full of peace to those who here act well their parts. {From Hon. Ellis H. Roberts, United States Treasurer, Washington, D. C] For over forty years the friendship of your honored father has been enjoyed and valued by me. His strong intellect and warm heart com- manded esteem and affection. His varied public service placed him high among the worthiest citizens. His death creates a vacancy which cannot be filled. Accept my sincerest sympathy. 118 JOHN M. FRANCIS. [From George Moss, Rochester, N. K.] Intelligence of the death of your distinguished and revered father comes to me as a shock of personal bereavement. He was the beloved dean of state journalism. \From LivY S. Richard, Scranton, Fenn.\ There is consolation in the fact that your father's career did not close until it has been well rounded out with useful and varied service for city, state and nation. It is a career which leaves nothing to regret. [From Hon. James A. Roberts, State Comptroller, Albany, N. Y.'X I send my sincere sympathy over your great loss. Your father has left his impress not only upon our state but upon our country, and it is an impress of which you may well be proud. \From Rev. C. S. Richardson, Little Falls, N. F.] I shall always count it one of the privileges of my life to have met and known him. He was built on a royal scale. No small pattern of motive or conduct or life or character could have fitted him, I remem- ber gratefully his personal kindness to me both at Athens and Constan- tinople. 4, {From Philip J. Mastbrson, Chicago, III.] Troy lost her most illustrious citizen, journalism its greatest editor, I my best friend. [From Henry McMillin, New York.] I have just learned of your great loss and hasten to offer you sym- pathy. My first instructions in newspaper work came from your father. He was a thorough teacher, and he desired that his pupils become thorough also. Not one of them can fail to remember him with grati- tude. An arduous, extended, fruitful and successful career has closed in the fullness and ripeness of time. The monument your father's labors raised remains, the school of journalism he founded is vindicated by its extension, the work he wrought is stable, the imprint he left upon the IN MEMORIAM. 119 world is permanent, the fame he earned is enduring. Death removes the worker ; the work it cannot take away. That is exemplary, honored and imperishable. + [From Hon. John H. Flagg, New York.~\ Journalism has lost a gifted and conspicuous leader and the state and nation a patriot and statesman whose devotion and fidelity to the dis- charge of the numerous high public trusts with which he was repeatedly honored is an example and inspiration to mankind. \From George G. Rockwood, New York City.'] He who started me in life's work is resting. Whatever status I have attained as a useful man among my fellows, I attribute, under Providence, to John M. Francis, at once my father and friend, I go to mingle my tears with yours. A heart full of sympathy. — 4- — [From N, K. Masten, San Francisco, Cal.] The death of your father removes another of the grou-p of men in public life who always battled for the best interests of the community in which they lived, whose aim was the advancement of the human race and whose example will be a beacon to younger men coming after to occupy the places left vacant by death, which claims us all. + [From Hon. James H. Manning, Albany, N. K] There is a dark side to life, yet we rarely fully realize it until the great destroyer of mankind enters our home and takes therefrom a beloved one. How well I appreciate the loss you have sustained by the passing from earth of him who was so near and dear to you ; who dur- ing your childhood watched and guided your footsteps and in your manhood showed the greatest solicitude at all times and in all places for your welfare. The affection of a loving parent has no limit, and while the great light of a happy home has gone out do not forget that God has been generous with you in sparing your father's life until he was beyond the age most men reach. You have much, therefore, to be thankful for. A distinguished journalist, one who won great honor in the diplo- matic world, has passed away. I mourn his loss and will ever revere his memory. 120 JOHN M. FRANCIS. \From Paul Smith, Paul Smith's, N. F.] Please permit me on behalf of my sons as well as myself to express to you all our sincerest sympathy in your very sad affliction. {From Hon. Anson G. McCook, Ne%v York.'\ As an old friend and admirer of your father, I desire to express to you my sorrow at the news of his death. He was one of my earliest acquaintances when I came to this state to live twenty-five years ago, and I had many opportunities of knowing and appreciating his patriotic devotion to duty not only as a citizen, but as a representative of our country. It must be a great comfort to you, as it is to his many friends, to know that he has left behind him the record of a life well spent and of duty nobly performed. {From Mrs. Emily Warren Roebling, Trenton, N. /.] We mourn his death, as we had a great admiration for both his public and private character, and remember with pleasure the many pleasant hours we have spent in his society. {From Louis Prang, Boston, Mass.'\ The papers have told me of the great and irreparable loss that has befallen you. I sympathize heartily with you and your family. I had hoped to see my dear old friend once more in life. Alas ! it is too late. {From Hon. John A. Quackenbush, Stillwater, N. F.] With profoundest grief 1 offer you my sincere sympathy on the pass- ing away of my true friend. God bless his memory. {From Rev. Cyrus Hamlin, Lexington.^ He was truly a wonderful man. And he infused a character, a sort of personality, into the Troy Times so that I was always glad to meet it. The founder of that paper was a man of genius for that work. He was a man of power in all departments of activity into which he entered, but the Troy Times was the summing up of his best characteristics. IN MEMORIAM. 121 [J^ram Hon. Frederick W. Holls, A^ew Vori.] The whole state of New York and, indeed, the country will mourn with you. Your father was one of the wisest and ablest journalists this country has ever seen ; a most sagacious statesman and a very able poli- tical counsellor. His work in the two Constitutional Conventions will always remain as the best monument to him next to the splendid paper which has been built up largely by his efforts. Your father was to me most of all a kind and fatherly friend, upon whose judgment and advice and assistance I could always count, and whose kindliness and good will towards me personally has always been to me a most precious posses- sion. [From Gen. E, A. Merritt, /aie United States Consul General to London.^ I have just learned of the death of your honored father and my dear friend. It is a great shock to myself and family. My long acquaintance and association with him strenghened my love for him and my admir- ation for his sterling character. Considering his long public career as a journalist as well as official, he had more friends and fewer enemies than any other prominent man of my acquaintance. [From Hon. John A. Sleicher, New York.'\ Your father was the friend of my early as well as of my later years. His helpful words, his sagacious counsel, his fatherly admonition did for me more than I can acknowledge. He was a good man, loving his fellow- men, seeking their welfare — which is always the public welfare — and standing with abiding faith and immovable firmness for the principles in public and private life in which he was rooted and grounded. Your father's death is a public bereavement. The best growth and development of your city — my own beloved birthplace — came during the prime of his life. He was identified with that growth and development to a pre-eminent degree. This is local, but in the wider and greater field of affairs he was a factor of prime importance. The great Republican party has lost a faithful and experienced adviser, and the journalism of our time has lost an acknowledged leader. Your father was a self-made man, and his memory will be self-perpetuated and blest by all who come within the widening circle of its influence. After his long and eventful life, peace, at last, is his — the peace, I trust and believe, that passeth all under- standing. 122 JOHN M. FRANCIS. [From Hon. J. Edward Simmons, New York.'\ Your father, while a thorough Republican, was by no means a narrow-minded partisan. He always took a broad and comprehensive view of all the various public questions that engaged his attention, and when he died journalism lost one of its greatest leaders. [From Hon. W. H. Steele, Albany, N. V.} In his death you are for a time separated from one of the noblest and best of fathers, whose life was bound up in the welfare and happiness of his family and friends. I shall never forget our extremely pleasant relations and unalloyed friendship from the day of our first personal acquaintance. * [From Athanasios Koutroumas, Athens, Greece.} The daily papers of Athens have published the sad tidings that your distinguished father closed his life in advanced age. Under the present unhappy conditions of Greece, the death of a friend who loved our fatherland fills us with sorrow. The family of Athanasios Koutroumas warmly sympathize with you in the loss of your ever honored father, and commend you to God, the giver of all blessings. + [From Dr. J. G. Schurman, President of Cornell University.} A good and noble man has fallen full of years and honor. [From Hon. Charles Emorv Smith, United States Postmaster General.} Your father's death fills me with sorrow. He was my warm friend. He lived a long and useful and honorable career. [From Douglas Taylor, New York.} I sincerely regret the death of my dear old friend, who has gone to meet his good wife in heaven, and whose active, honorable and distin- guished career through a long and useful life was a subject of pride to our New York printers and editors, to the Typothetse of the United States and to the personal friends who, like myself, had been fortunate in his genial, kind companionship in the olden time. IN MEMORIAM. 128 [From William M. Thomson, London, England.'] Believe me, the thought that I shall never look upon your father's face again, never again have the opportunity to listen to his words of wisdom and sound sense, makes me feel even more lonely than I have been for years in this great modern Babylon. At my age— given to solitary and sedentary study as I am for hours together every day of my life — when one sees and hears of friends of twenty, thirty and forty years dropping off one by one, one cannot, try as one will, keep the thought under : "Well, when is it to be my turn? " [From S. B. Saxton, Troy, N. F.] The world seems the poorer for his absence, and I doubt if any demise could bring greater sorrow to the community. Perhaps no one can claim greater regard or respect for him as an acquaintance, neighbor, friend and adviser than myself. From the day of his entrance on busi- ness in Troy I have known and revered his character and been proud and delighted at the many honors conferred upon him by the government. His noble, rounded life is ended, but his example will endure forever. {From Joshua Skinner, Greenville, Miss.] Death is but the bursting of earthly fetters, freeing the soul that it may enter upon its immortality in the land where the King of Kings reigns supreme. Who knows ? perhaps God has need of such a soul and has called him to a higher duty. {From Rev. Charles M. Tyler, Ithaca, N. V.} The great influence of his political life, his sturdy political integrity and his wisdom concerning public affairs have given him an enduring place in the veneration of his countrymen. The republic cannot lose such a citizen without sorrow. {From Dr. George T. Stevens, New York] During the many years that I had the great pleasure of knowing your father I learned each year to respect him more and to love him better. With every new interview his gentleness of spirit, his broad toler- ance and his wise charity seemed to come out in bolder and more beau- tiful relief. The thought that he would gladly follow the companion of his life 12+ JOHN M. FRANCIS. who had gone before him was always joined with the wish to remain so long as he could carry joy and cheer to the hearts of those who were still with him. With his going from us, all we who were so fortunate as to be sharers in his love have cause for deep sorrow ; but you and others of his family who have been always at his side know best how great is the loss you have sustained. {From Hon. Charles T. Saxton, Clyde, N. y.] An honorable and useful life has ended, and the state has lost one of her most eminent and deserving citizens. {From Hon. Charles R. Skinner, Albany, N. F.] It was a great shock to me, for I had not heard of his illness. My thoughts turned to him whom I knew and loved so well, whose kindly words and kindly ways have inspired and helped me — who made the world sweeter by his good life. {From George T. Smart, Washington County Post, Cambridge, N. K.] Before I met your father I had heard of him as a great man ; when I knew him, as I did last summer, I found him something even better — a good man. 4- {From Hon. John G. Schumaker, Brooklyn, N. K] I was profoundly touched when I heard of your father's death ; we were old friends — very old personal friends — going back to a Free Soil Convention in 1846. Since then we met in two State Constitutional Conventions. There never was a ripple of discord between us, although we were of different politics. {From Dr. Robert H. Thurston, Ithaca, N. K.] We look on the " passing over" in such a case as one of those per- fectly natural and fitting events that are not to be deplored — and yet, as I well know by experience, one cannot help feeling both the pain of the ruptured heart-strings and some sense of desolation. Time will bringease of pain, as always, and then the record of a fruitful life will stand enduringly as a source of unending pride and pleasure. IN MEMORIAM. 125 \^From Alfred Cabel, Sherman, 7'exas.} It is a great loss ; no consolation can be given. Weep, regret and remember — God will take care and reward him for his good work on earth. 4- [From James M. Schumacher, Jacksonville, Fla.] Having enjoyed the privilege of your father's friendship, the an- nouncement of his death surrounds me with a sense of personal loss. It is not a month since I wrote him, thinking that his health had improved, and that his great usefulness might be continued here for many years ; but it seems even then his life mission had been fully rounded out, and the time had come to change the sphere of his activity. God's will be done. Our friend is dead. But is not his death another promotion ? i*.* *l'l M* •»'rvl!i»'*?.>l»5e