George W. Francis, an early Kansas pioneer and Civil war veteran, now deceased, had an exceptional career and for years was a prominent factor in Harper county. He was born in Ohio, December 28, 1830, and was a son of William and Delilah (Douglas) Francis. George W. Francis went to Illinois where he bought land and was engaged in the peaceful pursuit of farming when the Civil war broke out, and he enlisted as a private in the Fifty-third Regiment, Illinois cavalry and led an active military career until the battle of Corinth, Miss., when he was seriously wounded, which disabled him from further military service, and he was discharged on account of disability. In 1877, he came to Kansas, locating on government land in Harper county. Here he became an extensive farmer, and prospered, and also took an active part in local politics. He was a life long Republican, and, at one time, represented Harper county in the State legislature. He was a man of sterling character, and influential in southern Kansas. He was a member of the Presbyterian church. He was united in marriage February 20, 1856, at Ottawa, Ill., to Miss Caroline Young, a native of Hillsboro, N. H., born October 13, 1835, and died at Emporia, Kans., June 18, 1913. She was a daughter of William and Elizabeth (George) Young, natives of New Hampshire, and of English descent. To George W. Francis and wife were born seven children, as follows: Ella, married J. H. Shute, Ottawa, Ills.; Eva, deceased; Clarence W., born March 14, 1863, unmarried, now living retired at Harper, Kans.; Etta, the wife of J. O. Graham, Emporia, Kans.; Jessie, married P. N. Wright, Riverside, Calif.; Ruby, unmarried, resides at Harper, and Iona, married J. F. Noel, Cherokee, Okla. The only representatives of the family now living in Harper county are Clarence W. and Ruby Francis.