New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1883-01-05
MAJOR FRANCIS DEGREES.

CITY OF Mexico, Jan. 4.-MajOr Francis
Degrees OF the firm of wexel Degrees the largest firm
Of merchants and Government contractors In this
public, died last night at Rencondia Vera Crun
He was popular and enterprising American, and did
more to build up American trade than any other one
man In Mexico. He Vice President Of the Mexican
ORIENTAL Railroad Company. Major Degrees served with
distinction In the Union Army commander of bat.
terry under General Sherman. Among the pnysciana
who attended MIN surgeon General Of the Army
sent to him by the express command OF President Con-
zaes.
Major Francis Degrees was about forty-two years Of
age He born In Prussia, but when very young bis
emigrated to this country and settled at Cape
Girardeau, Mo. When the broke out Francis
Degrees young man Of twenty-one. His boysh
spirit was aroused and, eager to do something
for the Union, he succeeded In enrolling .
number Of and at once made o
lieutenant of the LIST Illinois Light Artillery. From
the time he first wont into action he attracted attention
by his GOODNESS and bravery In front OF Vcksburg he
severely wounded In the face the OF which he
carried to his death. At Chckamauga
and OF Mission Ridge he was specially
distinguished. He with General Sherman in nearly
all OF his and the March the Sea- he
Chief Artillery under General Logan who commanded
the Second Division. When the closed Degrees
mustered out OF the service with the rank OF MJor
In 1882 Major Degrees made the acquaintance Of ].
W. Wexe and during the remaining years OF the war
the TWO men were COulrduo5. Nu6u uss
banded they resolved TO go into business
together and their first venture begun az Browns
ve Tex, they opened store for the sale OF nre
arms In 1866 they were impressed with the opportu
mites that Mexico presented for business, and deter
mined 10 remove to that country Major Degrees came
to New York and established the firms headquarters
In Broad st. wae Mr. Wexel went to the city OF Mexco
Tner enterprise was very successful and gradually the
business extended until IL embraced all kinds Of
articles. ONCE was changed
10 Murray;st, and len again TO- No oS I1Derty-st2
where II Is at present. In 1875 Mr.. Wexers health
failed and he and Major Degrees changed places MI
Wexel coming TO New-York aud Major Degrees going
to Mexico The business grew more prosperous every
year. and Major Degrees because OF his enterprise, De-
came one OF tho best known men IN Mexico. Last
spring he went Europe with his family returning TO
Newly october l. Up 20 that time he had been
strong man always In good health but upon his
turn to Mexico he began 10 complain OF sickness Lately
he had been living Vera Cruz for the benefit OF his
health arrangements we're In progress by which no
and Mr.. Wexel were TO change places once more.
The news OF Major Degresss death was great sh0cE
10 Mr. Wexe WHO, recently IS Jan. i, had received
a telegram from the physician In attendance upon th9
Mnior that was full OF encouragement Major Desress
leaves a wife and four children. His wife and TWO
children were with him when he died. the other children
were at school In Bonn, the Rhine. The ianiiy Is
well provided for Mr. We1el will start for Mexico In
few days settle the affairs OF his deceased partner
At the time Of his death Major Degrees was vicepres-
ident OF the Mexican Oriental Railroad Company,