The Ward County independent. [volume] (Minot, Ward County, N.D.) 1902-1965, 1913-05-22
NIN07'S OLDEST CITIZEN
PASSED away ON TUESDAY

CYRUS FRANCIS, VETERAN OF
THE MEXICAN WAR, DIES AT
HOME OF HIS DAUGHTER AT
RIPE OLD AGE OF NINETY
YEARS.
CYRUS Francis, Familiarity known to
every man, woman and child in Minot
as "Uncle Cy," passed away at the
home of his daughter, Mrs. Hattie
Kyser, 400 N. Belyea avenue, Tuesday
evening at 6:35 o'clock. Mr.. Francis
was 80 years, one month and two days
old and was the oldest person living
in Minot. He had been confined to
his bed for several weeks, but until
recently he was as hale as he had been
in the latter years of his life. The
immediate cause of his death was in
flammation of the kidneys. "Uncle
cy's" faculties were preserved to a
remarkable degree and he was con-
scious until but a few moments before
he breathed his last. A half hour be-
fore losing consciousness, he asked
that he be turned in his bed so that
he could look upon the picture OF his
wife. who had preceded him by sew
eral years, and he called her name, as
If answering to her reckoning. Sew
eral of his children were at his bed
side and his sister, Mrs. Jones Of Saw
yer, had arrived that day. He realiz-
ed that he was soon to be called hence
and babe them farewell.
His Early Life.
Cyrus Francis was born at Weth-
ersfield Springs, N. Y, Apr. 10, 1928,
and was married at Sandusky, O., Jan.
1, 1849, to Amy Elmira Hatfield. Mrs.
Francis passed away at the old home
stead near Logan in 1898.
Fought in Mexican War.
Mr.. Francis was a soldier of the
Mexican war and one Of the very few
who were left. He fought in the
army Of Gen. Winfield Scott and Of
ten delighted his friends by telling
them of his experiences in those days.
He entered the City Of Mexico with
the victorious army. He fought with
the Third Ohio regiment. I His brother,
Owen, who was q lieutenant, was
stricken by cholera during the warsand
died. His remains were buried at
Matamoras, Mex. Thousands of SOL
diers died of that dreaded disease dur
ing the war, often passing away an
hour or two from the time they be-
came i'll. Mr.. Francis was fighting
battles in Mexico long before most Of
the citizens of Minot were born.
Ward County Pioneer.
Mr.. Francis came to Ward county
from Minnesota, May %, 1883, and
had lived here since. He located on
the old homestead in the valley near
Logan, where he farmed until 1890,
when he came to Minot to reside with
his children.
Five of his children survive, all Of
whom will be here for the funeral,
which will be held Friday. They are:
Elmer F. Francis and Mrs. Hattie
Kyser Of this city; Mrs. Eva Virgin,
Of Medical Lake, Wash; Chas. Fran
els, ofCurlew, Alta, and Mrs. Nellie
Schauback Of Rockford, Ill. Mrs.
Schauback, upon hearing Of her faith
er's serious condition, started for this
city, but did not arrive until several
hours after his demise. Mrs. Mary
Thompson, a daughter, died at Mel
rose, Mimi, several years ago, and a
son, John, died in this city.
The Francis family is noted far and
wide for its longevity. A brother,
Isaac, died at Owatonna, Mimi, last
year at the age Of IS years. Mrs.
Partridge, mother Of the well-known
Minneapolis businessman, resides in
that city and is 81 years Of age. An
other sister, Mrs. Betsy Jones, who is
90 years Of age, lives at Sawyer and
two sisters, Mrs. Cynthia Thornton,
la 4 n =
agen 70 years, and Mrs. Martha john
son, aged rs years, live in Minot.
There are twelve great grand chill
dren and as many grand children liv-
ing. Recently picture was taken
showing the four generations.
The deceased lived life full Of USE
fulness. While during his last days,
he lived largely in the past, yet he
was a source Of great pleasure to
those with whom he associated. For
!. many years his was familiar figure
It our Memorial Day exercises and It
was his great desire to be spared Tor
the commemoration Of that day 50
near at hand.
The Funeral.
The funeral will be held from the
Presbyterian church Friday afternoon
at 2 80 o'clock, Rev. w. G. Hunter, On
nld friend. officiating. The remains