Francis was born on 3 Aug 1849 in Doettingen, Switzerland.

Immigrated to the United States in 1871.

Married Mary Katherine Schifferle (name is similar, but not the same) on 18 Nov 1875 in Buffalo, NY.

Francis and Mary had 10 children, Francis (died as a baby, less than 1 year), Francis, Joseph, William, Mary, Leo, Henry, Agnes, Paul, and Florence.

As per the 1880 Census he lived in Buffalo, NY and worked as a bookkeeper.

As per the 1900 Census he lived in Buffalo, NY and lived on 56 Walden Ave, and worked as an editor.

As per the 1910 Census he lived in Buffalo, NY and lived on 56 Walden Ave, and worked as a journalist.

Registered for WWI in 1917

United States Army Transport on 19 Apr 1919 aboard the USS Walter A Luckenbach. Listed as a cook.

As per the 1920 Census he lived in Buffalo, NY and lived on 56 Walden Ave, and worked as a janitor.

Francis died on 8 Sep 1925 in Buffalo, NY and is buried with Mary at United German and French Cemetery.