Henry D. Francisco

Henry D. Francisco, farmer, section 33, Hersey Township, was born Dec. 10, 1832, in Ontario Co., N.Y. His father, John H. Francisco, was born in Ontario County, in 1797. His ancestors were Spaniards and the descendants in the United States had their origin in one individual who came here 50 years, or thereabouts, previous to the War of the Revolution, married among the Hollanders of the Mohawk Valley in the State of New York, and became the father of seven sons of stalwart stature. One son, six and a half feet in height, became a soldier of the Revolutionary War and was in action at the Battle of Stillwater, near where his family had settled. John H. married Nancy Kinsman, who was born in Bennington Co., Vt., in 1807. She was of mixed Welsh and New England lineage. Two of the brothers of Henry D. lost their lives while in the military service of the United States - one being killed in the battle of Winchester; the other died in the hospital from sun-stroke.

Mr. Francisco was a resident of Ontario County during his minority. He taught school winters, working meanwhile as a carpenter during the intervening seasons. In December, 1861, he came to Grand Rapids, where he purchased land and resided 14 years. In the spring of 1876 he removed to an improved farm in Hersey Township, which comprised 60 acres. He has cleared and otherwise improved 45 acres.

He is a Republican in political sentiment, and while resident in Kent County was Justice of the Peace, a position to which he was elected in Osceola County and in which he has served altogether 18 years. He acted as Supervisor in 1878.

Mr. Francisco was married July 23, 1854, to Charlotte Chaffee, and they have been the parents of six children: Charles D. was born Dec. 25, 1857; Kate Co., Sept. 23, 1864; Orville Grant, Nov. 5, 1868; Jennie M., March 25, 1870; Frank C., Jan. 25, 1875; one is deceased. The mother was born Dec. 29, 1837, in Yates Co., N.Y., and is the daughter of Ephraim and Jane (Blair) Chaffee. Both died in Middlesex, Yates Co., N.Y. They were natives of New York, and their ancestors were French Huguenots, who settled in Massachusetts.

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