David Rowland FrancisDavid R. Francis was President of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition Company, the head of the firm of Francis Brothers & Company; vice-president of the Merchants-Laclede National Bank; director of the Mississippi Valley Trust Company, and connected officially with or interested in many other great financial and business concerns. Thoroughly identified with the growth of St. Louis from boyhood, he was recognized as a leader in the city's social, business, and political life. Born in Richmond, Kentucky, Oct. 1, 1850; came to St. Louis when only 16; graduated from Washington University in 1870; entered commercial life as a clerk; began business for himself in 1877. He was vice-president Merchants' Exchange in 1883, and president in 1884. His popularity forced him into politics, and he was elected Mayor of St. Louis in 1885 elected Governor of Missouri in 1888; and served as Secretary of the Interior during a portion of President Cleveland's second term. Gov. Francis married Miss Jennie Perry in 1876. They had six children, all boys. The family residence on Maryland Avenue was one of the handsomest homes in the city. After the fair D.R. Francis was appointed to be the American Ambassador to Russia frm 1916 to 1918, at the age of 65. He died on January 15, 1927 and was inturned at Bellefontaine Cemetary, St. Louis, Missouri.
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