Abstract
John U. Francis (1873-1969) was a popular merchant and postmaster from Oaks, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania. The John U. Francis daybooks, 1884-1907, are comprised of about one dozen daybooks for his general store, dating from 1887 to 1904.
Biography/History
"John U. Francis, Jr., a popular merchant and postmaster of Oaks, Upper Providence township, Montgomery county, Pennsylvania, was born at Oaks, May 3, 1873, and attended the common schools
in the neighborhood of his home...When young he commenced clerking, being only twelve years of age at the time. After several years' experience he secured employment with the Pennsylvania
Railroad Company. After three years he returned and bought out the store, in 1896, both buildings and goods...He was appointed postmaster in 1899 [having been] assistant postmaster for a number of years previously. He [devoted] strict attention to business, and [was] recognized as one of the leading men of the community." Francis died in 1969.
Bibliography
Quoted material from: Roberts, Ellwood, ed. Biographical Annals of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, vol. II: pp. 83-84.
Scope and Contents
This collection is comprised of about one dozen daybooks for John U. Francis, Jr. Dry Goods, Groceries and General Store dating from 1887 to 1904. A preliminary inventory is available on-site.
Finding aid prepared by Celia Caust-Ellenbogen and Michael Gubicza through the Historical Society of Pennsylvania's Hidden Collections Initiative for Pennsylvania Small Archival Repositories