Hon. William M. Francisco, farmer, and the present representative of Hawkins County was born there August 2, 1842, the son of Jackson W. and Elizabeth (Crews) Francisco, natives of Hawkins County, and of English origin, with parents from Virginia. The father was born about 1820, the mother about 1821, and both are still living in Hawkins, the only county they ever called their home; both are Methodists, and accustomed to farm life. Our subject, one of a large family, finished his education in Prospect Academy, Virginia, and Boston Academy, Kentucky. Farming has been his chief calling in life, but in the spring of 1881 he was licensed to practice law, in which active practice he has never yet entered. Since 1858 he has been at his present home. In November 1886, the Republican party elected him to his present honorable position, over Mr. R. F. Powell, and has served one session of seventy-five days, on several important committees, and voted for the constitutional amendment against intoxicating liquors. In May, 1867, Kizzie, a daughter of George W. and Sallie Wells, became his wife. She was born May 21, 1850. They have two sons and two daughters. Our subject is a Republican, while in religion he is a Methodist and his wife a Presbyterian.

Transcribed by Betty Mize from Goodspeed’s History of Tennessee, 1886.