Artist: Robert Wadsworth Grafton (1876–1936); original portrait by Christian Abrahamsen (1887–1983)
John Francis
FRANCIS, JOHN (1843–1913), inducted 1914
John Francis’s New Lenox, Illinois, farm produced many of the finest barrows, taking Grand Champion honors at the International Live Stock Exposition four times. The swine operation of John Francis & Son contributed much to the elevation of the Poland China breed. Francis was also a dairyman. In 1871, he was elected supervisor of New Lenox Township, and he also served as school trustee, school treasurer, and township collector.
Source: Saddle & Sirloin Guidebook 2026, p. 91