FRANCIS, SIMEON, was born May 14, 1796, in Wethersfield, Conn, served an apprenticeship in a printing office in New Haven, Conn. After which he formed a partnership, under the name of Clapp & Francis, and published a paper in New London, Conn., in 1824. He was married in the latter place, sold out, and moved to Buffalo, N. Y., where he published the Buffalo Emporium, under the firm name of Lazwell & Francis. They being Free Masons, and the Morgan excitement breaking out at the time caused a suspension of the paper and closing the business of the firm early in 1828. He came to Springfield, Ill., in 1831. Simeon Francis and wife were without family, but brought up Ann Douglas, a niece of Mrs. Francis, who returned to New York in 1836, married Capt. George Barrell, and resides in Springfield, Ill. Simeon Francis, in connection with his brothers Josiah, Allen and J. Newton, published the "Sangamo Journal" through all its changes to the present daily and weekly "State Journal." In 1840 President Harrison appointed Simeon Francis, Indian Agent for Oregon, but after making all necessary preparation for his trip there he resigned. He and his brother Allen sold their interest in the State Journal, June, 1856, to Baker & Bailhache. Simeon then engaged in mercantile business, under the firm name of Francis & Barrell. He was for several years Secretary of the State Agricultural Society. In 1859 he closed his business in Springfield, and moved to Portland, Oregon. He edited the Oregon Farmer, and was President of the Oregon State Agricultural Society. In 1861 President Lincoln appointed him Paymaster in United States army, with residence at Ft. Vancouver, Washington Territory. In 1870 he was retired on half pay, and returned to Portland, Oregon, where he died, Oct. 25, 1872. His widow resides there--1876.