FRANCIS M. LYNN is a native-born citizen of Calhoun County, and is a worthy representative of its citizenship. He has been associated with its educational affairs ever since his early manhood, and as an intelligent, progressive teacher occupies a high place in his profession. He is also identified with the agricultural interests of this region and has a good farm in Carlin Precinct which was his father's homestead in pioneer times, his father being one of the early settlers of this part of the county.
Our subject was born in Carlin Precinct, October 19, 1848, and is a son of Lewis and Mary (Maupin) Lynn. His father was a native of Tennessee or North Carolina and his mother of Virginia. His grandfather Maupin was a soldier in the War of 1812 and fought at the battle of New Orleans. The parents of our subject settled in Calhoun County early in the '40s, permanently locating on the farm on section 31, Carlin Precinct, which is now the home of their son of whom we write. Mr. Lynn energetically set about the work of developing his land, and was busily engaged in its improvement till death cut short his useful career in 1856 and removed from our midst a valued pioneer. His widow survived him only a few years, when she too passed away. They were the parents of five children, of whom four are living: Lewis, in Chautauqua, Kan.; Mary, the wife of R. E. Bennett, in Belleview Precinct; Francis M.; and Martitia, wife of George W. Lumley, in Carlin Precinct.
Francis M. Lynn was reared amid the influences of pioneer life in Carlin Precinct and was bred to the life of a farmer. He received his education in the public schools of his native county, and always fond of books and a close student he became well-fitted for a teacher and entered upon that profession in 1874. He has taught every consecutive year but one since that time and is one of our most popular and successful educators.
Mr. Lynn has a finely cultivated farm of one hundred and five acres, and here he has a home where comfort predominates and which is the center of the true hospitality that “welcomes the coming and speeds the parting guest." Our subject is a man of a thoughtful, well-trained mind and a fine character, and he is always courteous and kindly in his relations with all who come in contact with him. He is regarded as one of the representative citizens of Carlin Precinct and enjoys the esteem and confidence of the business community. He is earnestly interested in politics and gives his allegiance to the Republican party. His public spirit is unquestioned, as he always endeavors to promote the best interests of his native county materially, morally and socially. He is a member in good standing of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He has served one term as Justice of the Peace and discharged the duties of that office with fairness and to the complete satisfaction of all concerned.
Mr. Lynn was married October 20, 1872, to Mary Barkley, a native of Calhoun County and a daughter of John and Charity (Hill) Barkley, early settlers of this part of the State, both of whom are now deceased. A happy married life has brought to our subject and his wife seven children, of whom one is deceased — Chester O. The others are Nellie L., Mellie E., Georgiana, Lewis M., Francis W. and Jesse D. Mrs. Lynn departed this life March 25, 1886.
Extracted 16 Mar 2017 by Norma Hass from Portrait and Biographical Album of Pike and Calhoun Counties, Illinois, published in 1891, pages 364-365.
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