Esther Charlotte Emily Francis (Weisbrodt)

Francis, Esther Charlotte Emily Weisbrodt, wife of Samuel Francis, was born June 24, 1836, in Turin, Italy, of German parentage, her parents coming from Saxony. She received a high school education in the public schools of Turin. She first heard the gospel from Elder Samuel Francis, who was sent to Italy as a missionary from England; she afterwards accepted the gospel and was baptized July 26, 1856. Soon after joining the Church, through persecution, she was forced to leave Turin, and went to Geneva, Switzerland, then the headquarters of the Swiss Mission. There she again met Elder Samuel Francis, to whom she was married July 26, 1856, by the English consul. About a year after their marriage they left for England and remained there from 1857 to 1861, her husband continuing in missionary work. Her two sons, Samuel and Joseph, were born there as the result of this union. The family came to Utah in 1861, crossing the plains with ox-teams. They moved to Morgan county in the fall of 1863, where they spent the remainder of their days. Sister Francis was the mother of ten children, seven boys and three girls, all of whom she raised to man and womanhood and all survived her. She died Feb. 21, 1912, as a faithful Latter-day Saint.

Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia Volume 3, by Andrew Jenson, p. 83

https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/35942940/esther_charlotte-emily...

Children: Samuel Francis, Jr., Joseph Enoch, Alonzo, William Weisbrodt, Hannah Lovinia, Arthur Washington, Amelia, Eliza Ann, Walter Emile, Albion David

Francis, Esther Charlotte Emily Weisbrodt, wife of Samuel Francis, was born June 24, 1836, in Turin, Italy, of German parentage, her parents coming from Saxony. She received a high school education in the public schools of Turin. She first heard the gospel from Elder Samuel Francis, who was sent to Italy as a missionary from England; she afterwards accepted the gospel and was baptized July 26, 1856. Soon after joining the Church, through persecution, she was forced to leave Turin, and went to Geneva, Switzerland, then the headquarters of the Swiss Mission. There she again met Elder Samuel Francis, to whom she was married July 26, 1856, by the English consul. About a year after their marriage they left for England and remained there from 1857 to 1861, her husband continuing in missionary work. Her two sons, Samuel and Joseph, were born there as the result of this union. The family came to Utah in 1861, crossing the plains with ox-teams. They moved to Morgan county in the fall of 1863, where they spent the remainder of their days. Sister Francis was the mother of ten children, seven boys and three girls, all of whom she raised to man and womanhood and all survived her. She died Feb. 21, 1912, as a faithful Latter-day Saint.

Latter-day Saint Biographical Encyclopedia

Volume 3, by Andrew Jenson, p. 83

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From Our Heritage: Samuel and Esther Francis, p. 210, 212

Rising majestically above Morgan Valley to the west of the Wasatch Mountains, one of its highest peaks bears the name "Francis Peak." Snow capped and glittering in the sun in the day and lit by two artificial lights by night it stands as a lighthouse in the sky to be seen for many miles. It serves as a radar station operated by the National Guard to guide air traffic in the Great Basin region.

In the early settlements of the west, when prominent persons made major contributions to the settlement of a town or community, it was customary to name a landmark after them in recognition of their service or accomplishment. Such honors have been recognized and acknowledged by the official State Names and Places Committee of the Utah State Historical Society.

Mounted prominently on a wall in the station's main building is a plaque with a picture of Esther C. E. Francis coupled with this inscription:

"History and local tradition during the past century verifies that "Francis Peak" was named in honor of Esther Charlotte Emily Weisbrodt Francis, an early pioneer woman of Morgan, Utah.

Mrs. Francis, born June 19, 1836, at Turin, Italy, was a daughter of Samuel David and Emily Weisbrodt. Of German descent, her parents moved from Saxony, Germany, to Italy to work as an attendant to the German Consulate. This gave privileges for special schooling and training. She achieved equivalent to a Junior College education and taught in a ladies' seminary in Italy. She spoke and wrote four languages—German, French, Italian, and English. She was also an expert mathematician and talented musician.

Mrs. Francis was converted and baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints by Samuel Francis, a missionary in Italy.

On July 1, 1857, Esther Weisbrodt and Samuel Francis were married in Geneva, Switzerland, where she was employed as a translator.

May 1861, she with her husband and two small children, migrated to America from England, crossing the plains, arriving in Salt Lake that September. In 1863 the family moved to Morgan, Utah, where she endured the hardships of early pioneer life, along with bearing and raising ten children.

Always active in community life, she served as midwife, and taught mathematics, language, and music in the first school (in Morgan). The public service she rendered was unique for a pioneer woman—translating mail for neighbors, also acting as interpreter for the court. Her knowledge of mathematics and calculus drew many to seek her help in figuring the tons of hay in a stack, bushels of grain in a bin, or acres of land on their farm. She assisted early surveyors by calculating the proper acreage per lot or section—she also participated in the surveying and laying out of Morgan City into blocks, lots and streets.

For these outstanding achievements this mountain peak was named in her honor."

On February 21, 1913, at age 77, Esther Charlotte Emily Weisbrodt Francis passed away at her home in Morgan, Utah, and was buried in the local cemetery.

Our Heritage: Samuel and Esther Francis, p. 210, 212

Burial:

South Morgan Cemetery

Morgan

Morgan County

http://www.findagrave.com/cgi-bin/fg.cgi?page=gr&GRid=35942940