Francis was born at Port Melbourne and was a builder and then an estate agent before entering politics.

He was a City of Malvern councillor for sixteen years, including a stint as mayor.

Despite his independent candidacy, he was reported to be a strong supporter of Nationalist Prime Minister Billy Hughes.

[7][8][9] Prior to the 1925 election, Francis announced that he would not re-contest Henty and would attempt to transfer to the Senate.

[10] Francis eventually withdrew his Senate candidacy "to avoid splitting the Nationalist vote".