Francis was brought up in Normanton, where his father was the local lands commissioner, and moved with his family as a child to Maryborough, Brisbane and Cunnamulla.

[6][7][4] He resided in Canberra after his parliamentary defeat, where he entered into partnership with solicitor C. W. Davies and acquired, along with his son, an interest in a pastoral lease at Mount Stromlo.

He sought to make a political comeback in 1931, contesting the Queensland seat of Herbert despite residing in Canberra; he was easily defeated.

He also served as chairman of the Federal Capital Territory Rural Lessees Association until 1932.

He also remained involved in Freemason Grand Lodges throughout his time in Canberra and New South Wales.