[1] This work was interrupted by the Rebellion of 1848 and by reason of his connection therewith he was compelled to leave Prussia along with such men as Frederick Hecker, Carl Schurz, Franz Sigel, August Willich and others whose enforced exile has been our country's gain.

His first year's residence in this country was a struggle for a foothold, during which he tried various lines of employment, among others, making surveys in Connecticut for a map publishing house, as draftsman in an engraving establishment, and even tried his hand at journalism on the staff of the Abendzeitung.

His first service with this company was as a draftsman, but this was soon changed to transitman on location and then to Resident Engineer on construction in which capacity he continued until the completion of the road in 1854.

[1] From 1854 to 1856 he held no salaried position, doing such professional work as offered and occupying a part of his time in making and publishing a map of Coshocton County, Ohio.

For nearly thirty years he not only discharged the responsible duties entrusted to him with rare fidelity and ability but won the confidence and affection of his associates.

[1] In January 1893 the Board of Directors sought to make his declining years easier and to that end relieved him of some of his duties and changed his title to "Consulting Engineer and Real Estate Agent".

At the time of his election, his personal acquaintance in the society was not very large, and some questions were asked; before his term had expired he had won all hearts, as he always did wherever he came into touch with people.

Although Francis' name headed the report, the de facto chairman of the committee was Becker, who had virtually no experience in dams or hydraulic engineering.