Isaac William France

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• Name	Isaac William France  [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8]
  Enslaved	1835 Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA [9]  –  Born enslaved on the Keefer Farm
  Born	28 Aug 1835 Frederick County, Maryland, USA [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11]
  	Father's Name: James Frances Mother's Name: Jane FHL Film Number: 14081
  Gender	Male
  Emancipation	Abt 1841 Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA [9]
  Residence	1850 Fredericktown, Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA [11]
  Residence	1860 Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA [6]  –  Residence Post Office: Frederick
  Residence	1 Jul 1863 Frederick County, Maryland, USA [4]  –  Marital Status: Unmarried
  Residence	1870 Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA [10]  –  Residence Post Office: Frederick
  Residence	1905 124 Liberty, Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [8]
  Old Folks Day	30 Oct 1905 Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [12]  –  Former Pastors and Aged Folks Reunited at Ridge Ave Church
  Isaac France is Celebrating Birthday	28 Aug 1907 Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [13]
  Residence	1908 1411 James Street, Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [8]
  Colored Masons	24 Jun 1909 Linglestown, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [14]  –  Colored Masons have a home dedicated in Linglestown.
  Residence	1910 1411 James Street, Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [8]
  Daughters of 1812 Hear Ex-Slave	1 Apr 1910 Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [9]
  Nose Bled For Three Days	5 Nov 1910 Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [15]
  Bled From Nose Three Days	7 Nov 1910 1524 Vernon, Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [16]
  Residence	1911 1524 Vernon, Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [8]
  Uncle Isaac France Heard in Recital	3 Mar 1911 Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [17]
  'Uncle' Isaac Is 76 Years Today	29 Aug 1911 Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [18]  –  Fond of Poetry and Writes Verse for Birthday Ode
  Uncle Isaac France Celebrates Birthday	29 Aug 1911 Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [19]
  Residence	1912 1524 Vernon Street, Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [5]
  Old Uncle Isaac Rounds 75 Years	28 Aug 1912 Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [20]
  Died	18 Oct 1912 1524 Vernon Street, Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [1, 2, 5, 21, 22, 23]
  Lodge No. 43 F and A. M.- Isaac France	21 Oct 1912 Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [24]  –  Meeting of Chosen Friends Lodge No. 43 F and A. M. on Death of Isaac France
  Race	Mulatto [25]
  Name	Isaac Francis [10, 11]
  Buried	​ 201 South 30th, Penbrook, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA [1, 2, 26]
  	Lincoln Cemetery
  Notes	Need some help researching this one. His obituary says he was a public figure who gave public speeches frequently...Because he served BOTH SIDES in the Civil War! Isaac France Recites Poems at Meeting of the Society PERSONAL MENTION Parties, Weddings, Receptions and the Going and Coming of People Members of Keystone chapter, Pennsylvania Daughters of 1812, enjoyed the April meeting this afternoon at the home of Mrs. Christian W. Lynch, 211 West State Street. Miss Fannie Eby, the regent, presided, and a most interesting program was presented. Mrs. James Barr Mersereau gave an interesting talk on artists about the time of 1812, speaking especially of the portrait painters who did such fine work for the war heroes of that date. Mrs. Charles H. Bergner gave a great deal of valuable information concerning aeroplanes and various sorts of flying machines inventors were exploiting in the early part of the last century. Two of Mrs. Balsbaugh's pupils sang most pleasantly. Miss Wolcott giving: (a) "Molly's eyes," (b) "The sweetest flower that blows," and Miss Mitchell Ardillis' beautiful "O! bacio," playing her own accompaniment, as well as for Miss Wolcott. A special feature was the recitations of old "Uncle" Isaac France, a well-known figure about the city, who, after a few words of greeting to the ladies, gave in splendid style: "The brook," by William Cullen Bryant, and "The land of used to be," by James Whitcomb Riley. Born a slave, seventy-five years ago in Fredericksburg, Md., the home town of Francis Scott Key, author of the "Star-Spangled Banner," Isaac France, of 1411 James Street, an aged colored man of this city, has had many unusual experiences. "Pop" France, as he is familiarly called, was the son of James France, a slave on the Keeffer farm near Fredericksburg. The father was a pump worker, and by the time Isaac was six years old, he had saved enough money to buy his son and his wife. He was emancipated by his mistress, and the family lived as free dealers for many years before the war. According to Mr. France, stories of the cruelty done to slaves by their masters are all exaggerated. Tor in his many years in the slave district, he never saw a slave beaten, although he visited every section of Maryland. Fredericksburg was the home of Judge Ritchey, the father of Mrs. Donald McClean, formerly president general of the D. A. R., whom Mr. France knew as a little girl, and whose interest in him still continues. When he lived in Fredericksburg, the grave of Mr. France's old master was marked with only a common slab, but a handsome monument has since been erected there. Twelve years ago, Isaac France came to this city from Springfield, Ohio, and has made his home here ever since. Although he has never attended school, he possesses a remarkable memory and a wonderful gift for elocution, as his selections this afternoon showed. At the close of the program, friendly greetings were exchanged, refreshments served, and the remainder of the time spent in pleasant social intercourse.
  Person ID	I13462 SOALsearch
  Last Modified	1 Nov 2024

  
  
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  Relatives:

  Father	James Martin France b. 1 Apr 1799, Maryland, USA
  Relationship	natural
  Mother	Jane France b. Abt 1798, Maryland, USA
  Relationship	natural
  Family ID	F4441 Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

  Family	Helen France (Age 65 years) b. Abt 1850, Maryland, USA d. 12 Aug 1915, 1524 Vernon, Harrisburg, Dauphin, Pennsylvania, USA (Age 65 years)
  Last Modified	1 Nov 2024
  Family ID	F5303 Group Sheet  |  Family Chart

  
  

• Photos

  Photo of 'Uncle' Isaac France_The_Patriot_News_1911_08_29_5

  
  

• Sources

  [S254] Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1968, Ancestry.com, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Lehi, UT, USA; Date: 2014;), Pennsylvania, U.S., Death Certificates, 1906-1968 Record. [S3] U.S., Find a Grave Index, 1600s-Current, Ancestry.com, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2012;). [S3188] Maryland, U.S., Births and Christenings Index, 1662-1911, Ancestry.com, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2011;). [S84] U.S., Civil War Draft Registrations Records, 1863-1865, Ancestry.com, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2010;), National Archives and Records Administration (NARA); Washington, D.C.; Consolidated Lists of Civil War Draft Registration Records (Provost Marshal General's Bureau; Consolidated Enrollment Lists, 1863-1865); Record Group: 110, Records of the Provost Marsha. [S74] U.S., Newspapers.com Obituary Index, 1800s-current, Ancestry.com, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations Inc; Location: Lehi, UT, USA; Date: 2019;), Harrisburg Telegraph; Publication Date: 22 Oct 1912; Publication Place: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, USA; URL: https://www.newspapers.com/image/39774148/?article=1ceb6391-601f-432b-a3bf-28c0fd374d13&focus=0.6919297,0.32792827,0.82809246,0.5256252&xid=3355. [S66] 1860 United States Federal Census, Ancestry.com, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2009;), The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Frederick, Frederick, Maryland; Roll: M653_475; Page: 588; Family History Library. [S64] U.S., Civil War Soldier Records and Profiles, 1861-1865, Historical Data Systems, comp, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations Inc; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2009;), Historical Data Systems, Inc.; Duxbury, MA 02331; American Civil War Research Database. [S45] U.S., City Directories, 1822-1995, Ancestry.com, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2011;). [S3189] Newspapers.com - Harrisburg Telegraph - 1 Apr 1910 - Page 8, (Name: Harrisburg Telegraph; Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Date: 1 Apr 1910;). Isaac France Recites Poems at Meeting of the Society PERSONAL MENTION Parties, Weddings, Receptions and the Going and Coming of People Members of Keystone chapter, Pennsylvania Daughters of 1812, enjoyed the April meeting this afternoon at the home of Mrs. Christian W. Lynch, 211 West State Street. Miss Fannie Eby, the regent, presided, and a most interesting program was presented. Mrs. James Barr Mersereau gave an interesting talk on artists about the time of 1812, speaking especially of the portrait painters who did such fine work for the war heroes of that date. Mrs. Charles H. Bergner gave a great deal of valuable information concerning aeroplanes and various sorts of flying machines inventors were exploiting in the early part of the last century. Two of Mrs. Balsbaugh's pupils sang most pleasantly. Miss Wolcott giving: (a) "Molly's eyes," (b) "The sweetest flower that blows," and Miss Mitchell Ardillis' beautiful "O! bacio," playing her own accompaniment, as well as for Miss Wolcott. A special feature was the recitations of old "Uncle" Isaac France, a well-known figure about the city, who, after a few words of greeting to the ladies, gave in splendid style: "The brook," by William Cullen Bryant, and "The land of used to be," by James Whitcomb Riley. Born a slave, seventy-five years ago in Fredericksburg, Md., the home town of Francis Scott Key, author of the "Star-Spangled Banner," Isaac France, of 1411 James Street, an aged colored man of this city, has had many unusual experiences. "Pop" France, as he is familiarly called, was the son of James France, a slave on the Keeffer farm near Fredericksburg. The father was a pump worker, and by the time Isaac was six years old, he had saved enough money to buy his son and his wife. He was emancipated by his mistress, and the family lived as free dealers for many years before the war. According to Mr. France, stories of the cruelty done to slaves by their masters are all exaggerated. Tor in his many years in the slave district, he never saw a slave beaten, although he visited every section of Maryland. Fredericksburg was the home of Judge Ritchey, the father of Mrs. Donald McClean, formerly president general of the D. A. R., whom Mr. France knew as a little girl, and whose interest in him still continues. When he lived in Fredericksburg, the grave of Mr. France's old master was marked with only a common slab, but a handsome monument has since been erected there. Twelve years ago, Isaac France came to this city from Springfield, Ohio, and has made his home here ever since. Although he has never attended school, he possesses a remarkable memory and a wonderful gift for elocution, as his selections this afternoon showed. At the close of the program, friendly greetings were exchanged, refreshments served, and the remainder of the time spent in pleasant social intercourse. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112513703/harrisburg-telegraph/?xid=637 [S69] 1870 United States Federal Census, Ancestry.com, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2009;), Year: 1870; Census Place: Frederick Ward 2, Frederick, Maryland; Roll: M593_586; Page: 61B. [S8] 1850 United States Federal Census, Ancestry.com, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2009;), The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M432; Residence Date: 1850; Home in 1850: Fredericktown, Frederick, Maryland; Roll: 292; Page: 19b. [S3206] Newspapers.com - Harrisburg Telegraph - 30 Oct 1905 - Page 3, (Name: Harrisburg Telegraph; Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Date: 30 Oct 1905;), Old Folks Day- Former Pastors and Aged Folks Reunited at Ridge Ave Church- Telegraph 30 Oct 1905 30 Oct 1905. ## OLD FOLKS' DAY **Former Pastors and Aged Folks Reunited at Ridge Avenue Church** Old folks’ day was celebrated yesterday at Ridge Avenue Methodist Church. On invitation of pastor, Rev H. L. Jacobs, Dr S. C. Swallow had arranged the program and gave direction to its execution. The hymns and tunes of a hundred years ago were sung. Rev B. F. Stevens, who was a ministerial colleague of Dr Swallow in 1862, made the opening prayer. Mr Jacobs read the scriptures. John J Shaffner, for more than a quarter of a century prior to 1890 leader of the choir, sang “We Will Never Grow Old.” Miss Mary Sanderson read a beautiful paper on “Youth and Age.” Uncle Isaac France, colored, born a slave, his freedom having been purchased by his father, gave reminiscences prior to and during the Civil War. Rev. John Young, Rev. Mr. Boyles, Isaiah Reese, Rev. Mr. Stevens, and others compared past times and experiences with the present, concluding that the world becomes better. The Seltzer Brothers had placed on the pulpit platform an old-time open chimney with a wood fire blazing on the hearth, all so that members of the congregation at the close of the service must needs feel the brickwork jams to convince themselves that it was only painted paper. Members of the Epworth League brought the aged people to and from the more aged ones in large rockers in the chancel and aisles. Dr. and Mrs. Swallow presented all over sixty years of age with a small devotional book as a souvenir of the occasion. There were nearly one hundred of this class, some of nearly ninety years of age. The service ran from half-past ten to nearly half-past twelve, and was all too short for the larger audience, many of whom lingered still longer in the interchange of reminiscences. *Harrisburg Telegraph* (1905) ‘Old Folks Day- Former Pastors and Aged Folks Reunited at Ridge Ave Church- Telegraph 30 Oct 1905’, 30 October, p. 3. Available at: [https://www.newspapers.com/article/harrisburg-telegraph-old-folks-day-form/112515184/](https://www.newspapers.com/article/harrisburg-telegraph-old-folks-day-form/112515184/) (Accessed: 11 August 2023). https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112515184/old-folks-day-former-pastors-and-aged/?xid=637 [S3200] Newspapers.com - Harrisburg Telegraph - 28 Aug 1907 - Page 1, (Name: Harrisburg Telegraph; Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Date: 28 Aug 1907;), Isaac France is Celebrating Birthday-Telegraph 28 Aug 1907 28 Aug 1907. One of the most interesting and respected of the colored citizens of Harrisburg is Isaac France, who lived most of his life in the town of Barbara Freitchie and Admiral Schley in Maryland. Today he is seventy-two years old, and the occasion was not allowed to pass by his friends without notice. This evening, at the close of the mid-week service in the Capitol Street Presbyterian Church, he will give some reminiscences of his life and tell of the books which have been most helpful to him and made upon him the most lasting impression. He will also recite a beautiful poem, "The Riches of Advancing Years." Mr. France has been known in many of the prominent families of the city for years and is highly esteemed for his worth as a citizen. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112514978/isaac-france-is-celebrating/?xid=637 [S3202] Newspapers.com - Harrisburg Telegraph - 24 Jun 1909 - Page 11, (Name: Harrisburg Telegraph; Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Date: 24 Jun 1909;), Colored Masons have a home dedicated in Linglestown. 24 Jun 1909. "COLORED MASONS' Interesting Program at the Institution Located at Linglestown MR. CARTER SPEAKS Party Conveyed from This City on Special Car The new home for aged and indigent colored Masons was dedicated this afternoon at Linglestown with impressive ceremonies, attended by hundreds of colored Masons from all over the state. The day, St. John's day, was perhaps the most important in the history of the organization for years. The exercises were in charge of the grand lodge of Pennsylvania, and all colored Masonic fraternities in the state were invited to attend. The grand lodge convened at noon at the lodge rooms on South Street and M. W. G. M. James Grant presided. Following a short and unimportant session, the lodge, with Grand Marshal James M. Auter commanding, escorted the grand commandery in a short street parade, which terminated at the square, where the entire body boarded special cars waiting to convey the party to Linglestown. It was after 2 o'clock when the exercises got underway at the home in Linglestown. P. G. M. Joseph L. Thomas was the master of ceremonies. Following the devotional exercises conducted by the grand chaplains, J. Q. Adams of Harrisburg, and Rev. Robert Williams of York, came the address of welcome by D. D. J. P. Scott of Harrisburg. P. G. M. Lemuel Googins of Pittsburgh made the response. The home was then dedicated by M. W. G. M. James W. Grant of Harrisburg, following which came an oration by W. Justin Carter. Responses were made by R. W. G. Secretary William H. Miller of Philadelphia, R. W. G. M. Winfield Carter, P. G. M. Luke White of Philadelphia, J. G. M. James Nichols of Chester, D. D. John C. Morton of Pittsburgh, William Catlin of Monongahela City, R. W. G. S. W. Nelson J. Miles of Pittsburgh, R. W. G. J. W. John W. Strothers of West Chester, Robert Nelson of Reading, Frank L. Jefferson of Steelton, P. I S. Blackwell of Steelton, P. G. M. J. D. Kelly of Philadelphia, original poem, Isaac France of Harrisburg. The site of the new institution comprises sixty acres under cultivation, and it is the expectation of the fraternity that the home will be self-supporting in a short time. This is the first institution of its kind established by the colored Masonic bodies, and the ceremonies today were in keeping with the important event. James Grant, the grand master, was more than pleased with the outcome of the efforts to establish this home. The exercises were held in the open air, and dinner was subsequently served on the grounds. The oration of Justin Carter was an eloquent effort. One of the most interesting features of the day was a recitation by Isaac W. France, one of the oldest colored Masons in the country. "Uncle Isaac" was made a Mason in Frederick more than fifty years ago. Embracing the appropriate poem which he recited this afternoon, he referred to the growing influence of Masonry and illustrated the same by the friendly attitude of the white brethren of the fraternity in Maryland before the war. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/60627835/colored-masons-have-a-home-dedicated-in/?xid=637 [S3196] Newspapers.com - Harrisburg Daily Independent - 5 Nov 1910 - Page 1, (Name: Harrisburg Daily Independent; Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Date: 5 Nov 1910;), Nose Bled For Three Days-Harrisburg Daily Independent· Saturday, November 05, 1910 5 Nov 1910. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112514729/nose-bled-for-three-days-harrisburg/?xid=637 [S5997] Newspapers.com - The Patriot-News - 1910-11-07 - Bled From Nose Three Days, (Name: The Patriot-News; Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Date: 1910-11-07;), Bled From Nose Three Days 1910-11-07. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-patriot-news-bled-from-nose-three-da/155340678/?xid=637 [S3199] Newspapers.com - Harrisburg Telegraph - 3 Mar 1911 - Page 4, (Name: Harrisburg Telegraph; Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Date: 3 Mar 1911;), Uncle Isaac France Heard in Recital-Telegraph Friday, March 03, 1911 3 Mar 1911. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112514956/uncle-isaac-france-heard-in/?xid=637 [S5996] Newspapers.com - The Patriot-News - 1911-08-29 - 'Uncle' Isaac Is 76 Years Today--Fond of Poetry and Writes Verse for Birthday Ode, (Name: The Patriot-News; Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Date: 1911-08-29;), 'Uncle' Isaac Is 76 Years Today--Fond of Poetry and Writes Verse for Birthday Ode 1911-08-29. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-patriot-news-uncle-isaac-is-76-yea/155340006/?xid=637 [S3201] Newspapers.com - Harrisburg Daily Independent - 29 Aug 1911 - Page 2, (Name: Harrisburg Daily Independent; Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Date: 29 Aug 1911;), Uncle Isaac France Celebrates Birthday-Daily Independent-29 Aug 1911 29 Aug 1911. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112515009/uncle-isaac-france-celebrates/?xid=637 [S3203] Newspapers.com - Harrisburg Telegraph - 28 Aug 1912 - Page 4, (Name: Harrisburg Telegraph; Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Date: 28 Aug 1912;), Old Uncle Isaac Rounds 75 Years- Telegraph 28 Aug 1912 28 Aug 1912. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112515111/old-uncle-isaac-rounds-75-years/?xid=637 [S3198] Newspapers.com - Harrisburg Telegraph - 22 Oct 1912 - Page 7, (Name: Harrisburg Telegraph; Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Date: 22 Oct 1912;), Obituary for Issac France 22 Oct 1912. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112514775/obituary-for-issac-france/?xid=637 [S3205] Newspapers.com - Harrisburg Telegraph - 19 Oct 1912 - Page 1, (Name: Harrisburg Telegraph; Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Date: 19 Oct 1912;), Isaac France Well Known Negro Story Teller Is Dead- Telegraph 19 Oct 1912 19 Oct 1912. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112515136/isaac-france-well-known-negro-story/?xid=637 [S5998] Newspapers.com - The Patriot-News - 1912-10-21 - 'Uncle Isaac' France Dies, (Name: The Patriot-News; Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Date: 1912-10-21;), 'Uncle Isaac' France Dies 1912-10-21. https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-patriot-news-uncle-isaac-france-di/155340815/?xid=637 [S3207] Newspapers.com - Harrisburg Daily Independent - 21 Oct 1912 - Page 11, (Name: Harrisburg Daily Independent; Location: Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; Date: 21 Oct 1912;), Meeting of Chosen Friends Lodge No. 43 F and A. M. on Death of Isaac France 21 Oct 1912. https://www.newspapers.com/clip/112515202/meeting-of-chosen-friends-lodge-no-43/?xid=637 [S16] 1860 United States Federal Census, Ancestry.com, (Name: Ancestry.com Operations, Inc.; Location: Provo, UT, USA; Date: 2009;), The National Archives in Washington D.C.; Record Group: Records of the Bureau of the Census; Record Group Number: 29; Series Number: M653; Residence Date: 1860; Home in 1860: Frederick, Frederick, Maryland; Roll: M653_475; Page: 588; Family History Library Film: 803475. Record for James Frances https://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?db=7667&h=53969523&indiv=try [S4] Findagrave, (Location: Penbrook, Dauphin County, Pennsylvania, USA; Date: 1885;), Isaac France 18 Oct 1912. https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/238137441/isaac-france