Abstracted from Bulletin of the California Central Coast Genealogical Society, Vol. 10, pg, 73, "Stereopticon" column, from "San Luis Obispo Tribune" issue 4 March 1876: Written by brother George Francis, Ed. of the Napa "Register": William Francis died at this residence in San Bernardino, California, Mon., Feb. 21 of consumption in his 43rd year. Born Troy, Oakland Co., Michigan, 27 July 1833. Came to California 1850 to place now owned by John Howell near St. Helena. In that place 11 yrs. then to Idaho; family remained in St. Helena. Later settled in Mendocino Co., Anderson Valley then to San Luis Obispo. Engaged in livery business. In 1858 in St. Helena, he married Mrs. Dicie Ann Holloway, daughter of William Rector, a pioneer of 1846, after whom Rector was named and who is now living near San Luis Obispo. 3 children born; 2 living. Deceased was the eldest of 5 children, 1 sister and 4 brothers. The sister Mrs. W.L. Phillips and brothers James, Jesse and George lie in Napa Valley. (copied as typed in the Bulletin)