FOLLOWING BIOGRAPHY ON BACK OF PLATE:

Dr. John R. Francis, physician and surgeon, was born.in Georgetown, D. C., in 1856. He attended the private and public schools of Washington, D. C., until his sixteenth year. His academic education was received at Wesleyan Academy, Wilbraham, Mass. He began the study of medicine under the tutorage of Dr. C. C. Cox, at that time dean of the Board of Health, and one of the foremost men In the profession of medicine in the District of Columbia. His professional course was taken at the University of Michigan, from which he graduated with high honor in the class of 1878. Settling in the home of his boyhood, where he was well and favorably known, and where his parents before him were honored and respected, it is no wonder that he succeeded and stands as the leading Colored physician of Washington, D. C. Dr. Francis was appointed in 1894 by the Secretary of the Interior to the position of first assistant surgeon of the Freedman's Hospital, with a salary of $1,800. He Instituted several needed reforms in the treatment of patients. He installed the present training school for nurses. and. Indeed, was so active in his reformation of affairs in the institution that those who know the facts admit that Dr. Francis, more than any other man, Is responsible for the opening of the new era of the Freedman's Hospital which led to its present flourishing condition. He is now, and has been for several past, the obstetrician to the hospital. years He is the sole owner and manager of a private sanitarium on Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D. C. This institution has proven to be a panacea to the best element of Colored citizens. It is a noteworthy fact that Dr. and Mrs. Francis have both served as members of the Board of Education of the District of Columbia.