Francis W. Hance, M. D., is one of the oldest and best known physicians of the city of Freeport, having located here in the year 1853. He was born near Barnesviile, Belmont Co., Ohio, on the 23d of July, 1825. His father, John Hance, born in 1793, was a native of Maryland, and all his life was a farmer by occupation. His mother, who was also a native of the same State, was Mary A. Mackall. She was born in 1797 and is still living, being in her ninety-first year when this sketch was written. She is hale and hearty and in the full possession of all her mental and physical faculties, and is the mother of five children, four sons and one daughter, of whom four are living.

Dr. Hance spent his boyhood days in his native county, in the manner usual to country lads, beginning his education in the common schools of his neighborhood, after which at a proper age he entered an acadamy. At the close of his academic course he entered Franklin College, Ohio, where he took a full literary and scientific course, ranking high in his studies. After leaving college he became a student of medicine, entering the oflice of Dr. W. J. Bates, of Wheeling, Va., under whose instruction he remained for a considerable time, when he entered the University of Pennsylvania, from which he was graduated in 1849. He then began the practice of medicine at Bridgeport, Ohio, at which place he soon built up a lucrative business. He remained there untii May, 1863, when he came to Freeport IL. In July of that year he opened an office in the latter place and entered upon the practice of medicine, since which time he has given his whole attention to the medical profession, excepting a short period, when he took a trip to California for the benefit of his health. After spending a couple of years in that State, he returned to Freeport much improved in health, and has since devoted his entire time to his practice, having all the business he can possibly attend to. The high standing which he has attained in the community on account of his medical skill and knowledge, is shown by the fact that he is very frequently called in consultation with other physiciaiis in important and delicate cases both in this city and county, as well as in adjoining counties.

In July, 1849, Dr. Hance was married to Miss Mary B. Chamberlain, a native of the State of New York, and a lady in every way qualified to be his companion and helpmeet through life. This marriage, which was avery happy one, resulted in no issue, and the Doctor was so unfortunate as to lose his wife Sept. 24, 1873. In 1864 Dr. Hance was elected Mayor of the city of Freeport, which position he filled with much credit to himself and satisfaction to his constituents. He is a member of the First Methodist Episcopal Church of Freeport, where he attends regularly. He is a citizen who enjoys the esteem and respect of all his neighbors and of the entire community, and is on most cordial terms with all his fellow members of the profession.

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