Charles Spencer Francis

Charles Spencer Francis (June 17, 1853 – December 1, 1911) was an American diplomat and newspaper editor.

Early life and education The son of diplomat and newspaper publisher John M. Francis and Harriet E. Tucker, He studied at Cornell University from 1870 to 1871, With his mission completed, Francis returned to the United States and to Cornell in 1874. He graduated from Cornell the next year with a Bachelor of Science degree.

Newspaperman He went to work for his father's newspaper, The Troy Times, as a reporter,

Diplomatic career Francis, a Republican,

He returned to diplomacy in 1906, when President Theodore Roosevelt nominated Francis to another of his father's old posts: that of United States Ambassador to Austria-Hungary; Two months later, Francis presented his credentials.

He was officially introduced to the Emperor's court on January 30, 1907. Three years later, on the eve of his departure, the Emperor received him in a farewell audience.

He was replaced by Richard C. Kerens.

Other activities A member of Zeta Psi, he served in the New York State National Guard under Joseph Bradford Carr, ultimately attaining the rank of colonel. He was also a vice president of the American Scenic and Historic Preservation Society,

Personal life Francis married Alice Evans, the daughter of a Cornell professor,

Francis died from myocarditis on December 1, 1911, and was buried at Oakwood Cemetery.