Francis Ridgley Cotton

Francis Ridgley Cotton O.P. (September 19, 1895—September 25, 1960) was an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church. He served as the first bishop of the new Diocese of Owensboro in Kentucky from 1938 to 1960. Cotton was a member of the Order of Friars Preachers (Dominicans)

Biography

Early life One of three children, Francis Cotton was born on September 19, 1895, in Bardstown, Kentucky to Charles and Mary (née Moore) Cotton. After attending St. Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, Indiana, he enrolled in St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland. After his ordination, Cotton completed his graduate studies at the Pontifical Athenaeum S. Apollinare in Rome.

Bishop of Owensboro On December 16, 1937, Cotton was appointed the first bishop of the newly erected Diocese of Owensboro by Pope Pius XI.

In early 1940, Cotton began the collection of relief supplies for refugees from World War II in Europe. By 1942, the diocese had collected over $1 million in supplies for distribution in Europe and China. In February 1943, Cotton held a synod in the diocese to set its laws and constitution. Contemporary reports said that Cotton strictly enforced these rules in the diocese, but personally was a kind individual.

Death Francis Cotton died of a heart attack in Owensboro on September 25, 1960, at age 65.