Born:  1836; White County, Tennessee

Died:  1917;  Benton County, Missouri 

Father:  Charles Southard

Mother:  Esther Rhodes

Francis was the fourth of six children born unto Charles and Esther Rhodes Southard. 

It would be wise not to confuse this Francis with his son, Francis M. Southard (Junior), born in 1871 or with the Francis M. Southard who was later born unto John Anderson Southard in 1872.  As a special note, the last two Francis' were, though only a year apart in age, of two different generations.    

This Francis was about two years of age when his parents, along with his uncle Maclin, left Tennessee with the Breshears family for a new life in Missouri.  Maclin's family settled in Dallas County while Charles' household continued on to Benton County with the Breshears clan. 

Francis served in the 8th Regiment of the Missouri State Militia Cavalry and is listed as #88 in the roster of Southard's that served in the Civil War.

Spouse 1:   Nancy Caroline Pippin

        Married:  Missouri

        Born:  1836; Tennessee  

        Died:  3/15/1878; Benton County, Missouri 

   Children:     

        Mary Elizabeth Southard:  Born 1862

        Manerva J. Southard:  Born 1864

        Amita Nancy Southard:  Born 1865

        Charles Simeon Southard:  Born 1867

        Malinda Catherine Southard:  Born  1869

        Francis Marion Southard, Jr.:  Born 1871 (twin)

        Sarah Francis Southard:  Born 1871 (twin)

        Rachel Alice Southard:  Born 1874

Spouse 2:  Lucy Jones

        Married:     Missouri

        Born:   

        Died:   

   Children:     

        unknown