Harper's Encyclopedia of United States History
Benson Lossing, Ed.

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Francis, John Wakefield 1789-1861

Physician; born in New York City, Nov. 17, 1789; graduated at Columbia College in 1809; began business life as a printer, but commenced the study of medicine, in 1810, under Dr. Hosack, and was his partner until 1820. From 1810 until 1814 they published the American Medical and Philosophical register. He occupied the chair of materia medica in the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and, visiting Europe, was a pupil of the celebrated Abernethy. After filling various professorships until 1826, he devoted himself to the practice of his profession and to literary pursuits. Dr. Francis was probably the author of more biographies and memoirs than any American of his time, and was active, as one of the founders, in the promotion of the objects of the New York Historical Society and of other institutions. He was the first president of the New York Academy of Medicine, and was a member of numerous scientific and literary societies. He died in New York City, Feb. 8, 1861.