Hi Newport Listers, I am looking for information regarding the Francis family of Newport, RI. Marion Aubrey Francis (b. 9/12/1869 in Newport) married Rev. William Osgood PEARSON at Trinity Church (Episcopalian) in Newport in September 1987. She was his third wife, and a life-long friend of Rev. Pearson's second wife, Helen RHETT Pearson of Boston, MA, Newport, RI, and Baltimore, MD. Marion Pearson lost her husband after only three years of marriage, and although the couple had no children together, Marion raised Williams' six children from his first two marriages. He married first, Agnes May ALDEN of Delafield, Wisconsin and had three sons; then he married Helen of Boston and had two daughters and a son; that youngest son was my grandfather, George Rhett PEARSON. I was given a letter dictated by Rev. David Adams PEARSON (youngest son of William and first wife Agnes) in which he told how Helen Rhett Pearson made her dearest friend, Marion FRANCIS, and her husband promise to marry once she (Helen) met with her impending death. It was a touching story, and I am very curious to discover what I can about Marion's life - thereby learning about my own great-grandmother (Helen) who shared many of Marion's experiences. I believe that Marion was a kindergarten teacher. Not only did Marion keep her word to her friend, but after the untimely death of her husband, Marion and two of her unmarried sisters, Louisa and Medora Francis, helped Marion and Helen's mother, Eliza (Eckley) RHETT, raise all six children. I am grateful to this kind and caring woman and her sisters who gave so much of themselves to raising six youngsters who belonged to other women. And while I understand how Marion might have felt somewhat "obligated" to her friend Helen, I think it speaks very highly of Marion's character that she and her sisters kept the family together by including the three boys born to Agnes Alden Pearson. I remember my mother telling me that Marion Francis Pearson (who d. May 27, 1917, is buried with her husband and Helen Rhett Pearson in Cedar Cemetery in Jamestown, RI) was related to Julia Ward Howe, the author of "The Battle Hymn of the Republic." The descendants of my great-uncle David Pearson (mentioned above) has a letter written in her hand regarding his 1906 graduation from Harvard College. Marion was also related to General Francis Marion, the "Swamp Fox" of South Carolina Revolutionary War fame. I have not yet discovered the exact connection, but would very much like to make the connection. If anyone knows of the Francis family or have any ideas where I might be able to glean the info I seek, please contact me at pilgrimpjm@aol.com. I want so much to know more about this family to whom we are so grateful. Thanks for you help! Pamela Rhett Molzan Charleston, SC pilgrimpjm@aol.com