Francis M. P. Isaacs was born ca. 1839 in Washington Co., Virginia, the son of John Henry Isaacs and Elizabeth R. Johnson. He appears in the 1850 Federal census of Russell Co., VA, in his parents' household. Francis married Catharine Adams on September 7, 1859, and appears with his own household in the 1860 federal census of Russell Co., VA.

Francis enrolled as a Private in Company A of the 39th Kentucky Volunteer Infantry (U.S.) on January 5, 1863, and was listed as "Present" on the February 28th return. On the muster roll of April 30, 1863, he was listed as "Deserted, March 26, 1863."

Age: 24; Height: 5 ft. 8 1/2 in.; Complexion: Fair; Eyes and Hair: Black; Occupation: Farmer.

Francis Isaacs is listed in the records of Company E, 21st Virginia Cavalry (C.S.A.), as enrolled as a Private on June 1, 1863. On the muster roll of August 31, 1863, for the same unit, he is listed as "Absent Without Leave."

The 39th Kentucky Infantry return for the period of December 31, 1863, to April 30, 1864, lists Francis as "Present." He was "Absent on a Scout" for the muster roll of August 31st and "Present" on the return of October 31st. Francis died of small pox on December 25, 1864, and is buried in Grave No. 868 in the National Cemetery in Lexington, KY.

Besides his widow Catharine, Francis left three young daughters: Mary C. born October 10, 1860; Martha J., born March 11, 1862; and Lydia F., born June 12, 1864.