Biography of Col. Louis R. Francine |
Colonel Louis R. Francine Colonel Louis Raymond Francine was born March 26,1837 in Philadelphia, PA. He was the oldest son of Jacques Louis de Francine, a French Emigre', whose family members served posts of honor and trust in France. Francine spent the early part of his life living in Camden, NJ. He attended private schools, including a military school in Flushing NY, and the prestigious Ecole Polytechnique in Paris. Upon his return to the United States, Francine offered his services in defense of the Union. On September, 18,1861, Francine was commissioned Captain of Company A, 7th New Jersey Volunteer Infantry. With the 7th New Jersey Captain Francine saw service at Williamsburg, Yorktown, Seven Days Battles. On July 8,1862 Francine was promoted to Lt. Colonel of the Regiment. While serving in this capacity Francine saw action at Second Manassas. Promoted to Colonel on December 9th, the next major action the Regiment saw was Fredericksburg. In the spring of 1863 the regiment saw itself in the thick of the fighting at Chancellorsville and during this battle captured 5 Confederate flags and 500 prisoners. On July 2, at Gettysburg the regiment was in support of Clarks battery, (Battery "B" 1st New Jersey Artillery) positioned near the Peach Orchard. The gallant 7th and their Colonel were under fire by both musketry and shell until forced to retire with the rest of the 3rd Corps. It was during this action that Colonel Francine was mortally wounded, shot in the hip. He was transported back Philadelphia and later to his father's house in Camden, NJ. He died on July 16th. He is buried in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia. On April 29, 1867 the Francine family received news that Louis was promoted to the rank of brevet Brigadier general of US Volunteers for "gallant and meritorious service at the battle of Gettysburg. On June 30th 1888, the 7th New Jersey dedicated their monument, in Gettysburg, on the spot where Francine fell. Their monument a large "Minnie Ball" is supported by a seven-sided granite base. Inscribed into one of the panels is the tribute "Here Col. Francine fell". |
7th New Jersey Monument at Gettysburg |