Francis M. Waters, Ashmore; dealer in dry goods and notions, boots and shoes, hats, caps and clothing; was born in Ross Co., Ohio, March 16, 1838, and is a son of Baker and Mary Waters; in 1847, his parents removed to Coles Co., and settled in Charleston, where his father carried on the wagon and carriage. Making business about ten years; he then removed to a farm in Ashmore Tp., where he lived till his death, in 1875; Mr. Waters’ mother died the year before; the family consisted of eight sons and one daughter, all residents of Coles Co.; when he was 12 years old, Mr. Waters entered his father’s shop to learn the wagon-maker’s trade. He was married Feb. 14, 1861, to Miss Edith Austin, a daughter of John and Susan Austin, of Ashmore; she died Jan. 4, 1862, leaving one child-Edith E.; in 1862, he entered the 123d Ill. Vols. as principal musician, and on the re-organization of his regiment as mounted infantry, he was made regimental bugler; he served with his regiment till the close of the war, participating in all of its engagements-numbering over one hundred and twenty; among them, Perryville, Ky.; Milton, Tenn.; Hoover’s Gap, Chattanooga; Chickamauga, Farmington, Peach-Tree Creek, Kenesaw Mountain, Resaca, siege of Atlanta, Selma, Ala., Columbus and Macon. Returning, he carried on the carriage-making business one year, and at the same time started his present business. He was married a second time Aug. 12, 1869, to Miss Eliza O’Brien, of Ashmore; she died March 6, 1877, leaving one child -George H.
