Francis
Biography
Lee's father; signed for Lee to enlist in the Navy at sixteen. Gender also recorded as “female” (Carol's Chapter). Visited with Uncle Clarence and their five unnamed children before Floyd became ill and died. Gender also recorded as “female” (History of the Guild Family). Described Dan as demure, fond of coffee and newspapers, and wearing full wool underwear year-round. Visited Floyd's family in Moline with Clarence and their family.
Timeline
September 1st, 1926
Birth of Lee Kenneth Brady
Diana's ChapterAt sixteen; four years in W.W.II
Lee enlists in the Navy
His father signed for his enlistment. Lee became a Naval pilot and flew missions for four years.
Diana's Chapterthe years just before Daddy got sick and passed away
Visits from Uncle Clarence and Francis
They visited a few times with their five unnamed children, whom Carol came to know well.
Carol's Chapter
Stories mentioning Francis
- Lee's Many Talents and a Scooter Ride into the FamilyDiana traces Lee's childhood near his extended family, work in his grandfather's grocery store, school achievements, Naval service, ministry, teaching, and successful insurance business. After his first marriage failed, Diana met him three years after his divorce. Her father initially regarded Lee suspiciously, but a bold scooter ride with Diana became a memorable turning point. Lee and her father remained friends, and Lee took him to the hospital when he had a stroke. Lee also formed a close bond with Mom and managed his best friend Sy Fox's campaign.
- Summer Visitors and Backyard MemoriesCarol remembers meeting Floyd's three sisters from Brainerd and his warning that they might think the family rich and stay forever. Uncle Clarence, Francis, and their five children visited before Floyd's illness and death. Other memories include wartime hand-rolled cigarettes and smoke rings, later chewing tobacco, hunting trips with Bernie and Bobby, and playing house in Floyd's former backyard workshop after he moved into the new garage.
- Hard Work, Strong Tempers, and Lasting Family TiesThe family describes poverty, shared winter coats, uncertain meals, Dan’s mechanical ingenuity and repair shop, and the heavy household work borne by Olive and her daughters. Severe arthritis and unproved suspicions of infidelity colored Olive’s marriage and behavior. Recollections differ sharply: some emphasize harsh discipline and complaints, while grandchildren recall kindness and others see a devoted couple with stubborn tempers. Dan’s brief 1925 departure ended in his return, and they never divorced. The narrative also remembers affectionate sibling bonds, Floyd’s signature practice, and Olive’s willingness to shelter daughters between marriages. Sweeping judgments about the Vosburg and Guild children are presented as family opinions rather than independently established facts.
- From the Old Farm to a New Start in MolineFamily memories follow Dan and Olive on the Falk property, the mysterious driveway inscription, Myrtle's minnow sales, and Bessie's diphtheria quarantine and marriage. After Dan lost the property, Clarence moved to Bessie's home and Floyd stayed with Uncle Bernie, learning horse care and practical jokes. Gus Falk helped Floyd move to Moline and find work in 1921. Relatives admired his success, and visits and reunions continued through his parents' later years. The passage preserves contradictory dates in Olive's calendar account and the boys' refusal to admit writing the inscription.
Referenced in
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