Tench Francis Jr.

Francis was born the son of Elizabeth Turbitt and Tench Francis Sr., a prominent Philadelphia lawyer and jurist, at Fausley in Talbot County, Maryland, in 1730.

A portrait of Francis' wife Ann Willing by Charles Willson Peale

Francis was agent for the William Penn family in connection with their proprietary interests in the colonial-era Province of Pennsylvania. He was the first cashier of the Bank of North America, a position he held until his death. He is said to have contributed £5,000 for the support of the Continental Army.

Francis later headed the commission that laid out the city of Pittsburgh. His appointment as Purveyor of Public Supplies on February 23, 1795, unified U.S. Navy pursers under a single person, which created the Navy Supply Corps.

Francis married Ann Willing, daughter of Philadelphia mayor Charles Willing and his wife, Ann Shippen.

Francis died in Philadelphia, on May 1, 1800; he is interred in Christ Church Burial Ground in Philadelphia.

• Tench Francis Jr. at Find a Grave
• Historical marker at his birthplace
• Birthday of the Navy Supply Corps
• Residence of Mr. Tench Francis in 1770 by D.J. Kennedy, Historical Society of Pennsylvania