FRANK, JOHN , a well-known and prosperous grocer and baker, of Jacksonville, Morgan county, Ill., was born in that city, March 31, 1865. He is a son of Emanuel and Frances (Fernandes) Frank, natives of the Island of Madeira, who came to this country with other Portuguese exiles. In this country the father followed the occupation of a dairyman until his death in 1896. His widow still survives him. John Frank received his early mental training in the public schools of Jacksonville, and afterward worked with his father in the dairy line, finally entering into partnership with him. They jointly and successfully conducted the dairy for twelve years, when John Frank entered the grocery business on his own account in a small store on Lafayette Avenue. In 1899 his trade had increased to such an extent that he erected and occupied a large two-story brick building on the corner of Lafayette Avenue and Prairie Street. In 1903 he opened a bakery in the same building. The best of modern machinery was installed for the purpose, and the equipment is conceded to be equal to that of any similar establishment in this section of the State. In this enterprise Mr. Frank has met with remarkable success, and the grocery trade has kept pace with it. Starting with a capital of only $200, in six years Mr. Frank has become a leading baker and grocer. He devotes himself very diligently to his business and fully deserves the ample measure of success which has attended his efforts.

In 1889 Mr. Frank was united in marriage with Mary Jane Smith, of Jacksonville, a daughter of J. C. Smith. One child, Paul, is the result of this union. Fraternally, he is identified with the K.O.T.M. and the M.W.A.