Francis takes a wife
As reported earlier, Francis (Frank) was born on 31 August 1834, the son of Richard and Victoria (Bissonnet) Metty. He was still living in the household of his father at the time of the 1860 census, but was to marry shortly thereafter. He found his bride to be right in his father's household. On 5 February 1856, Richard had married for the third time and his new wife, Rachel Knaggs Digue, had a daughter Phillis, born in March 1837. The father was Thomas Diguier dit Courtois. Phillis and Francis married on 22 January 1861 at Sable River, Monroe County, Michigan.
The years before Frank went off to war, were probably very difficult for the young couple. According to information I have located, particularly relating to St Antoine's Cemetery, their first child was born in 1861 and died 16 January 1864. The child was buried in St Antoine's Cemetery. Their next child was born in October 1862 and named Richard Stanley. This child died on 27 February 1863 and is also buried in St. Antoine's Cemetery. A third child was born in 1863 and named Sarah. The fourth child was Joseph, born on 7 July 1865.
This somewhat sad scenario leaves one to wonder, why would Francis choose to enlist and depart for the Civil War battlefields in February 1865, and leave his wife of four years who had suffered the loss of two infants; had another infant to care for and was pregnant with their fourth child! In any event he would return later that year to spend the remainder of his life with Phillis and they would have three more children in that time. In all, they were married for over 54 years.
The years before Frank went off to war, were probably very difficult for the young couple. According to information I have located, particularly relating to St Antoine's Cemetery, their first child was born in 1861 and died 16 January 1864. The child was buried in St Antoine's Cemetery. Their next child was born in October 1862 and named Richard Stanley. This child died on 27 February 1863 and is also buried in St. Antoine's Cemetery. A third child was born in 1863 and named Sarah. The fourth child was Joseph, born on 7 July 1865.
This somewhat sad scenario leaves one to wonder, why would Francis choose to enlist and depart for the Civil War battlefields in February 1865, and leave his wife of four years who had suffered the loss of two infants; had another infant to care for and was pregnant with their fourth child! In any event he would return later that year to spend the remainder of his life with Phillis and they would have three more children in that time. In all, they were married for over 54 years.
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