Thomas Lewis of Risca on Francis's grave

An article appeared in Welsh in Seren Gomer in November 1880 by Thomas Lewis of Risca. He had taken a journey down to Gloucester and found Francis's old church. Towards the end of the article he says

There is a large memorial stone above the grave and various members of the family rest under it. There are steel bars around it. I copied the following

HELL-DESERVING, HEAVEN-POSSESSING.

Sacred to the memory of that diligent servant of Christ, Benjamin Francis, A.M. who with unblemished reputationa was the pastor of this church for 43 years. The sweetness of his disposition, the purity and fervour of his graces, the piety, energy, and success of his labours, have greatly imbittered his decease to his family and the church of Christ; whilst this branch of Zion, nourished to its present prosperity by his zealous efforts, feels most tenderly the loss of so beloved a minister. With holy peace and joy he resigned his spirit to his Redeemer, Dec. 14th, 1799. Aged 65 years.

On the face of another column there is this note

Also his last surviving son, Samuel Enoch Francis, 42 years deacon of this church; died March 1st, 1858, aged 71 years.

When Dr Ryland preached his funeral sermon in Shortwood, Dec 22, 1799, the widow and the three orphaned children were mourners. These words were said in the sermon "And O that He who called the son of Hannah while he was yet a little child, may speak to the heart of a young Samuel now present, and cause him from this time to cry unto him, My Father, thou art the Guide of my youth." The boy Samuel was some twelve years old at that time and he lived to serve the Lord in his house a long time. Two of the brothers at Shortwood told me that Samuel Enoch Francis was one of the best of men. He is still missed.