We know that Benjamin Francis's father was Enoch Francis and his father was Francis David Francis. The family had lived many years in the Llanllwni area in Carmarthenshire. They were religious people, many being connected with the church at Rhydwilym. Some went to America and Enoch''s cousin John David was the pastor of a Baptist church in Baltimore. Enoch was born in Pant-y-llaethdy and was a twin, the other appropriately enough being called Elijah. An anecdote says that when Enoch was three he nearly drowned in the Teifi. His sister had seen him fall in and his father came running.
When Enoch was 19 he began preaching. The first place he preached was called Pengwaun. He preached from Isaiah 55, a chapter he was always fond of. He was a godly man who loved peace and unity. He wrote a book called Gair yn ei Bryd (A word in season) on election and baptism but with a very mild approach.
He was married to a godly widow from Blaenrhymni, who belonged to the Baptist church in Hengoed. Enoch's congregation was a scattered one across Llandysul, Felin, Newcastle Emlyn and other places and for many years he would hold services in his home Capel Iago, Llanybydder. Eventually with their pastor James James growing ever more feeble, it was decided to be based in Newcastle Emlyn and Enoch and his family went to live nearby.
His very last sermon was preached in Abergwaun (Fishguard). He had gone to visit friends in Llangloffan His text was Psalm 73:25, 26. He was ill for some time before he died. In those days he would often say "I have invited many to the dear Jesus to whom I am going". His concern for his children was great as a few months before his wife had died. He was particularly concerned for their salvation.
He died on Thursday, February 4, 1740 and was buried next to his late wife at Cilfowyr near Llechryd, not far from Cardigan. To get to his final resting place involved a 20 mile journey through ten parishes. In each place he was highly honoured. One parish felt so honoured that that the bearers came into the middle of the river that was the parish boundary in order to receive the body from the previous bearers at the earliest moment. The closer they came to the place of burial the more difficult it was to stop people thrusting themselves forward to touch the bier. Throughout South Wales there was mourning over the loss of this outstanding Valiant for Truth. Many funeral sermons were printed and elegies written, some of them finding their way into print.
At the time of their deaths the Francis's left three girls and three boys, aged from twenty all the way down to six years old. They were distraught, as were members of his congregation, especially the newly baptised.
His habit had been to take an annual preaching circuit throughout South Wales when he would preach not just for the Baptists but for other Dissenters too. it is said that he had such a flow of affection that the tears would commonly trickle plentifully down his cheeks, while he was preaching; his auditors also, or a great part of them, being often bathed in tears; so naturally did he touch the passions, his ministry being uncommonly melting and convincing. He was a very personable man, of a middle size, strong made; his countenance was lively, affable and cheerful, and his eye keen and penetrating, yet mild and pleasant. In the pulpit he discovered a happy mixture of majesty, serenity, gentleness and benevolence. He had such a complication of excellencies that he was acceptable to all denominations. Multitudes were accustomed to flock after him, and his ministry was very successful. The wonderful love of Christ to perishing sinners, and free salvation through his obedience unto death was the substance of his preaching.
At Enoch's request the funeral sermon was preached by Thomas Matthias, Llangloffan. His text was Philippians 1:21. The following Inscriptions are written on his tomb, •
ENOCH FRANCIS,
Pastor of the Baptist Church at
NEWCASTLE,
And its different branches,
Finished his course
With Joy to himself and Sorrow to many;
Feb. 4, 1739-40,
Aged 51 years,
Enoch walked with God
MARY his wife
Fell asleep, Aug. 23 1739.
Mary hath chosen that good part, which
shall not be taken from her
NATHANIEL, their Son,
Died in 1749, aged 18.
Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no guilt
They all appear to have come to faith in due time.
The eldest daughter became the first wife of Stephen Davies, of Carmarthenshire. She was baptised at the age of 14. The eldest son was called Jonathan Francis (1722-1801). He was a minister in Penyfai and the father of another Enoch from Wantage, who pastored in Exeter.
