Francis R. Long

Francis R. Long
11th Mayor of Kansas City
In office
1869–1870
Preceded byAlexander L. Harris
Succeeded byElijah M. McGee
Personal details
BornFrancis Reid Long
(1812-05-19)May 19, 1812
DiedJune 22, 1881(1881-06-22) (aged 69)
Resting placeElmwood Cemetery
PartyRepublican
SpouseMiss Branham
Children3
Occupation
  • Politician
  • banker

Francis Reid Long (May 19, 1812 – June 22, 1881) was Kansas City Mayor in 1869 and founder of what would become Commerce Bancshares.

Early life

Long was born in Woodford County, Kentucky.[1]

Career

Around 1841, Long moved to Clay County, Missouri. He was there elected as sheriff.[1]

Long moved to Kansas City in 1865.[1] He started a banking business with Church White in Kansas City.[1] He joined with Nathaniel Grant and A.S. Branham to found the Long, Grant & Company which in turn would become the Kansas City Savings Association.

During Long's term the Hannibal Bridge—the first bridge to cross the Missouri River—opened. The bridge would establish Kansas City as the dominant city in the region. With the bridge came the founding of the Kansas City Stockyards.[2] After his tenure as mayor, he was elector as justice of the peace and served in that role until 1880.[1]

Personal life

Long married Miss Branham of Kentucky. They had one son and two daughters. His wife predeceased him.[1] He lived on Forest Avenue in Kansas City.[1] He was a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.[3]

Long died at his home in Kansas City on June 22, 1881.[1] He was buried at Elmwood Cemetery.[3]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "Death of Ex-Mayor Long". The Kansas City Times. 1881-06-23. p. 8. Retrieved 2025-12-05 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon
  2. ^ Green, George Fuller (1968). A Condensed History of the Kansas City Area. Kansas City, MO: Lowell Press. OCLC 40731.
  3. ^ a b "Funeral of F. R. Long". The Kansas City Times. 1881-06-25. p. 3. Retrieved 2025-12-05 – via Newspapers.com.Open access icon