Dr Francis Dickinson
(1856-1945)

Died aged c. 89

Dr. Francis Dickinson was born January 9, 1856 in Chicago, Illinois, where she became a doctor and surgeon. Dr. Dickinson came to Orange City to improve her health. She became a prominent citizen, benefactor and philanthropist. She was first associated with Lois Leavitt in the real estate business circa 1900. Later she bought 160 acres of land southwest of town and built a home and library. She cleared 100 acres for an airport and called it Betsy Ross Airport. Dickinson championed women’s voting rights. The result was Orange City was the first in the area where women were allowed to register and vote. Dr. Francis Dickinson died in 1945.

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