David R. Francis graduated from Washington University in St. Louis and established himself as a successful businessman in St. Louis. He held significant roles in local commerce, including presidency of a grain merchant's exchange and founding membership of the St. Louis Mining and Stock Exchange. Francis demonstrated leadership by serving as mayor of St. Louis and governor of Missouri, culminating in his appointment as United States Secretary of the Interior.

David R. Francis's political career reveals a consistent focus on economic growth and infrastructure development, coupled with a strategic approach to governance that balances regional interests with national policies. His involvement in establishing the St. Louis Mining and Stock Exchange highlights an innovative approach to financial infrastructure. Francis's tenure in various public offices suggests a calculated effort to influence both local and national economic policies, revealing a highly localized yet nationally impactful strategy.