Francis Duffin was born about 1816 in Ireland. He married Rose Walsh in St. Mary's RC Church, Glenravel, County Antrim in February 1841.

Francis is recorded on the 1841 Scottish census in Old Monkland with other Irish navvies employed in the construction of the Railway. Rose does not appear on this census.

Their first son, Charles was baptised in St Margaret's RC Church, Airdrie, Scotland in 1842. The family returned to Brae or Knockanully, Skerry, County Antrim where 7 other children (Mary, Michael, James, Sarah Cecaelia, Eellen,John, Francis) were born between 1847 and 1860.

The family are known to have been in London, England in March 1863 before returning to Scotland about 1864. Francis and two of his children emigrated in 1872 to Missouri, USA to join his brothers Felix and Michael who had bought land in Maries County in 1857. His wife and youngest son, Francis emigrated in 1878. 4 others remained in Old Monkland, Scotland.

James Duffin born about 1800, may be another brother although no evidence has been uncovered. He remained in Ireland, was married to Mary Walsh, possibly a sister of Rose and had at least 6 children