The man who replaced Nathaniel Thompkins as President of the Maine Senate for the 1942 Special Session was Francis H. Friend of Skowhegan. Born in that community in 1899, Friend graduated from Skowhegan High School, the University of Maine and Yale before beginning his career as a forester and pulpwood supplier.
At various times during his career, Friend was President of the Skowhegan Fair and the Maine Association fo Agricultural Fairs. Elected to the Maine House of Representatives for terms in 1929, 1931 and 1933, he served in the Maine Senate for three consecutive terms before becoming President, pro tem in 1942.
Friend died on November 24, 1958.