FRANKLIN M. WILLIAMS, hotel proprietor, Remus, was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Nov. 27, 1843. His parents removed to Kosciusko Co., Ind., the year following his birth. He recieved his education there and resided with his parents until he was 18 years old, at which time he enlisted as a soldier for the Union in the 12th Ind. Vol. Inf., enrolling in Co. F. His command was attached to the Army of the Tennessee and was under fire in 28 engagements, among which were the battles of Richomond, Ky., Missionary Ridge, Jackson , Miss., and the fight at Atlanta. Throughout his entire period of service he escaped all wounds and casualties. After three years of hard fighting he was discharged at Indianapolis, June 20, 1865. During the war his parents had removed to St. Joseph Co., Mich., where he rejoined them and resided two years. In the spring of 1866 he went to Missouri, where he passed a summer, returning at its close to his parents' home. In March, 1867, he came to Wheatland Tp., and passed two years in farming in the vicinity of Bloomfield. He purchased 80 acres of land in sec. 26, preparatory to the establishment of a home. March 4, 1869, he was married to Elizabeth, daughter of David and Mary (Smith) Ruxton, who was born in Waterloo, Can., Feb. 17, 1847. Her father was a native of Scotland and her mother of Pennsylvania, of German descent. Elizabeth was educated in the Dominion, and was for several years a teacher in the common schools of Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have two children; Ralph, born Aug. 4, 1876, and Maud M., Aug. 18, 1878. Mr. Williams is a radical Republican and has been Supervisor five years, Tp. Clerk several terms and held other minor offices.
The hotel kept by Mr. Williams at Remus is one of the best country establishments for public entertainment in Northern Michigan. Its cost was about $3,000. The house is well furnished and has a good run of custom, which is constantly increasing. Mr. Williams took possession of the hotel in Jan., 1882.
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