Joseph A. Franklin

Joseph A. Franklin

JOSEPH A. FRANKLIN, farmer, section 36, Big Prairie Township was born in Leonidas, St. Joseph Co., Mich., March 13, 1845, and is a son of Allan and Lydia Ann (Stevens) Franklin. His father was born in 1810, in Westmoreland, Vt., and died about 1849. The mother was born May 22, 1816, in Steuben Co., N.Y., and is living on the homestead in Leonidas, and is the wife of A. M. Covey.

Mr. Franklin enlisted at the age of 18 years in Company A, Eleventh Mich. Vol. Inf. The date of his enrollment was Dec. 15, 1863, and he was mustered out of service Sept. 16, 1865. After leaving the army he returned home and worked as a farm laborer three years. He came to Newaygo County in April, 1871, and, entred a claim of 160 acres Government land under the provisions of the Homestead Act, on which he has since resided. He has sold 80 acres, and cleared 26 acres, on which he has erected good farm buildings. He is a Republican in political relations, and has been Constable one year. He was elected to the same office in 1883, but declined to qualify for the position.

Mr. Franklin was married in 1872, in Fredonia, Calhoun County, to Sarah Ann, daughter of Stephen and Jane (Pryor) Saunders. She was born in New York, May 29, 1837. Her father was born May 18, 1795, in England, and died Aug. 26, 1862. Her mother was also a native of England, born Jan. 21, 1813, and resides in Albion, Calhoun Co., Mich. The family belong to the denomination known as Second Adventists.

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