Elmer Willard Franklin, 1894-1921

FRANKLIN, ROBBINS, HILLINGER, PETERSON

Posted By: Volunteer-Betty Hootman
Date: 5/2/2012 at 14:52:26

Milton (IA) Herald
Wednesday, 26 October 1921

IN MEMORIAL
For A. L. Silver, Ward Cretcher, E. F. Franklin and Charles Hyde
“We Sorrow But Revere Their Memory”

ELMER WILLARD FRANKLIN

Elmer Willard Franklin was a son of George W. and Alice L. Franklin and was born in Davis City, Iowa, Feb. 11, 1894. He passed away in Cantril, Iowa, early Monday morning, October 17, 1921, aged 27 years, 8 months and 6 days.

Mr. Franklin was a graduate of the Pleasanton, Iowa, high school, being a member of the class of 1912. He was a member of the Elks Lodge at Keokuk, Iowa, and the Knights of Pythias at Milton.

At the age of 17 he professed conversion, was baptized, and united with the Christian Union Church of Pleasanton, Iowa.

He entered military service in the United States Army at Humeston, Ia., July 25, 1918, and was soon sent to Camp Pike where he was where he was placed in training in line for a commissioned officer in the United States Army. He was first made a sergeant, and had the war continued would have been advanced. He was honorably discharged from service at Camp Sherman, Ohio, November 19, 1918.

A little later he came to Cantril, Ia., and one December 1, 1920, in Ottumwas, Iowa, he was united in marriage to Miss Lucille Robbins, daughter of George and Nellie Robbins of Cantril. Since then he has been associated with Robbins garage.

Mr. Franklin was favorably known and had a large circle of friends in this community who sympathize with the heart broken companion. Besides the wife, he lives the father and mother, who reside at Pittsburg, Kansas; one brother, Stephenson Eugene Franklin of Greybull, Wyoming; two sisters, Mrs. Mary E. Hillinger of Greybull, Wyo., and Mrs. Thelma H. Peterson of Chariton, Iowa. His father, mother, brother and sisters visited Mr. and Mrs. Franklin just a few days before his death, and were back to attend the funeral. Short services were held at the Robbins residence Wednesday morning at 11:30 conducted by William Jack. The body was then carried to the school house grove where the afternoon services were conducted by Rev. C. W. Cochran, pastor of the Methodist church and Rev. Hoff of the Christian church. The remains were in charge of the American Legion, and were taken to the Cantril cemetery for interment.

*****
Cantril, Iowa, Oct. 22, 1921

We desire to express our appreciation and heartfelt thanks to our many friends who have been so kind and sympathetic during this our time of sorrow. For the floral offerings, which were many and beautiful, and the attendance of all of the men of the American Legion, we extend our thanks.
Mrs. Lucille Franklin
George W. Franklin and Family
George Robbins and Family

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A SHOCKING TRAGEDY EAST OF CANTRIL
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Four Legion Boys Lose life Sunday in Auto Wreck,
Fifth May Recover

One of the most terrible accidents that ever happened in the county took place Sunday, Oct. 16, at the Niles crossing three miles east of Cantril. Five service men of Cantril were returning from the military funeral of a comrade, John Kerr, at Prairie View near Azen, Mo., which was conducted by the Cantril Post, and when their car reached the railroad crossing it was struck by a west bound locomotive, without a train. The auto was hurled through the fence near the cattle-guard, and was turned upside down, with the victims beneath. The gas tank bursted, and almost instantly and almost instantly the car was enveloped in soaring flames. Others returning from the funeral were soon on hand and braved the fire to rescue the boys.

The auto load was composed of Chas. Hyde, Ward Cretchet, A. L. Silver, Elmer Franklin, driver of the car, and Riley Wollam. Hyde was probably instantly killed and his body was taken to Cantril in the locomotive. The other four were taken to Cantril in autos. Cretcher, cashier of the State Bank of Cantril, died shortly after reaching the doctor’s office. Silver, president of Cantril Savings Bank died about midnight and Franklin about 5 o’clock in the morning. Wollam was badly burned about the head and his legs were injured, but may live. Some of the boys were burned beyond recognition. The locomotive driver also received burns in assisting to extricate the bodies from the fire.

The news of the accident was a stunning blow to the people of Cantril and fairly prostrated with grief the members of the families whose loved ones had so ruthlessly been snatched away.

A military funeral was held at Cantril at 2 p.m. Wednesday of this week, at which all the Legion Posts in this section took part.

Note: a handwritten note at the bottom of the page said: “Franklin-age 27, married,” “ Silver-age 29,” “Cretcher-age 28,” “Hyde-age 32.”

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Scrapbook A, page 367, Keosauqua Public Library; Keosauqua, IA