FRANKLIN, Fremont: 1856-1905

FRANKLIN, MCCRACKEN, BARKER, WHITCANACK

Posted By: Volunteer: Sherri (email)
Date: 6/18/2013 at 17:59:30

Fremont Franklin was born in Canton, Illinois, December 17th, 1856; died at his home farm, two miles north of Bentonsport, Iowa, August 1, 1905, after an illness of nine weeks. He was 48 years, 9 months and 14 days old. He was married to Io M. McCracken, February 25th, 1890. Three children, Stella age 14, Jessie aged 11 and Kenneth 8, blessed this union, all of whom are living.

He came to Iowa when a youth, locating in Vernon in 1862; the next year moving to Bentonsport. March 17, 1866, he sustained the loss of his father. Although a boy in years he manfully commenced the struggle of life, demonstrating even in youth, the characteristics which imbued his entire life, sobriety, industry and reliability. In 1896 he purchased the home where he died; here he put forth all the energies of his life, to make a home for those he loved so well.

Although a great sufferer he bore his pains with fortitude and composure. It was in the home circle where his loving disposition was so forcibly exemplified, a devoted husband and a loving father, always having uppermost in his mind the welfare of those near and dear to him. Besides his own family, he left two sisters, Sallie Barker of Bloomfield, Mary Whitcanack of Winchester, a brother, Ben Franklin of Omaha, Nebraska, and an aged mother, all of whom were in attendance at his funeral, except his mother who was too feeble to make the trip.

His funeral was held at the Presbyterian church in Bentonsport, Rev. McElheinney officating, after which, accompanied by a large concourse of people he was borne to his last resting place in the Bentonsport cemetery. His wife has lost a devoted husband, his children a kind father, his brothers and sisters a loving brother, his mother a son of the idol of her heart, and the community a good citizen. Let us all remember he fought a good fight and strive to emulate his example and the noble characteristics of his life.

Source: Van Buren Co. Genealogical Society Obituary Book C, Page 116, Keosauqua Public Library, Keosauqua, IA