Clearfield Enterprise
Clearfield, Iowa
July 9, 1925

William Henry Franklin was born in Kentucky Oct. 22, 1850. At the age of two years he went with his parents to Illinois, where he lived until about twelve years of age, when with his parents he again moved to the west, becoming a pioneer settler in Taylor county, Iowa, living near Calvary, where he endured and enjoyed the hardships of pioneer life, bringing to the community the Christian fortitude which has adorned and beautified all his subsequent actions, and spreading cheer and sunshine wherever he went.

At a revival meeting held at a schoolhouse near Calvary under the ministry of Rev. Hughes, he was converted and joined the Baptist church, and remained a worthy member of that church until the Calvary church was built so conveniently near, when he with his entire family united with that organization and so remained until they removed near Clearfield in 1900, when their membership was transferred to the town church, where all the time, and under all circumstances he exemplified and lived a genuine Vhristian life, trusting Him who is able to deliver.

In 1870 he was united in marriage to Miss Nancy Deaver, and to this union four children were born: A son who died in infancy, Mrs. Belle M. Anderson of Clearfield, Ralph H. Franklin of Hardin, Mont., and Mrs. Blanche Anderson, who died at Ashland, Nebraska, July 23, 1920.

Mr. Franklin is survived by twelve grandchildren, and by four brothers and one sister, as following:—J. W. Franklin of York, Nebr.; J. V. Franklin of Fender, Nebr.; M. H. Franklin of St. Louis, Mo.; Mrs. Belle Reed of Portland, Oregon; and W. S. Franklin of Centralia, Oregon.

This is a brief outline sketch of the noble life of a worthy man, who left us on Thursday morning, July 2, 1925, aged 74 years, 8 months and 11 days.

The funeral was held at the Methodist church at 2:30 p. m., on Sunday, July 5th, Rev. Matthews preaching the sermon, while Pastors Johnson and Underwood assisted in the service. Interment was in the Clearfield cemetery.

Mr. Franklin had been sick for several months and slipped away at last while loved ones watched at his beside. He was patient in his sufferings as he awaited the end, and appreciated the kindly attentions of all who tried to make his last hours more pleasant.

He was known by all in our community as a wide-awake public spirited man with a character unimpeachable. He had a gentle, kindly disposition, and faced the future with a Christian hope and certainty. He was a friend of all and in turn received the homage for all who knew him

Transcription by Lorelei Rusco, January of 2012

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