Hiram Franklin

 

SOURCE: "History of Champaign County, Illinois with Illustrations," 1878

SURNAMES: BEEVES, FRANKLIN, HESSE, MINER

HIRAM FRANKLIN

Was born April 11th, 1827, in Vigo county, Indiana. The Franklin family are of English stock. Gehiel FRANKLIN, the first of whom we have any definite knowledge, emigrated from England about the middle of the last century, and settled in Connecticut, but afterward removed to Pennsylvania. This gentleman had a son whom he called Benjamin, and who was the grandfather of him whose name stands at the head of this article. Benjamin moved to Ontario county, New York, where Thomas FRANKLIN, Hiram's father, was born. Thomas Franklin married a lady named Anna BEEVES, and in 1820, located in Vigo county, Indiana, where Hiram was born. There were seven children in the family, but all have died except two; the wife of Charles MINER, and the subject of this sketch. Mr. Franklin remained in his native county, until about twenty- three years old; either engaged upon the farm, or attending the common school in that vicinity. He came to this county in 1850, and for some time made his home with his brother-in-law, Charles Miner, in Hensley township.

On the l4th of February, 1856, he was married to Sophia HESSE, a native of Maryland, but at that time living in this county. Mr. Franklin engaged in farming in Hensley township, until 1863, at which time he located where he still lives.

Quite a change has been made in the surroundings since Mr. Franklin bought his farm, which is an evidence of his industry. Five children are still living, and five have gone to rest.