Lewis Franklin (1758 - aft. 1842)

Born 1758 in Norfolk, Virginia

Husband of Millicent (Stone) Franklin — married about 21 Mar 1787 in Henry County, Virginia, United States of America [uncertain]

Descendants

Died after 11 Apr 1842 after age 84 in Fieldale, Henry, Virginia, United States

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Background Notes
While most of the Franklins who were born in and grew up in Orange County, Virginia prior to the Revolutionary War have been connected to Lawrence or Edward Franklin, there are a number of Franklin "orphans" of the same generation whose parents and relationships with each other are more of a mystery. These are:

• Lewis Franklin (b. 1758), probably the son of a Franklin woman and a Pearson man.
• Priscilla Franklin (b.1760), unknown parents.
• John Franklin (b.1760), unknown parents.
• Stephen Franklin (b 1761), probably the son of a Franklin woman and a McCauley male.
• James M Franklin (b. 1763), probably son of Amey Franklin and an unknown man.
• Absalom Franklin (b. 1764), proven son of Amey Franklin and an unknown man.

Y-DNA tests on descendants of these men show:

• the direct male descendants of Lawrence and Edward Franklin appear in family line FY06.
• the direct male descendants of Lewis Franklin appear in family line FY11 and have a Pearson ancestral Y lineage connection.
• the direct male descendants of John Franklin appear in family line FY14.
• the direct male descendants of Stephen Franklin appear in FY25 and they have a McCauley ancestral Y lineage connection.
• the direct male descendants of James M Franklin appear in family line FY19.
• the direct male descendants of Absalom Franklin appear in FY20

Based on circumstantial evidence, they may have been related to one another, and several have connections to the Pearson family of Orange County. Per Y-DNA test results, descendants of Lewis Franklin have a Pearson male as their ancestor, rather than a Franklin. Additionally, Lewis Franklin was a witness for the marriage of John Franklin to Mary Ann Pearson. Priscilla Franklin was a witness for John Pearson (Mary Ann Pearson's brother) and Betsy Goodrich. During the Revolutionary War, Lewis Franklin, Stephen Franklin, James Franklin and Absalom Franklin all served and had overlapping military connections and deployments. Stephen Franklin and James Franklin both moved to Lexington area of Kentucky and attended the same church. James Franklin stated in his revolutionary war pension application that his brother was Absalom Franklin — although Absalom was probably his half-brother per Y-DNA test results.

As mentioned above, the surname lineage of this Lewis Franklin appears to have a Non-Paternity Event (NPE); Y-DNA test results show them to be descended from the Pearson/Pierson family. It is most likely that Lewis Franklin had a Franklin mother and Pearson father and took his mother's surname (as his parents were probably unmarried). ^[1]

Biography

Lewis Franklin, the founder of one branch of the Franklin family in Henry County, Virginia was of English descent. He was born in Norfolk County, Virginia (now Chesapeake County) in 1755 according to the Bible of Isa Franklin Glass, and is known to have been living in Orange County, Virginia before 1778. He traveled back and forth through the mountain wilderness from Orange County to Surry County, North Carolina between 1778 and the winter of 1779 at which time he settled permanently in Henry County, Virginia.

His known places of residence are as follows:

1. May 1778 Orange county, Virginia ^{[2] [3]}
2. Jun 1778 Surry, North Carolina ^[4]
3. Abt Oct 1778 Orange, Virginia ^[4]
4. Abt Dec 1779 Henry, Virginia ^{[4] [3]}
5. 1820 Henry, Virginia ^[5]
6. 1830 Henry, Virginia ^[6]
7. 1840 Henry, Virginia ^[7]

He served several tours of duty in the Revolutionary War under Generals Gates and Nathaniel Greene. He was a private soldier and wagon driver from Orange County, Virginia; Surry County, North Carolina; and Henry County, Virginia. In 1778, he was ordered to Surry, North Carolina and during that year served in the Company of Captain William Underwood. He was stationed in the Hollows of the Dan and Arrarat Rivers to protect the people and property against Tories. His duty here lasted about two months and he returned to Orange County.

In 1779, he was drafted from Orange County, Virginia and served as a guard at the barracks near Charlottesville, Virginia over British Prisoners for six weeks and then went to Henry County for the winter. Here he served under Captain John Fontaine to fight the Tories who killed Captain Letcher. In the fall of 1780, he was again drafted and marched south to Guilford county to join General Greene’s army. From there he marched south to Charon Hills in South Carolina. He served the remainder of the war under Major John Reddin in the army of General Greene. He stated he was acquainted with General Greene, General Stephen, and General Washington. His grandson in Perrins History of Kentucky said he was at Yorktown when Cornwallis surrendered on October 19, 1781.

On March 21, 1787, he was married to Milly Stone, daughter of Eusebius and Susannah Stone who lived on the East Fork of Town Creek, by the Reverend Joseph Anthony. ^{[8] [9]} She was the only daughter among seven sons and was more than ten years younger than Lewis. She died some time between Aug. 13, 1841 and May 20, 1842. Her father, Eusebius, died in Jan. 1798.

Lewis and Milly had the following children: ^[10]

1. Stephen B Franklin, born about 1787
2. Elizabeth Franklin, born about 1790
3. Susannah Franklin, born about 1792
4. John Lewis Franklin, born about 1794
5. Eusebius "Sib" Franklin, born about 1795
6. Thomas H Franklin, born about 1800
7. Mary "Polly" Franklin, born about 1800
8. Jeremiah "Miar" Franklin, born about 1801
9. Millicent "Milly" Franklin, born about 1802
10. Lewis Franklin, born about 1807
11. William Henry Franklin, born about 1811
12. George Waller Franklin, born about 1813
13. Nancy Franklin, born about 1815

He appears as a witness on the Deed of Trust of Joseph Phifer to James Baker on 09 Mar 1797 in Henry County. The first recorded land purchase found for Lewis occurred on April 25, 1791, when Stanwix, William, and John Hord sold 50 acres to him. He eventually accumulated several hundred acres on the south side of the Smith River and built his home about one mile north of Waller's ford, near the present day village of Fieldale, Virginia. Evidence of this is found in a deed ddated 26 Mar 1803 wherein it is stated "Henry Line of Henry County to Lewis Franklin of the same for the sum of forty five pounds sells 100 acres more or less thta joins George Waller, John Cox and Hord." Wild game abounded in the area and domestic turkeys, geese, and swine roamed freely. Smith River yielded a bountiful supply of fresh fish and turtles and there were many fresh water springs. Aside from the usual feed crops, the principal crop down through the years was tobacco which was flue-cured in log tobacco barns. Tobacco was the current form of currency for a while. He was a contemporary of Patrick Henry and served on local committees with him. He built new roads in the county when called upon to do so and was apparently a very worthy citizen. His pension application #S-8519 is filed in the National Archives. He stated at this time he was 74 years old, making his birth year 1758. His pension was granted at $46.66 dollars annually with back pay of $139.98. Lewis died in March 20, 1842 at his home in Henry County, Virginia at the age of 84. Both he and his wife are buried in the family cemetery about 100 yards from the original house.

Pension

Revolutionary War Pension Claim S.8519 ^[3] shows that Lewis Franklin enlisted in Surry County, North Carolina, in 1776, having moved there from Orange County, Virginia, and served about two months as a private in Captain William Underwood's North Carolina Company. Having moved back to Orange County, Virginia, in the fall of 1778, he enlisted in 1779 and served six weeks in Captain Garland Burnley's Virginia Regiment. Having moved back to Henry County, Virginia, in the winter of 1779, he enlisted during that winter and served one month in Captain John Fontaine's Company, Colonel Abram Penn's Virginia Regiment. He enlisted in the fall of 1780 and served four months in Captain John Fontaine's Virginia Company. He immediately enlisted and served one month in Captain Bruce Martin's Company, Colonel James Ryan's Virginia Regiment. He enlisted in 1781 and served five months as a wagoner under Major John Redd and John Rowland, whose rank is not stated. He was allowed pension on his application executed Nov. 13, 1832, while a resident of Henry County, Virginia, age 74 years. ^[11]

Will

Court records of Henry County, Virginia, include will of Lewis Franklin, mentioning "my beloved wife" and three of his children mentioned by their names. This was dated April 11, 1842. Court records of Henry County, Virginia, show suit in Court of Lewis Franklin which mentioned the names of his eleven children, William, Rilly, Polly, Nancy, Stephen, John, George, Sebeas, Lewis, Mire and Susan. ^[11][12]

I, Lewis Franklin, of Henry county and state of Virginia being old and infirm though of sound mind and disposing memory, and having been blessed with a small portion of this world's goods and being desirous of disposing of the same, do make this my last will and testament in manner and form following (that is to say);

First, I desire that immediately after my decease that the perishable part of my estate be sold and out of the moneys arising therefrom all of my just debts, if any, and funeral expenses be paid or so much of the perishable part of my estate as will satisfy my just debts and funeral expenses.

Secondly, I desire that the balance of my estate both real and personal be my beloved wife's for and during her natural life and for the support of my family now living with me, and after her death to my children as follows: I give to my daughter Polly Franklin one negro girl named bets as a special gift for her kindness to me and my wife in taking care of us in our old age. Also one horse, one cow & calf, and one feather bed and furniture.

I give to my daughter Milley Franklin one negro girl named Dolly as a special gift for her kindness to me and my wife in taking care of us in our old age. Also one horse, one cow & calf, and one feather bed and furniture.

I give to my daughter Nancy and the heirs of her body one horse and cow, & calf as a special gift.

I desire that my two daughters Polly and Milley shall have my land during their natural life and that my daughter Nancy is to have a home in it as long as she will occupy it.

Also, her children to be raised from the proceeds of my estate till they become of age. I also desire that they shall have all the crop that may be on the plantation at my death and the death of my wife with all the plantation tools and kitchen furniture.

I desire that after the death of my wife if she is the longest live; if not, after my death that all of the remaining part of my estate not devised shall be equally divided between all of my children. Betty to choose who she will live with of my family. [note: Betty was an elderly servant]

Lastly, I do hereby constitute and appoint my friends John T. Woottan and Wm. A. Taylor my executors to this my last will and testament hereby revoking all other former wills heretofore made by me. In witness whereof I hereunto set my hand and seal this the thirteenth day of august one thousand eight hundred and forty-one. Signed and sealed in the presence of us: Richard Wells; John H. Traylor, Jr; John P.H. Taylor. Lewis Franklin

Memorandum made this the 20th day of March 1842:

Whereas by my last will & testament made the 13th. Day of august 1841, I have bequeathed to my daughters Polly, Milly, & Nancy certain property & in addition to the bequests were made, I now devise to them jointly for & during their natural lives one negro man named Jonathan, & in case of the death of either of them then to the survivors or Survivor & at the death of all then I devise the said negro man Jonathan to be sold & the money arising from such sale to be equally divided among the rest of my children. This codicil made & added to my last will and testament this day and year first above written. Lewis Franklin

Acknowledged in presents of us: S.P. Stovall D. Campbell John salmon At a court held for Henry county 11 April 1842.

The foregoing last will and testament of Lewis Franklin was produced in court & proven by the oaths of the subscribing witnesses and ordered to be recorded and afterwards to wit at a court held for said county 9th. May 1842, John T. Woottan, one of the executors named in the said will came into court and renounced his right to qualify as such, whereupon William A. Taylor the other executor qualified as such and with John T. Wootan and Henry g. Mullins his sureties enter into and acknowledged a bond in the penalty of $8,000. Conditioned according to law. Teste: Anthony M. Dupuy CK

Sources

1. ↑ Connection to Pearson/Pierson line was verified by perfect 67 Y-chromosome marker match between descendants of Lewis Franklin and multiple documented Pierson/Pearson descendents. Note that Lawrence Franklin and Michael Pearson were neighbors in Orange county, Virginia; one possibility is that Lewis Franklin was a grandchild of these men by a Franklin female and a Pearson male. See Orange county map showing Pearsons and Franklins
2. ↑ Traces, South Central Kentucky Historical and Genealogical Society, (Location: Glasgow, Kentucky; Date: Volume 17, Issue 4, 1989;).
3. ↑ ^{3.0 3.1 3.2} http://revwarapps.org/s8519.pdf
4. ↑ ^{4.0 4.1 4.2} Pension Application, National Archives, (Name: Heritage Quest online;), S8519.
5. ↑ "United States Census, 1820," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHLZ-LYN : accessed 22 July 2017), Lewis Franklin, Henry, Virginia, United States; citing p. 30, NARA microfilm publication M33, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 139; FHL microfilm 193,698.
6. ↑ "United States Census, 1830," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XH5F-1XN : 18 August 2015), Lewis Franklin, Henry, Virginia, United States; citing 191, NARA microfilm publication M19, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 195; FHL microfilm 29,674.
7. ↑ "United States Census, 1840," database with images, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XHBM-Y89 : 24 August 2015), Lewis Franklin, Henry, Virginia, United States; citing p. 279, NARA microfilm publication M704, (Washington D.C.: National Archives and Records Administration, n.d.), roll 561; FHL microfilm 29,687.
8. ↑ Henry County, Virginia, Marriage Bonds, 1778-1849 Title: Henry County, Virginia, Marriage Bonds, 1778-1849 Author: From Ancestry.com database Paranthetical: N
9. ↑ "Virginia Marriages, 1785-1940," database, FamilySearch (https://familysearch.org/ark:/61903/1:1:XRHL-SHH : 5 December 2014), Lewis Franklin and Milly Stone, 21 Mar 1787; citing Henry, Virginia, reference p 155; FHL microfilm 31,990.
10. ↑ History of One Branch of the Franklin Family, Franklin, Jr., James William, (Name: Sons of the Revolution Library; Date: 1978;). The book lists the children of Lewis Franklin, and this list can be seen online at: https://www.ancestry.com/boards/localities.northam.usa.states.virginia.counties.henry/385.1/mb.ashx
11. ↑ ^{11.0 11.1} R. Millicent Shumacher, Franklin/Arrington Family History, 1960
12. ↑ See attached Will & Probate of Lewis Franklin