Graphic collage © by Kristen Mohn '02

My Franklin Family

The earliest "proven" ancestor in my Franklin family line is BIRD FRANKLIN (b. 1806, Surry County, NC; d. 1890 Letcher County, KY), who along with his brother SHADRACH/SHADRICK FRANKLIN was in Scott County, VA in the 1820s and removed to Kentucky in the 1850s.

Bird and Shadrach were brothers of ABEL FRANKLIN, who settled in Floyd (now Johnson) County, Kentucky. 

JAMES FRANKLIN, who settled in the Littcarr area of Letcher (now Knott) County, Kentucky at about the same time may also have been a brother or near relative.  

Most sources report that the parents of Bird, Shadrach, and Abel were ABRAHAM (ABE) FRANKLIN and SALLIE SPEARS. The link to Sally is almost certain, since she shows up at various times in or adjacent to the households of the sons.  This Abraham, however, disappears from the record before 1820.  Researchers have also suggested that Abe was married to Lucille Vaughan -- however, it is highly likely that Abraham who was married to Lucille Vaughan was a different person, and very possibly the father of the Abraham who was married to Sallie Spears.

• Bird Franklin • Shadrach Franklin • Franklin Family Photos • Franklin Deaths in Letcher Co. •