A note to family researchers: A number of Franklin's siblings and descendants battled "female cancers" - primarily breast and uterine. If this is your line, please stay vigilant; the number of cases (8) shows us this is familial and not a fluke.


Frank was born in Berrysburg Pennsylvania and like his siblings, baptized at Peace United Church of Christ (Union Salem's Kirche) on May 27, 1894.

Franklin's place of rest is being sought as well as his obituary. Twice married, his first wife was Elizabeth Forry with whom he had a son Gilbert, and a daughter Elsie Marie, who did not live long due to the influenza epidemic.

His early adult years must have been very difficult. He lost his father in 1916. Then, in rapid succession he married, got ready for WWI service, had a daughter who died, became ill and unable to serve in the war, had a son, and then his marriage ended. A lot of changes, both good and bad.

In his second marriage to Rebecca "Bessie" Marks, whom he married in New York, he had five children - Albert, Sylvia, Gertrude, Bertha and Joan. This line is being worked on presently.

Frank's first census appearance is as a child in 1900 on the census in Dauphin County PA in Mifflin Township, Berrysburg. Age 7, he is at home with his parents and mostly older siblings - Daniel age 16, Lila 14, George 12, Merrill 11, Naomi 10, Mary 9, Donald 5, Anna Laura 2, and Rhoda 1. Living with the family also is Ralph, father George's little brother.

1910 finds Frank still at home but the family has moved to Harrisburg. All the same siblings are there, but a new sister is Frieda, age 7.

In 1916, his father died. By June of 1917, Frank was registered for the draft. On his card he claims exemption due to having a wife and child. His home address is New Cumberland, Pennsylvania, and he works as a cable splicer for Bethlehem Steel in Steelton, Pennsylvania. He is described as being of medium height and build, with brown eyes and dark hair.

I was unable to locate Frank on the 1920 census, but it is clear his first marriage had changed or was changing; his wife Lizzie lives with her parents, John and Emma Forry, as well as her sister Hattie. Lizzie's son with Frank is also in the household, Gilbert, age 2. Frank is not present.

1930's census shows him with his new wife Bessie and children Albert (9), Sylvia (7), Gertude (5) and Bertha (2). The family lives in Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey. Eldest child Albert's age suggests how long the couple has been together. Frank shows as born in PA, Bessie in Russia, and the children all in New Jersey.

I was unable to find Frank and Bessie and family in 1940's census. His WWII draft card of 1942 has him still in Elizabeth, Union County, New Jersey.