James was the son of William A Franklin and Margaret Brown. He married Leah Deemer on June 8, 1857 in Greene Co IA. They were the parents of 11 children: Arthur, Clara, Rachel, Joe, Maggie, Delia, Zed, and Lillie, Bertie and Minnie. He married 2nd Jane Gabert on June, 19, 1902.

February 11, 1920 - Jefferson Herald - James B. Franklin, of Rippey, was born in Indiana, and came to Muscatine county, Iowa, in 1843, and to this county in 1865.

JEFFERSON BEE - Wednesday, February 4th, 1920 - James B. Franklin, one of Greene county's oldest settlers, died at his home in Rippey last Wednesday.

He was born on January 20, 1837, being a little past 83 years of age. Mr. Franklin was born in Morgan county, Indiana, and came with his parents to Muscatine county, Iowa, when, he was seven years of age. He had therefore, resided in Iowa nearly all his life. On June 18, 1855, the family came to Greene county, Mr. Franklin's father the year before having taken as a homestead the land which James owned until the day of his death. This farm was his abiding place until six years ago, when he moved to Rippey. This is a record of his farm ownership and occupancy which is not equaled by anyone in the county.

On July 8, 1857, the subject of this sketch was wedded to Leah Deemer, a splendid wife and mother who passed away in April 1898. To this union wore born eleven children as follows: Arthur, now deceased; Mrs. Clara Dunbar, of Jefferson; Rachel VanCleave, of Strool, S.D.; Joe, of Powell, Wyo.; Mrs. Maggie Heater, of Des Moines; Delia Lieberknecht, of Ethan, S.D.; Zed Franklin, of Franklin township, and Lillie, Bertie and Minnie, now dead. There are also 21 grandchildren and 21 great grandchildren.

Mr. Franklin was again married on June, 19, 1902, to Jane Gabert, of Winterset, who, with the children named above, now mourn his death.

Mr. Franklin left a splendid life record, having been a faithful and devout follower of Christ nearly all his life. He was converted before the age of 20, and for 63 years, was a member of the United Brethren denomination. He organized the first Sunday school in Franklin township in 1860 and remained its superintendent and class leader until the infirmities of age made it impossible for him to continue in active work. The influence of his life upon the people of that locality is too great to be estimated by the finite mind. He led many to unite with the church, and his devout example in his daily life proved to all that he had found the Christ, and that the Savior of Mankind was the safe and sure anchor from all worldly sin and danger.

He was careful in his method of living, never given to anger or harsh speech, and all the important moves of his life were undertaken only after submitting the matter to his Lord and Savior. One by one the old settlers are leaving us. Mr. Franklin was one of only a very few who resided in Greene county before the war, and his departure is a source of deep grief to those who knew and associated with him during the pioneer days of this
locality.

One brother and one sister survive him, the brother being Mr. F.M. Franklin, formerly a Jefferson business man, who now resides in California, and who by reason of ill health, was unable to be present at the last sad rites. Of the living children all were here to pay their last fond respects to the deceased, and to drop tears upon his grave. The funeral took place from his late home in Rippey Sunday afternoon, with the service in charge of his former pastor, Elder Miller, of Des Moines. Burial took place in the Cooper cemetery.