Maricopa County AZ Archives Biographies.....Franklin, A. M. 1857 - living in 1896
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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Joy Fisher sdgenweb@yahoo.com March 8, 2005, 4:40 am

Author: McFarland & Poole

p. 601-602

  A. M. FRANKLIN. There is not a more popular citizen and official in Maricopa
County, Arizona, than A. M. Franklin, who is now Secretary of Territorial Board
of Equalization. He is a product of the old town of San Diego, California, born
December 23, 1857; son of Maurice A. and Victoria (Jacobs) Franklin, both
natives of England. The parents were married in this country. The father crossed
the ocean in 1849 and the longer he remained in this country the greater
Englishman he became, not on account of the people but on account of the
government. He settled in San Diego, built what is known as the old Franklin
House in 1855 or '56 and for many years was an old land mark. He assisted in
building the old Tom Scott railroad. Mr. Franklin was a prominent leader in all
secret organizations and was well known in those circles. A Jew by birth he
lived up to his native creed of religion and passed his last days in California.
His death was caused by an accident that occurred in 1851, while damming up a
creek for a gold placer. Mrs. Franklin died in 1862. Our subject is the elder of
the two children born to this worthy couple. Selim M., an able attorney, resides
in Tucson, Arizona. A. M. Franklin grew to manhood in California, received his
education in the University at Burkley, but when his father died he left college
and for some time was in his grandfather's office in San Francisco. From there
he went to San Bernardino, his old home, and embarked in general news and
stationery business, but only carried this on a short time when he sold out and
in April, 1876, came to Arizona, locating at Tucson. He came by stage from
Colton, California, and was four nights and three days on the way. During that
trip he encountered a severe sand storm and was almost suffocated. The water and
food supply was very poor and they suffered considerably from thirst and hunger.
Pork and beans was a dollar a plate. After arriving at Tucson Mr. Franklin
entered the employ of his uncles, L. M. and B. M. Jacobs, wholesale merchants,
and there remained until 1879. While a resident of Tucson he was elected
Supervisor of Pi-ma County and subsequently resided in a portion of the county
that was cut off and added to Graham County. He filled that position in Graham
County1 two terms, but the county was so wild, the Indians so numerous and
hostile, that he disposed of his effects and in 1885 moved to Tucson. While in
Graham County he practiced law in connection with other enterprises and after
coming to Tucson was with the firm of Jeffords & Franklin until March, 1887. He
then moved to Tempe and formed a co-partnership with T. L. Schultz in real
estate, loans, etc. They were self constituted in this business and it is said
that they brought more people into Salt River Valley than any other two men
residing in the Territory. They have been identified with every colonization
proposition in the valley, as well as water propositions, and were general
agents for all the consolidated canal property. These wide-awake men issued a
pamphlet giving true facts of the valley and this has been widely circulated.
They were instrumental in having an act passed by Legislature, exempting a good
many factories from taxation, this with a view to making more profitable homes
for more people. In March, 1895, Mr. Franklin and Mr. Smith dissolved
partnership and the former purchased the interest of Howard C. Boone of the firm
of Boone & Lewis, general agents for the Territory of Arizona for New York Life
Insurance Company; and for some time has represented that company. In August,
1895, Mr. Franklin was elected Secretary of territorial Board of Equalization,
which position he now holds. From 1884 until the present time he has held the
position of notary public. Mr. Franklin is now interested in agricultural
pursuits and owns some good alfalfa land upon which, each season, he fats cattle
for the market. He was secretary and director of Tempe Canal Company and its
branches, and for some time resided at Tempe, Arizona. He is a member of the I.
O. O. F. and Oriental Order of Humility. In the month of October, 1895, Mr.
Franklin married Miss Eliza A. Wildman, of Arizona. This enterprising and
pushing young man may be classed among the pioneers of Arizona, having settled
in this section when all was wild and undeveloped. He is a Democrat in politics
and an active worker for his party. He has had many exciting adventures since
his residence in Arizona, and he was one of the organizers of the State Militia
in 1884.


Additional Comments:
From:

A Historical and Biographical Record of the Territory of Arizona
Published by
McFarland & Poole, Chicago, 1896

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