Obits of Dr. Albert James Franklin (b.1852 d.1911), Fairbault Co., MN 

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DEATH'S SUDDEN SUMMONS - Dr. Albert J. Franklin Stricken 
Monday Evening:  While the summons of death has shocked the 
people of Blue Earth upon many occasions in past years, none were 
prepared for the suddenness of the taking off of our beloved citizen, 
Dr. A. J. Franklin which occurred Monday evening, October 9th.   
He had been at his office as usual during the day, in fact assisted in 
a surgical operation during the afternoon, and to all outward 
appearances in his usual health and vigor.  About 5 o'clock he went 
home and after a short conversation with his daughter, Miss Hope, 
went to the barn to attend to the evening chores.  In the meantime 
supper was prepared.  After a considerable time, his absence 
became an anxiety on the part of the daughter and Mrs. Stevens, an 
aunt of Miss Hope, and they went to the barn.  They found him 
near the door, where he had apparently fallen upon entering.  
Apoplexy is given as the cause.  Mrs. Franklin was at Montevideo 
at the time visiting a daughter, Mrs. Hazel Heiberg.  They are 
expected to arrive this evening.

There are few men in Faribault county enjoying a wider scope of 
acquaintances and faithful friendships, than did A. J. Franklin.  He 
was born in Leads, Columbia county, Wisconsin, April 3, 1852, and 
with his father and mother came to this county in 1861, settling in 
Verona township.  The father died some years ago, but the good 
mother survives.  He attended the Blue Earth schools for a number 
of years, and then took up the study of medicine under Dr. Winch 
for a while, thence to the Medical and Surgical school at Keokuk, 
Iowa, from which he graduated in 1876 or 1877.  May 23, 1877, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Lillie Nichols of this county.

The immediate surviving relatives are the wife, two daughters - 
Mrs. Hazel Heiberg of Montevideo, Hope of this city, one son, 
Floyd, residing on the old farm in Verona, the mother, one sister, 
Mrs. A. W. Wise of Verona, and one brother Ernest F. of this city, 
the latter being at this time in Texas.

In the practice of medicine in Blue Earth for thirty three years, few 
men following that profession could scarcely have surrounded 
themselves with more devoted friends than did the subject of this 
sketch.  In the earlier part of his practice, calls came from the 
farthermost parts of the county, the country new and roads 
invariably bad, frequently being compelled to swim the streams - yet 
he was faithful to duty in the face of many trials and dangers.  Chief 
among the mourners of his untimely taking off, are the older 
residents who loved him for his faithfulness and efficiency as a 
doctor, friend and adviser.

As a citizen of the town, he was ever to be found on the side of 
right and justice.  While never seeking the position, he was honored 
with being elected coroner of the county times without number.  He 
was a member of the two Masonic bodies represented in this city.  
Was well versed in Masonry, occupying at various times the 
Master's Chair in the Blue lodge and the highest honors conferred 
for efficiency in the Royal Arch branch of Masonry.

As we write no definite arrangements for date of funeral have been 
made.  "Taken from the Blue Earth Post - Tuesday, October 10, 
1911."
_________

Obituary in the Faribault County Register on October 19, 1911:

DR. FRANKLIN LAID TO REST - Funeral on Spacious Lawn of 
his Residence - Nearly 1000 People Present -  Rev. T. A. Jones 
Gave Sketch of His Life Work - Masons Take Charge Funeral 
Services

As announced in the Register last week Dr. Albert James Franklin 
died suddenly Monday night, October 9, 1911 between the hours of 
6 and 7 o'clock, aged 60 years, 6 months and 6 days.

He had operated upon Mrs. Patrick Daly, of this city the afternoon 
of his demise.   Mrs. Franklin was at Montevideo, Minn., visiting 
her daughter, Mrs. Arthur Heiberg, at the time of his death.  Mrs. 
Stevens, her sister, and Miss Hope were those at the home at the 
time.

The late Dr. Franklin was born at Leeds, Columbia county, 
Wisconsin, April 3, 1851.  When ten years of age he moved to this 
county with his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Frederick Franklin.  The 
father died furing the early part of the year 1876.  The mother, Mrs. 
Jane Franklin, who is aged 76 years, resides in this city, and lives 
with her now only son, Ernest F. Franklin, in the west part of the 
city.

After coming to Blue Earth the youth attended the village school 
here and later studied medicine under Dr. Winch, after which he 
attended the Medical and Surgical School at Keokuk, Iowa where 
he graduated about 1877.

Dr. Franklin was married to Miss Lillie Nichols, at her parental 
home near Delavan, May 23, 1877.  Besides the wife and mother, 
he leaves one son, Floyd, who is on one of his father's farms in 
Verona township; Mrs. Arthur Heiberg of Montevideo; and Miss 
Hope, who resides at home; one brother, Ernest F. Franklin, of this 
city, and one sister Mrs. A. W. Wise, who resides near this city.  At 
the time of his death his brother Ernest was in the state of Texas, 
where he had gone on Business matters a few weeks before.

At the announcement of Dr. Franklin's death last week Monday, not 
only the city phones, but those throughout the surrounding country 
were kept busy announcing the sad news to those who he had 
treated so patiently for over 33 years. One woman, upon hearing of 
his death wept, and stated that Dr. Franklin had officiated at her 
birth, and in her parents' family and since she was married in her 
own home, and it seemed like losing one of her own kin.

Dr. Franklin was held in the highest esteem by all who knew him.  
A very modest man, never seeking in any way notoriety.  He never 
put himself forward but took a deep interest in his home and family, 
and was one of the most faithful members of the Masonic Lodge of 
this city.  He had been master of the lodge for several years; also 
trustee, and always had the interests of the order on his mind.  He 
had held the office of county coroner for a number of terms and 
was holding this office at the time of his death.  He was one of Blue 
Earth's best citizens, and was oldest doctor in Faribault county.

The funeral was held on the spacious lawn in front of the home, 
where nearly a thousand people gathered from far and near to pay 
their last respects of the departed.  The sermon was preached by 
Rev. T. A. Jones, of the Methodist church, assisted by Rev. O. V. 
Siniff, the new pastor of the local M. E. church.  Rev. Jones told 
the many fine traits of character and manliness and courage that the 
doctor had shown during time he had known him in the past five 
years.  So unassuming, yet bold to stand for the truth and own the 
name of his Master when his religion was assailed.  The Masons 
attended and formed on each side of the sidewalk approaching the 
home and took full charge of the services.  The remains were laid to 
rest in the Blue Earth cemetery.  The immediate relatives were all 
present at the funeral.

The sympathy of the who community is extended to the bereaved 
ones in their time of deep grief.
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