• Index to Genealogies

Franklin of Burke County

The Franklin's of Burke County, North Carolina came from Virginia and settled first on Sherlock's Creek. William Franklin, born ca 1720 was first found in Burke County in 1780 when he signed a promissory note; and again on the 1783 census. After that, he apparently removed first to Wilkes County, Georgia where three of his sons were mentioned in the records there. Wife, Mary. William died 2/13/1797 in Washington County, Georgia. William was the founder of the Briar Creek Baptist Church in Wilkes County and Franklin College. William must have been well-known and a popular minister because two of his great-grandchildren were named after him (sons of Davis Smith). The Franklin's are said to have come to Georgia from Currituck County, North Carolina with the Mercers. As George Franklin married into that illustrious baptist family, there is a tiny trail of both families in Burke County. It seems logical that the Franklins and Mercers were circuit ministers who travelled around. William Franklin ultimately settled in Warren County in the Hwy 17 vicinity. The Franklin family appears to have some sort of relationship to the Amherst County, Virginia families of James and Samuel Franklin, sons of Henry. There was a deed in Wilkes County, Georgia of James Franklin which seemed to be selling lands in Wilkes County as part of an inheritance from someone in Amherst County, Virginia. (not clear). Issue:

• George Franklin, born 1744 in Virginia, died 1816 at Davisboro, Washington County, Georgia, buried in the family cemetery. He was first found in Burke County, North Carolina ca 1786, later removed to Wilkes, then Warren County, Georgia. He was married in 1770 to Vashti Mercer, born 1759 in Currituck County, North Carolina, died 9/1836 in Washington County, Georgia.
• Phileman Franklin, born ca 1750, found in Burke County in 1779 and in Wilkes County, Georgia in 1786.
• Zephaniah Franklin, born ca 1755, found in Burke County 1780, listed on 1794 Warren County, Georgia tax Digest. In 1809 he served on a general committee of Georgia Baptists at Mt. Enon. He was listed on the 1794 Tax Digest in Warren County as having 100 acres in Warren County adj. Carsons Creek; 1801 tax digest Wyatt Bonner declared for Zephaniah Franklin for 60 acres on Carsons Creek; 1805 tax digest Zephaniah Franklin, 350 acres on Carson's Creek.
• Martha H. Franklin, born 1765/1770, died 1825/1829 in Warren County, Georgia, married Alexander Smith (1770-1820) of Laurens County, Georgia. Issue: Davis Smith of Monroe County, Georgia.

Sources: Burke County Land Warrant #330, p. 111, 300 acres on a branch of Lower Creek to John Franklin where he now lives. 3/3/1778; Land Entry #1729, page 573, Phileman Freeman, 100 acres on Sherlock's Creek, a branch of Middle Creek 12/22/1779; #1594, p. 521, 100 acres on Sherlock's Creek to Phileman Franklin, beginning at the mouth of small branch that empties into the creek on the west side of creek, including Simon Camp for complement 8-3-1779; #11, John Franklin Sr., 120 acres on lower creek between his lower line to John Franklin Jr., beginning on the northeast side of the creek with his old line to McKineys. 12/18/1788; 1792-4 Wilkes County, Georgia Tax Digest, Capt. Davis' District - Phileman Franklin; Wilkes Deed Bk GG, page 107, Nathaniel Coats, sheriff to Robert Wells, 200 acres on Soap Creek sold at public outcry on 11/3/1786 purchased by Charles Duke and now relinquished to said Robert Wells, being the property of Phillemon Franklin against whom Stephen Heard and Thomas Duke obtained judgment on 4/7/1786.