San Joaquin County Biographies
Ref: Page 932
Transcribed by: Linda Diane Jackson 12/25/2009
WILLIAM THOMAS FRANKLIN
Among the most thorough and practical viticulturists of the Lodi section is William Thomas Franklin, who has been reared on a farm and has studied grape culture from all angles. He was born on his father's ranch six mioles west of Lodi on July 25, 1864. His father, Rufus Franklin, was born in Arkansas and made his first trip to California, crossing the plains with an ox-team, in 1848; however, he returned to the East and when he came back to California in 1853 he came via the Isthmus of Panama. As a young man, he worked on ranches throughout San Joaquin County and in the early '60s took up a Government claim of 160 acres six miles west of Lodi, on which ranch our subject was born; later he acquired more land, in the same vicinity, on which he raised grain. He planted the first large vineyard of wine grapes, principally Zinfandels, in the county, consisting of eighty acres, his cuttings coming from Napa County. He was a member of the Jefferson lodge of Odd Fellows in Woodbridge. He married Miss Elvira Lynch, a native of Missouri, and they became the parents of eight children, three of whom are deceased; the five living are: Mrs. J. Burrill of Berkeley, Jessie Louis of Stockton, Amos W. on the home place, William Thomas, our subject, and Mrs. Florence E. Wood of Oakland.
When a boy, William Thomas attended the district schools of San Joaquin County and when he was ten years old learned to plow and do other kinds of farm work. After the death of his father he took charge of the home place; he planted 165 acres to Tokay grapes and in 1919 sold his interest in the home farm.
Mr. Franklin married Miss Nileta M. Thompson, a native of Kansas, and they have two children, Nileta C. and Harold W., who is married and has two children. In 1914, Mr. Franklin became outside man for the Pacific Fruit Exchange of Lodi, in which capacity he is giving most efficient service, for his years of experience and close touch with the grape industry make him invaluable. Fraternally he is a member of Woodbridge Lodge, No. 131, F. & A.M. He is an upright and honorable citizen in every sense of the word and has the good will of all with whom he has come in contact.
History of
SAN JOAQUIN COUNTY
CALIFORNIA
With A
Biographical Review
of
The Leading Men and Women of the County Who Have Been
Identified with Its Growth and Development
from the Early Days to the Present
HISTORY BY
George H. Tinkham
HISTORIC RECORD COMPANY
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA
1923
San Joaquin County Biographies ~ Archive Biography Index ~ Archive Index
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