Wilhelm G. Franke

He attended school (the university) at Hanover until he was 16 years old. He left school to take care of his mother and his brothers and sisters following the death of his father.

He did not like the work in the tannery and induced his mother to dispose of it and divide the proceeds. He received as his share about 3000 marks. He was then 30 years of age.

William then sailed for America and worked for Patschkie. (Here he probably lost his inheritance although rumor has stated that he lost his money in a cargo of pianos which were lost at sea during a storm). This probably happened about 1844 as he returned to Germany in 1848. He apparently sailed for America on August 30, 1860 and returned again to sail April 4, 1862 with his wife Gertrude Prammal Franke.

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Obituaries:

Saturday, August 16, 1884, Microfilm Roll 26712. "Died, Frank - At his home on the Ohio Reform School road, Monday, august 11, 1884, Wm. Frank, aged 70 years. Funeral Tuesday, Rev. G. W. Mechling officiating.", The Gazette, Lancaster, Ohio. Ohio Historical Society.

Thursday, August 14, 1884, Microfilm Roll 25648. "FRANKE - William C. Franke, who has for many years resided near the Reform Farm, and was well and favorable known to many of our citizens, departed this life on the 11th inst., aged 70 years and 8 days.

"He was a native of Hanover, Germany, and first came to this country in 1848. He leaves a wife, whom he married in Germany in 1860, and four children. May he rest in peace.", Ohio Eagle, Lancaster, Ohio. Ohio Historical Society.

research provided by: Jane Wickert