History of Franklin, Massachusetts, USA

1660 - Franklin is settled

Massachusetts City and Town Incorporation and Settlement Dates

1737 - On December 23rd, Governor Jonathan Belcher signed papers giving legal existence to the West Precinct of Wrentham, later to become Franklin.

http://www.virtualnorfolk.org/

1778 - (Franklin) On Mar 2nd, the West Precinct of Wrentham officially became an independent town.
The name for the new town would be Exeter. The treaty of France, a project Ben Franklin had been working on for 3 years, had just been signed. Because of this, Jabez Fisher, a local patriot had the new town's name switched to Franklin, prior to its incorporation.
http://www.virtualnorfolk.org/

1786 - A donation of books from Ben Franklin to act as the start of a Franklin town library arrived in Franklin.

virtualnorfolk.org

Read more about Benjamin FRANKLIN

1795 - In January a committee in Franklin was chosen to locate new schoolhouses and six districts were laid out,

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1839 - Franklin
Franklin, Massachusetts
Norfolk county. Charles river and its branches afford Franklin a good water power. It was taken from Wrentham in 1778. There are five cotton mills in the town, and manufactures of straw bonnets, shoes, boots, boxes, and boats; total amount of manufactures in one year, $210,472, of which $160,186 were for straw bonnets, for which this town is celebrated. Franklin lies 27 miles S.W. by S. from Boston, and 17 S.S.W. from Dedham. Population, 1837, 1,696.
The New England Gazetteer containing descriptions of all the states, counties and towns in New England: also descriptions of the principal mountains, rivers lakes, capes, bays, harbors, islands and fashionable resorts within that territory. By John Hayward, author of the Columbian Traveller, Religious Creeds, &c. &c. Boston: John Hayward. Boyd & White, Concord, N.H. 1839

1845. FRANKLIN. [Pop. 1,717. Inc. 1778.]
Before its incorporation, Franklin was a part of Wrentham.

It was named after Dr. Franklin, who acknowledged the honor by a present of books. He had been advised to give them a Bell, but he said, ' He hoped they preferred sense to sound.'

Dr. Nathaniel Emmons, a venerable theologian, spent a long life and a long ministry here.

The chief manufactures are straw bonnets and cotton cloth.

Distance from Dedham, 17 miles ; from Boston, 27.
An Elementary Geography for Massachusetts Children by William Bentley Fowle and Asa Fitz, 1845
Get it HERE!

1848 - Franklin
FRANKLIN was set off from Wrentham, in 1737. as a distinct parish, and incorporated as a town by the name of Franklin* in 1778. A church was organized here in 1738, and Rev. Elias Haven was ordained pastor the same year. He died of the consumption. in 1754. About six years after the death of Mr. Haven, Rev. Caleb Barnum took the, pastoral charge, in which office he continued about eight years, when, difficulties increasing, he resigned. When the Revolutionary war commenced, he was appointed chaplain in the western army, and died in the camp, in 1776. Rev. Nathaniel Emmons, D. D., succeeded Mr. Barnum, and was ordained in 1773, and continued pastor for fifty four years. He was succeeded in the ministry by Rev. E. Smalley, who was ordained here in 1829.

The above is a southern view of the residence of the venerable Nathaniel Emmons, D. D. This house was built by Mr. Haven, the first minister of this town. It stands about half a mile south of the Congregational church. The first... Read MORE...

1854 - Franklin
Franklin, a post-township of Norfolk co., Mass., on the Norfolk CO., railroad 27 miles S. W. from Boston. Pop. 1818.
A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

1859
FRANKLIN, a township of Norfolk co., in the state of Massachusetts, 31 m. SSW of Boston, watered by Charles river and its branches. Pop. 1,717.
A Gazetteer of the World: Or, Dictionary of Geographical Knowledge, Publisher A. Fullarton, 1859

1880 - Beet Sugar Company
A beet sugar company has been formed at Franklin, Mass., and the machinery is already ordered. The works will be nearly as extensive as those of the Maine Beet Sugar company. A paper called the Sugar Planter has been started at Franklin, devoted to the sugar interests of America. It is stated that there is talk of starting a factory in Aroostook county, Maine.
genealogybank.com
New Hampshire Patriot
New Hampshire
February 12, 1880

Franklin Massachusetts, 1890
Franklin is a progressive and pleasant town lying in the southwest part of Norfolk County, 27 miles southwest of Boston by the New York and New England Railroad, whose main line passes through the midst of the town, while its Woonsocket Division has a station at the northwest corner. The town is bounded on the north by Medway, on the east by Norfolk and Wrentham, on the south by the latter, and on the west by Bellingham.

The assessed area is 15,629 acres. Of this 4,616 are covered mainly with a growth of oak and pine. The principal rock is sienite, in which fine specimens of amethyst have been found. The soil varies in different parts from a light sandy or gravelly loam to a good heavy loam. The town is elevated, with a hilly region bounding it on the south, and groups of hills extending from the western side across the middle of the town. Near the centre are three interesting sheets of water,— Uncas Pond, of 17 acres, Beaver, of 20, and Population Pond, of 300. Mine Brook, their... Read MORE...

1895 - Franklin
Franklin, a post-village in Franklin township, Norfolk to., Mass., on the New York & New England Railroad, 27 miles S.W. of Boston, and about 20 miles N. of Providence, It contains 5 churches, a national bank, a savings-bank, an academy, and 2 newspaper offices, Pop. about 1200; of the township, 4831. It has manufactures of straw goods, feltings, shoddy, and rubber shoes.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

1900 - CHURCH BURNED.
Franklin, Mass., June 27 - St. Mary's Catholic Church, one of the largest structures in town, was totally burned early last evening the vestments and service books alone being saved. The loss is estimated at $30,000, partially insured. The fire started in the front of the building near the door, but its origin is not known. The church has been closed since last February.
Pawtucket Times
Pawtucket, Rhode Island
June 28, 1900

1916
Franklin, a banking post-village in Franklin township (town), Norfolk co., Mass., on the New York, New Haven and Hartford R., 27 miles SW. of Boston. The town has manufactures of pianos, straw-, cotton- and woollen-goods. It is the seat of Dean Academy. Pop. of the town in 1900, 5017.
Lippincotts New Gazetteer: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World, Containing the Most Recent and Authentic Information Respecting the Countries, Cities, Towns, Resorts, Islands, Rivers, Mountains, Seas, Lakes, Etc., in Every Portion of the Globe, Part 1 Angelo Heilprin Louis Heilprin - January 1, 1916 J.B. Lippincott - Publisher

1954 - FIVE TRAPPED CHILDREN DIE DURING FIRE. PERISH IN FARM HOUSE BEDROOM; FATHER SAVES MOTHER AND YOUNGEST INFANT.
Franklin, Mass., (AP) - Five helpless children, trapped in their bedroom by flames, died a few minutes before midnight in a roaring farmhouse fire.

Their father, REGINALD DE BAGGIS, 30, a polisher at the Attleboro plant of Swank Jewelry Co., rescued his wife MAUREEN, 29, and their youngest child, DIANE, 6 months.
The dead were SHIRLEY, 7; DONALD, 6; MARGARET, 4; JOANNE, 3; and REGINA, 2.

Dr. Walter Crowley, medical examiner, said they apparently suffocated although some of the bodies were charred.

DE BAGGIS said a kitchen oil stove exploded as the family was preparing for bed about 11:45.

The five older children were asleep directly above the kitchen. Their parents and the baby were downstairs in a room adjoining the kitchen.
"I grabbed a blanket and ran into the kitchen and tried to smother the fire," the grief-stricken father said. "It didn't do any good. The flames burst all over the place."

"The flames spread so quickly I wasn't able to make it up the stairway off ... Read MORE...

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Franklin:
Franklin State Forest:

If you enjoy the great outdoors, Franklin State Forest is a perfect spot for hiking, biking, and picnicking. There are several well-maintained trails to explore, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature.

DelCarte Conservation Area:

This beautiful conservation area features a serene pond where you can fish, kayak, or enjoy a leisurely walk along the trails. It's an excellent place to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Historic Downtown Franklin:

Stroll through downtown Franklin and explore its historic charm. You'll find quaint shops, local restaurants, and beautiful architecture. Don't forget to stop by the Franklin Common, a lovely park in the heart of the town.

Franklin Historical Museum:

If you're interested in the town's history, the Franklin Historical Museum is a must-visit. It showcases artifacts and exhibits that tell the story of Franklin's past, from its early days to its industrial era.

Dean College:

Take a walk... Read MORE...