From HISTORY OF SHELBY COUNTY, IOWA --
THOMAS N. FRANKLIN:
The gentleman to whom attention is directed in this review had attained prestige by reason of native and acquired ability because of prominence of his position in banking circles and by reason of his high standing in the domain of citizenship. He takes a deep and abiding interest in everything pertaining to the material advancement of his city and county and lends his hearty support to every enterprise intended to promote the advancement of Shelby County.
His family was one of those who had the distinction of being numbered among the pioneers of the Groves, Mr. Franklin has lived the greater part of his life within the borders of his home county. As vice-president of the oldest financial institution in Shelby county he holds a position of honor, trust and responsibility in the community.
Thomas N. FRANKLIN, vice-president of the Shelby County State Bank, was born June 10, 1864, in Summit County, Utah, and was the son of Thomas J. FRANKLIN, a native of England. The father was an officer in the British Army before coming to America and came of an excellent English family. He emigrated to this county about 1850, and after spending some time in the Middle West he journeyed to Utah a few years after the great migration of Mormon settlers or Latter Day Saints. He became affiliated with this denomination and took some part in establishing the settlements in the state founded by the Latter Day Saint leaders. He was one of the officers of the church organization in Utah, but in 1870 he renounced his belief in the faith of this church and united with the Reorganized Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, after which he moved to Missouri where he died some years afterwards. The wife of Thomas J. FRANKLIN and the mother of Thomas N. was Mary Elizabeth LUNDSTROM, a native of Sweden who came to America when sixteen years of age. She died in Harlan in 1907 and was the mother of five children, Henry died at the age of seventeen years; J. M. resides near Cameron, Missouri; Mrs. Selina Clark lives at Ukiah, California; Thomas N., with whom this narrative deals; Mrs Julia V. Mockler, of Bismarck, North Dakota.
Mr. Franklin has been twice married. His first marriage occurred in September, 1893. He married Gertrude TALLMAN, who died March 27, 1895, leaving one daughter, Mabel Gertrude, a student in the Music Conservatory at Fargo, North Dakota. His second marriage took place May 12, 1907, to Pearl S. MC CORD, a daughter of Bradley and Mary E. MC CORD, of Harlan. To this marriage have been born the following children: Mary Elizabeth, born October 6, 1899: Maxine, born November 10, 1901: Thomas Bradley, born February 14, 1906, and Mignon Velate, born December 31, 1913.
Mr. Franklin is allied with the Democratic party and takes an interest in political affairs to the extent of assisting in the election of good and capable men to office. He is a member of the Reorganized Church of Latter Day Saints. He is fraternally connected with the Knights of Pythias and the Blue Lodge of the A. F. and A. M of Harlan. His standing in the community as one of its well respected and useful citizens is assured.