Walter Amol Franks' death certificate states he was born on January 7, 1869 in Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois. In the 1900 census, the first time Walter can be found in any records, beside his marriage record, he is recorded as having been born in June of 1872 in Illinois.
Some believe that Walter Amol Frank was the son of Uriah Franks and Minnie (Wilson) Franks. However the only Uriah Franks that we have ever found was never married and had no children.
Judy Franks (Find A Grave Contributor JudyF56 #47901762) has done extensive DNA research with in the family and she says the "DNA research has led to a strong connection between the Franks descendants and the descendants of Uriah McDonald and his 1st wife, Anna Mariah Morrow. We now believe Walter was actually their son, William Francis McDonald, born 1862 in Lincoln, Logan, IL. William married Lara Carrie McCree in 1883. They had three children: Lillian Bell. Clara Lee, and Orville Uriah. Clara's descendants are DNA matches to the Franks descendants who have tested. We are currently working on getting one or two male descendants on the McDonald line to do a Y-DNA test to compare to the Franks' Y-DNA results."
Uriah McDonald was born on 31 May 1834in New Orleans, Louisiana. Uriah McDonald was married to Anna Mariah Morrow on April 21, 1861 in Logan County, Illinois.
The children born to Uriah and Anna include;
1. William Francis McDonald, born c. 1862 in Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois. William was married to Lara Carrie McCree on ____________ __, 1883 in ____________
2. Mary A McDonald, born ____________ __, 1867. Mary was married to ____________ Smith.
On August 5, 1862, with the Civil War having gone on for more than a year, Uriah McDonald went into Mt. Pulaski, Illinois, located there is Logan County, and volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Logan County for service in the Union army. This company was eventually assigned as Co. I of the 106th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The 106th Illinois was created after President Abraham Lincoln's call for 300,000 volunteers during the summer of 1862. The 106th was raised to be entirely composed of men from Logan County, Illinois, but Company A was raised in Sangamon County and Company K from Menard County. The men were organized and trained in Lincoln, Illinois, and mustered into Federal service on September 18, 1862. Following is his service record which is found in the Illinois Civil War Muster and Descriptive Rolls Detail Report
from the Illinois State Archives;
Name MCDONALD, URIAH Rank PVT
Company I Unit 106 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MT PULASKI, LOGAN CO, IL
Age 29 Height 5' 5 Hair BROWN Eyes BLUE
Complexion DARK Marital Status MARRIED
Occupation FARMER Nativity NEW ORLEANS, LA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862 Joined Where MT PULASKI, IL
Joined By Whom VANHISE Period 3 YRS
Muster In SEP 17, 1862 Muster In Where LINCOLN, IL
Muster In By Whom _____ Muster Out JUL 12, 1865
Muster Out Where PINE BLUFF, AR
Muster Out By Whom LT HUSSEY
The men of the 106th served in
Uriah McDonald died on 23 Dec 1901 and his mortal remains were laid in the Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial #26964671.
Now to continue with what we know about Walter A. Franks;
After he apparently changed his name, Walter A. Franks shows up in the records just before his marriage to Nellie Maud Runyon. No record of him can be found in Illinois or in any nearby state prior to their marriage. Judy Franks
wrote me in January of 2018 and stated that, "Two different genealogists have reviewed my findings and both said the same thing- Walter may have lied about his past and changed his name before moving to Peoria."
Walter A. Franks was married to Nellie Maude Runyon on December 15, 1898 in Peoria County, Illinois. Witnesses were Charles A Roberts and Mary E Runyon. Nellie was born on June 26, 1880 at Delavan, Illinois, the daughter of James Oliver Runyon and Mary Ellen (Briggs) Runyon.
At the time of the 1900 census, Walter and Nellie appear to either be boarders or renting an apartment located at 126 Irvin Street near where it intersects with Washington Street in what is called the 3rd Ward of the City of Peoria;
99 Franks Walter Head M June 1872 27 M 2 Illinois Illinois Illinois Barber
99 Franks Nellie Wife F June 1880 19 M 2 1 1 Illinois Illinois Illinois
99 Franks Elsey Daughter F Aug 1899 9/12 S Illinois Illinois Illinois
Four children were born to Walter and Nellie. They were;
1. Elta Mable "Elsey" Franks, born August 8, 1899; In the 1900 census she is listed as "Elsie"; Elta was married to Daniel Robert Clough on Mar. 5, 1918, after he parents divorced in 1917. Elta and Daniel remained in Peoria a short time, but then moved to South Dakota, where they are found at the time of the 1920 census. She her Find A Grave Memorial for more information about her and her family.
2. Orville James Franks, born July 25, 1901 in Peoria, Illinois according to his death certificate; married to Mary Matilda Young on __________ __, 19__. Orville James Franks joined the army sometime after his parents divorced in 1917. At the time of the 1920 census, Orville J. Franks is in the military, is single and is stationed in the area of Coblenz, Germany. In the 1920's, Orville left the service. Orville was married to Mary _________ _________ on __________ __, 192__. Mary is believed to have been born on August 7, 1897 in ___________, Illinois. Orville and Mary had two sons, both born before 1930;
a. Orville James "Gene" Franks, born __________ __, 1924 in ___________, __________.
b. Paul Chester Franks, born __________ __, 1929 in __________, __________.
At the time of the 1930 census records, Orville and Mary are not living together. This may be because of the depression and the work situations. At the time of the 1930 census Orville is found living in Silvis, Rock Island County, Illinois with an Aunt and Uncle;
John Adelman Head M 50 Missouri
Flora Adelman Wife F 46 Illinois
Marjorie Adelman Daughter F 14 Illinois
Orville Franks Nephew M 27 Illinois
Harold Runyon Brother-in-law M 36 Illinois
While at the time of the 1930 census, Mary ________ (________) Franks is living in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois with the children;
Ruth D Suman Head F 37 Illinois
Mary M Franks Sister F 32 Louisiana
Orville J Franks Nephew M 5 Illinois
Paul C Franks Nephew M 0 Illinois
Joseph M Stine Roomer M 70 Illinois
At a later date, in the 19__'s, Orville and Mary are known to have had a farm in Cambridge, Henry County, Illinois. At the time of the 1940 census, Orville and Mary are found in what is called Ward 9 of the city of Peoria, Peoria City Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville J Franks Head M 38 Illinois
Mary M Franks Wife F 42 Illinois
Orville J Franks Son M 15 Illinois
Paul C Franks Son M 10 Illinois
In the 1940's about 194__, Orville and Mary moved the family to Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan; Orville James Franks committed suicide there on October 27, 1945. His father and mother are listed as Walter J. Franks (not Amol) and Nellie Runyon. Orville's mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________. Mary then moved back to Peoria, Illinois with the children. Mary Matilda (Young) Franks is believed to have died on June 19, 1989 at the age of 92 in Peoria County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in __________, Illinois.
3. Arthur Amol "Art" Franks, born January 9, 1911 at Peoria, Illinois. Arthur and his younger brother, Verne, apparently remained with their father after his parents divorced in 1917. Arthur and Verne are found living with the father in Peoria, Illinois at the time of the 1920 census as seen below.
Arthur joined the army in the 1920's and was in the army, serving at Fort Meade, Meade County, South Dakota at the time of the 1930 census. He is 19 years of age and still single. It was there at Fort Meade that he met Helen Nora Henderson. They were married on June 25, 1932 at ____________, South Dakota.
Helen was born on August 19, 1913 in ___________, South Dakota, the daughter of William H. Henderson and Mabel A. (Jeffrey) Henderson.
At the time of the 1930 census, the Henderson family is found in Lead Township, Lawrence County, South Dakota;
William H Henderson Head M 52 Ireland
Mabel A Henderson Wife F 52 Michigan
Clarence Henderson Son M 19 South Dakota
Helen N Henderson Daughter F 16 South Dakota
Paul V Hebert Son-in-law M 22 South Dakota
Martha M Hebert Daughter F 22 Michigan
Four children were born to Arthur and Helen, including;
A. Roy Dean Franks, born March 18, 1935 in __________, South Dakota.
B. Doreen Lois Franks was born March 5, 1937 in __________, South Dakota.
C. Gerald Lee "Jerry" Franks, fraternal twins born March 27, 1940 in Port Huron, Michigan. Jerry died in 2017.
D. Larry Joe Franks, fraternal twins born on March 27, 1940 in Port Huron, Michigan.
Sometime after Doreen was born, in 1938 or 1939, the Franks family moved to Port Huron, Michigan, where Arthur's older brother, Orville, was already residing. That's where the twins were born. At the time of the 1940 census, Arthur and his family are found in the city of Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan. His last place of residence is listed as Lead, Laurence County, South Dakota;
Arthur Franks Head M 29 Illinois
Helen Franks Wife F 25 South Dakota
Roy Dean Franks Son M 5 South Dakota
Doreen Lois Franks Daughter F 3 South Dakota
Jerry Lee Franks Son M 0 Michigan
Larry Joe Franks Son M 0 Michigan
Helen Nora (Henderson) Franks died on July 28, 1966 in Los Angeles, California. Arthur Amol "Art" Franks died October 10, 1971 in Riverside County, California; Arthur's mortal remains were laid to rest in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cypress, Orange County, California.
4. Verne Walter Franks, born June 26, 1913 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Like his older brother, Arthur, Vernon is found living with his father at the time of the 1920 census. However, at the time of the 1930 census, it appears that Vernon has moved to Henry County, Illinois, where he is living with the Daniels family in Cornwall, Henry County, Illinois;
Morgan L Daniels Head M 43 Illinois
Martha C Daniels Wife F 36 Illinois
Earl M Daniels Son M 11 Illinois
Marjorie I Daniels Daughter F 8 Illinois
Vernon Franks Laborer M 19 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Verne is found residing with his sister and brother-in-law in Ward 4 of the City of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
Head Daniel R Clough M 44 Illinois
Wife Alta M Clough F 39 Illinois
Son Robert L Clough M 21 Illinois
Daughter Bette J Clough F 17 Illinois
Brother-in-law Verne W Franks M 24 Illinois
Verne Walter Franks was married to Wanda V. Kreeger (1922 - 2008) on March 17, 1960 in Peoria, Illinois. Wanda was born on January 17, 1922 in Tyndall, Bon Homme County, South Dakota, the daughter of Alfred Kreeger and Dorthea (Raabe) Kreeger. No children were born to Verne and Wanda, but, Wanda had two daughters from a previous marriage, which Verne adopted as his own. They are Brenda __________ Franks, born __________ __, 1952 and Cindy __________ Franks, who was born in 1957. Brenda was married to Edward Sparks. They reside in Hanna City, Illinois as of 2008. They have at least one son, Jason Sparks. Cindy was married to Rodney Denny. They reside in Chillicothe, Illinois as of 2008.
Wanda was the manager of Krause South Rome Market and was a member of the Chillicothe VFW Senior Card Club.
Verne Walter Franks died on September __, 1977 in Peoria, Illinois. Wanda V. (Kreeger) Franks died on April 20, 2008 at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid to rest in the Lutheran Cemetery, Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of Walter Amol Franks and Nellie Maude (Runyon) and their family;
At the time of the 1910 census the Franks family is found residing at 1024 N. Monroe Avenue in what is called Ward 1 of the City of Peoria, Illinois;
59 FRANKS Walter Head M 50 M1 12 Illinois Illinois Illinois Barber
59 FRANKS Nellie M. Wife F 29 M1 12 2 2 Illinois Illinois Illinois
59 FRANKS Elta Daughter F 10 S Illinois Illinois Illinois
59 FRANKS Orvel J. Son M 8 S Illinois Illinois Illinois
59 CAUSSEY Ernest Boarder M 22 S Illinois Illinois Illinois Barber
Nellie divorced Walter in September of 1917. At the time of the 1920 census, Walter is found residing in what is called Ward 2 of the City of Peoria with his two youngest children;
Household Gender Age Birthplace
self Walter Frank M 53y Illinois
son Arthur Frank M 8y Illinois
son Vernon Frank M 6y Illinois
It is believed that Walter Amol Franks never remarried.
Walter developed cancer of the mouth. He spent a short time in the Peoria State Hospital and it was there that he died on June 26, 1924 in Bartonville, Limestone Township, Peoria County, Illinois.
Though the death notice below states that he was to be buried in Springdale Cemetery, several family members have varified that his mortal remains were laid to rest in the Lutheran Cemetery in Bartonville, Illinois and not in Springdale in Peoria. Find A Grave Contributor, Debra, states that "I could not find a marker for him, but the section and lot numbers are correct for him in Lutheran." So Walter may never have gotten a grave marker.
The June 27, 1924 edition of the Peoria Evening Star had the following Death Notice for Walter;
"Franks, Walter of McClure Ave, June 26, 1924, aged 55 years. Funeral from the Weers Mortuary Chapel Saturday, June 28 at 2:30 o'clock. Friends invited. Interment in Springdale Cemetery."
Name: Walter Franks
Titles and Terms (Original):
Event Date: 26 Jun 1924
Event Place: Limestone, Peoria, Illinois
Gender: Male
Marital Status:
Race:
Age: 55
Birth Year (Estimated): 1869
Birth Date: 07 Jan 1869
Birthplace: Lincoln, Illinois
Father's Name:
Father's Titles and Terms:
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name:
Mother's Titles and Terms:
Mother's Birthplace:
Occupation: Grocery Store Self
Residence Place:
Address:
Spouse's Name:
Spouse's Titles and Terms (Original):
Spouse's Birthplace:
Burial Date: 28 Jun 1924
Burial Place:
Cemetery:
Informant's Name:
After her divorce, Nellie went to work as a househeeper. At the time of the 1920 census, Nellie is found working and living with the Bale family in what is called Ward 5 of the City of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Nellie is listed as Divorced;
Alvin Bale Head M 48 Kentucky
Ernest Bale Brother M 44 Kansas
Nellie Franks Housekeeper F 38 Illinois
Nellie Maude (Runyon) Franks did remarry. She was married to Sherman Magee on __________ __, 192__ (sometime after 1920. but before 1926). In 1926, Nellie and Sherman were living at 502 Missouri Ave in Peoria. Sherman died sometime before the 1930 census.
After Sherman's death, Nellie Maude (Runyon) Franks Magee appears to have moved to Cambridge, Henry County, Illinois, where, at the time of the 1930 census, she is found widowed and working as a Servant with the Boyd family;
Catherine Boyd Head F 93 Germany
Charles D Boyd Son M 54 Illinois
Nellie Magee Servant F 47 Illinois
Nellie Maude (Runyon) Franks Magee died on November 2, 1936 in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois. Her earthly remains, however, were returned to Tazewell County, Illinois, where they were laid next to her parents, James Oliver Runyon and Mary Ellen (Briggs) Runyon in the Green Valley Cemetery in Green Valley, Tazewell County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III, Debra (FAG Contributor #47324320) and Judy Franks (FAG Contributor # 47901762), whose husband, Jim, is a great grandson of Walter A. Franks and a grandson of Arthur A. Franks, through his son, Larry.
Some believe that Walter Amol Frank was the son of Uriah Franks and Minnie (Wilson) Franks. However the only Uriah Franks that we have ever found was never married and had no children.
Judy Franks (Find A Grave Contributor JudyF56 #47901762) has done extensive DNA research with in the family and she says the "DNA research has led to a strong connection between the Franks descendants and the descendants of Uriah McDonald and his 1st wife, Anna Mariah Morrow. We now believe Walter was actually their son, William Francis McDonald, born 1862 in Lincoln, Logan, IL. William married Lara Carrie McCree in 1883. They had three children: Lillian Bell. Clara Lee, and Orville Uriah. Clara's descendants are DNA matches to the Franks descendants who have tested. We are currently working on getting one or two male descendants on the McDonald line to do a Y-DNA test to compare to the Franks' Y-DNA results."
Uriah McDonald was born on 31 May 1834in New Orleans, Louisiana. Uriah McDonald was married to Anna Mariah Morrow on April 21, 1861 in Logan County, Illinois.
The children born to Uriah and Anna include;
1. William Francis McDonald, born c. 1862 in Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois. William was married to Lara Carrie McCree on ____________ __, 1883 in ____________
2. Mary A McDonald, born ____________ __, 1867. Mary was married to ____________ Smith.
On August 5, 1862, with the Civil War having gone on for more than a year, Uriah McDonald went into Mt. Pulaski, Illinois, located there is Logan County, and volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Logan County for service in the Union army. This company was eventually assigned as Co. I of the 106th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The 106th Illinois was created after President Abraham Lincoln's call for 300,000 volunteers during the summer of 1862. The 106th was raised to be entirely composed of men from Logan County, Illinois, but Company A was raised in Sangamon County and Company K from Menard County. The men were organized and trained in Lincoln, Illinois, and mustered into Federal service on September 18, 1862. Following is his service record which is found in the Illinois Civil War Muster and Descriptive Rolls Detail Report
from the Illinois State Archives;
Name MCDONALD, URIAH Rank PVT
Company I Unit 106 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MT PULASKI, LOGAN CO, IL
Age 29 Height 5' 5 Hair BROWN Eyes BLUE
Complexion DARK Marital Status MARRIED
Occupation FARMER Nativity NEW ORLEANS, LA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862 Joined Where MT PULASKI, IL
Joined By Whom VANHISE Period 3 YRS
Muster In SEP 17, 1862 Muster In Where LINCOLN, IL
Muster In By Whom _____ Muster Out JUL 12, 1865
Muster Out Where PINE BLUFF, AR
Muster Out By Whom LT HUSSEY
The men of the 106th served in
Uriah McDonald died on 23 Dec 1901 and his mortal remains were laid in the Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial #26964671.
Now to continue with what we know about Walter A. Franks;
After he apparently changed his name, Walter A. Franks shows up in the records just before his marriage to Nellie Maud Runyon. No record of him can be found in Illinois or in any nearby state prior to their marriage. Judy Franks
wrote me in January of 2018 and stated that, "Two different genealogists have reviewed my findings and both said the same thing- Walter may have lied about his past and changed his name before moving to Peoria."
Walter A. Franks was married to Nellie Maude Runyon on December 15, 1898 in Peoria County, Illinois. Witnesses were Charles A Roberts and Mary E Runyon. Nellie was born on June 26, 1880 at Delavan, Illinois, the daughter of James Oliver Runyon and Mary Ellen (Briggs) Runyon.
At the time of the 1900 census, Walter and Nellie appear to either be boarders or renting an apartment located at 126 Irvin Street near where it intersects with Washington Street in what is called the 3rd Ward of the City of Peoria;
99 Franks Walter Head M June 1872 27 M 2 Illinois Illinois Illinois Barber
99 Franks Nellie Wife F June 1880 19 M 2 1 1 Illinois Illinois Illinois
99 Franks Elsey Daughter F Aug 1899 9/12 S Illinois Illinois Illinois
Four children were born to Walter and Nellie. They were;
1. Elta Mable "Elsey" Franks, born August 8, 1899; In the 1900 census she is listed as "Elsie"; Elta was married to Daniel Robert Clough on Mar. 5, 1918, after he parents divorced in 1917. Elta and Daniel remained in Peoria a short time, but then moved to South Dakota, where they are found at the time of the 1920 census. She her Find A Grave Memorial for more information about her and her family.
2. Orville James Franks, born July 25, 1901 in Peoria, Illinois according to his death certificate; married to Mary Matilda Young on __________ __, 19__. Orville James Franks joined the army sometime after his parents divorced in 1917. At the time of the 1920 census, Orville J. Franks is in the military, is single and is stationed in the area of Coblenz, Germany. In the 1920's, Orville left the service. Orville was married to Mary _________ _________ on __________ __, 192__. Mary is believed to have been born on August 7, 1897 in ___________, Illinois. Orville and Mary had two sons, both born before 1930;
a. Orville James "Gene" Franks, born __________ __, 1924 in ___________, __________.
b. Paul Chester Franks, born __________ __, 1929 in __________, __________.
At the time of the 1930 census records, Orville and Mary are not living together. This may be because of the depression and the work situations. At the time of the 1930 census Orville is found living in Silvis, Rock Island County, Illinois with an Aunt and Uncle;
John Adelman Head M 50 Missouri
Flora Adelman Wife F 46 Illinois
Marjorie Adelman Daughter F 14 Illinois
Orville Franks Nephew M 27 Illinois
Harold Runyon Brother-in-law M 36 Illinois
While at the time of the 1930 census, Mary ________ (________) Franks is living in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois with the children;
Ruth D Suman Head F 37 Illinois
Mary M Franks Sister F 32 Louisiana
Orville J Franks Nephew M 5 Illinois
Paul C Franks Nephew M 0 Illinois
Joseph M Stine Roomer M 70 Illinois
At a later date, in the 19__'s, Orville and Mary are known to have had a farm in Cambridge, Henry County, Illinois. At the time of the 1940 census, Orville and Mary are found in what is called Ward 9 of the city of Peoria, Peoria City Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville J Franks Head M 38 Illinois
Mary M Franks Wife F 42 Illinois
Orville J Franks Son M 15 Illinois
Paul C Franks Son M 10 Illinois
In the 1940's about 194__, Orville and Mary moved the family to Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan; Orville James Franks committed suicide there on October 27, 1945. His father and mother are listed as Walter J. Franks (not Amol) and Nellie Runyon. Orville's mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________. Mary then moved back to Peoria, Illinois with the children. Mary Matilda (Young) Franks is believed to have died on June 19, 1989 at the age of 92 in Peoria County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in __________, Illinois.
3. Arthur Amol "Art" Franks, born January 9, 1911 at Peoria, Illinois. Arthur and his younger brother, Verne, apparently remained with their father after his parents divorced in 1917. Arthur and Verne are found living with the father in Peoria, Illinois at the time of the 1920 census as seen below.
Arthur joined the army in the 1920's and was in the army, serving at Fort Meade, Meade County, South Dakota at the time of the 1930 census. He is 19 years of age and still single. It was there at Fort Meade that he met Helen Nora Henderson. They were married on June 25, 1932 at ____________, South Dakota.
Helen was born on August 19, 1913 in ___________, South Dakota, the daughter of William H. Henderson and Mabel A. (Jeffrey) Henderson.
At the time of the 1930 census, the Henderson family is found in Lead Township, Lawrence County, South Dakota;
William H Henderson Head M 52 Ireland
Mabel A Henderson Wife F 52 Michigan
Clarence Henderson Son M 19 South Dakota
Helen N Henderson Daughter F 16 South Dakota
Paul V Hebert Son-in-law M 22 South Dakota
Martha M Hebert Daughter F 22 Michigan
Four children were born to Arthur and Helen, including;
A. Roy Dean Franks, born March 18, 1935 in __________, South Dakota.
B. Doreen Lois Franks was born March 5, 1937 in __________, South Dakota.
C. Gerald Lee "Jerry" Franks, fraternal twins born March 27, 1940 in Port Huron, Michigan. Jerry died in 2017.
D. Larry Joe Franks, fraternal twins born on March 27, 1940 in Port Huron, Michigan.
Sometime after Doreen was born, in 1938 or 1939, the Franks family moved to Port Huron, Michigan, where Arthur's older brother, Orville, was already residing. That's where the twins were born. At the time of the 1940 census, Arthur and his family are found in the city of Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan. His last place of residence is listed as Lead, Laurence County, South Dakota;
Arthur Franks Head M 29 Illinois
Helen Franks Wife F 25 South Dakota
Roy Dean Franks Son M 5 South Dakota
Doreen Lois Franks Daughter F 3 South Dakota
Jerry Lee Franks Son M 0 Michigan
Larry Joe Franks Son M 0 Michigan
Helen Nora (Henderson) Franks died on July 28, 1966 in Los Angeles, California. Arthur Amol "Art" Franks died October 10, 1971 in Riverside County, California; Arthur's mortal remains were laid to rest in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cypress, Orange County, California.
4. Verne Walter Franks, born June 26, 1913 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Like his older brother, Arthur, Vernon is found living with his father at the time of the 1920 census. However, at the time of the 1930 census, it appears that Vernon has moved to Henry County, Illinois, where he is living with the Daniels family in Cornwall, Henry County, Illinois;
Morgan L Daniels Head M 43 Illinois
Martha C Daniels Wife F 36 Illinois
Earl M Daniels Son M 11 Illinois
Marjorie I Daniels Daughter F 8 Illinois
Vernon Franks Laborer M 19 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Verne is found residing with his sister and brother-in-law in Ward 4 of the City of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
Head Daniel R Clough M 44 Illinois
Wife Alta M Clough F 39 Illinois
Son Robert L Clough M 21 Illinois
Daughter Bette J Clough F 17 Illinois
Brother-in-law Verne W Franks M 24 Illinois
Verne Walter Franks was married to Wanda V. Kreeger (1922 - 2008) on March 17, 1960 in Peoria, Illinois. Wanda was born on January 17, 1922 in Tyndall, Bon Homme County, South Dakota, the daughter of Alfred Kreeger and Dorthea (Raabe) Kreeger. No children were born to Verne and Wanda, but, Wanda had two daughters from a previous marriage, which Verne adopted as his own. They are Brenda __________ Franks, born __________ __, 1952 and Cindy __________ Franks, who was born in 1957. Brenda was married to Edward Sparks. They reside in Hanna City, Illinois as of 2008. They have at least one son, Jason Sparks. Cindy was married to Rodney Denny. They reside in Chillicothe, Illinois as of 2008.
Wanda was the manager of Krause South Rome Market and was a member of the Chillicothe VFW Senior Card Club.
Verne Walter Franks died on September __, 1977 in Peoria, Illinois. Wanda V. (Kreeger) Franks died on April 20, 2008 at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid to rest in the Lutheran Cemetery, Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of Walter Amol Franks and Nellie Maude (Runyon) and their family;
At the time of the 1910 census the Franks family is found residing at 1024 N. Monroe Avenue in what is called Ward 1 of the City of Peoria, Illinois;
59 FRANKS Walter Head M 50 M1 12 Illinois Illinois Illinois Barber
59 FRANKS Nellie M. Wife F 29 M1 12 2 2 Illinois Illinois Illinois
59 FRANKS Elta Daughter F 10 S Illinois Illinois Illinois
59 FRANKS Orvel J. Son M 8 S Illinois Illinois Illinois
59 CAUSSEY Ernest Boarder M 22 S Illinois Illinois Illinois Barber
Nellie divorced Walter in September of 1917. At the time of the 1920 census, Walter is found residing in what is called Ward 2 of the City of Peoria with his two youngest children;
Household Gender Age Birthplace
self Walter Frank M 53y Illinois
son Arthur Frank M 8y Illinois
son Vernon Frank M 6y Illinois
It is believed that Walter Amol Franks never remarried.
Walter developed cancer of the mouth. He spent a short time in the Peoria State Hospital and it was there that he died on June 26, 1924 in Bartonville, Limestone Township, Peoria County, Illinois.
Though the death notice below states that he was to be buried in Springdale Cemetery, several family members have varified that his mortal remains were laid to rest in the Lutheran Cemetery in Bartonville, Illinois and not in Springdale in Peoria. Find A Grave Contributor, Debra, states that "I could not find a marker for him, but the section and lot numbers are correct for him in Lutheran." So Walter may never have gotten a grave marker.
The June 27, 1924 edition of the Peoria Evening Star had the following Death Notice for Walter;
"Franks, Walter of McClure Ave, June 26, 1924, aged 55 years. Funeral from the Weers Mortuary Chapel Saturday, June 28 at 2:30 o'clock. Friends invited. Interment in Springdale Cemetery."
Name: Walter Franks
Titles and Terms (Original):
Event Date: 26 Jun 1924
Event Place: Limestone, Peoria, Illinois
Gender: Male
Marital Status:
Race:
Age: 55
Birth Year (Estimated): 1869
Birth Date: 07 Jan 1869
Birthplace: Lincoln, Illinois
Father's Name:
Father's Titles and Terms:
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name:
Mother's Titles and Terms:
Mother's Birthplace:
Occupation: Grocery Store Self
Residence Place:
Address:
Spouse's Name:
Spouse's Titles and Terms (Original):
Spouse's Birthplace:
Burial Date: 28 Jun 1924
Burial Place:
Cemetery:
Informant's Name:
After her divorce, Nellie went to work as a househeeper. At the time of the 1920 census, Nellie is found working and living with the Bale family in what is called Ward 5 of the City of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Nellie is listed as Divorced;
Alvin Bale Head M 48 Kentucky
Ernest Bale Brother M 44 Kansas
Nellie Franks Housekeeper F 38 Illinois
Nellie Maude (Runyon) Franks did remarry. She was married to Sherman Magee on __________ __, 192__ (sometime after 1920. but before 1926). In 1926, Nellie and Sherman were living at 502 Missouri Ave in Peoria. Sherman died sometime before the 1930 census.
After Sherman's death, Nellie Maude (Runyon) Franks Magee appears to have moved to Cambridge, Henry County, Illinois, where, at the time of the 1930 census, she is found widowed and working as a Servant with the Boyd family;
Catherine Boyd Head F 93 Germany
Charles D Boyd Son M 54 Illinois
Nellie Magee Servant F 47 Illinois
Nellie Maude (Runyon) Franks Magee died on November 2, 1936 in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois. Her earthly remains, however, were returned to Tazewell County, Illinois, where they were laid next to her parents, James Oliver Runyon and Mary Ellen (Briggs) Runyon in the Green Valley Cemetery in Green Valley, Tazewell County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III, Debra (FAG Contributor #47324320) and Judy Franks (FAG Contributor # 47901762), whose husband, Jim, is a great grandson of Walter A. Franks and a grandson of Arthur A. Franks, through his son, Larry.
Walter Amol Franks' death certificate states he was born on January 7, 1869 in Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois. In the 1900 census, the first time Walter can be found in any records, beside his marriage record, he is recorded as having been born in June of 1872 in Illinois.
Some believe that Walter Amol Frank was the son of Uriah Franks and Minnie (Wilson) Franks. However the only Uriah Franks that we have ever found was never married and had no children.
Judy Franks (Find A Grave Contributor JudyF56 #47901762) has done extensive DNA research with in the family and she says the "DNA research has led to a strong connection between the Franks descendants and the descendants of Uriah McDonald and his 1st wife, Anna Mariah Morrow. We now believe Walter was actually their son, William Francis McDonald, born 1862 in Lincoln, Logan, IL. William married Lara Carrie McCree in 1883. They had three children: Lillian Bell. Clara Lee, and Orville Uriah. Clara's descendants are DNA matches to the Franks descendants who have tested. We are currently working on getting one or two male descendants on the McDonald line to do a Y-DNA test to compare to the Franks' Y-DNA results."
Uriah McDonald was born on 31 May 1834in New Orleans, Louisiana. Uriah McDonald was married to Anna Mariah Morrow on April 21, 1861 in Logan County, Illinois.
The children born to Uriah and Anna include;
1. William Francis McDonald, born c. 1862 in Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois. William was married to Lara Carrie McCree on ____________ __, 1883 in ____________
2. Mary A McDonald, born ____________ __, 1867. Mary was married to ____________ Smith.
On August 5, 1862, with the Civil War having gone on for more than a year, Uriah McDonald went into Mt. Pulaski, Illinois, located there is Logan County, and volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Logan County for service in the Union army. This company was eventually assigned as Co. I of the 106th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The 106th Illinois was created after President Abraham Lincoln's call for 300,000 volunteers during the summer of 1862. The 106th was raised to be entirely composed of men from Logan County, Illinois, but Company A was raised in Sangamon County and Company K from Menard County. The men were organized and trained in Lincoln, Illinois, and mustered into Federal service on September 18, 1862. Following is his service record which is found in the Illinois Civil War Muster and Descriptive Rolls Detail Report
from the Illinois State Archives;
Name MCDONALD, URIAH Rank PVT
Company I Unit 106 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MT PULASKI, LOGAN CO, IL
Age 29 Height 5' 5 Hair BROWN Eyes BLUE
Complexion DARK Marital Status MARRIED
Occupation FARMER Nativity NEW ORLEANS, LA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862 Joined Where MT PULASKI, IL
Joined By Whom VANHISE Period 3 YRS
Muster In SEP 17, 1862 Muster In Where LINCOLN, IL
Muster In By Whom _____ Muster Out JUL 12, 1865
Muster Out Where PINE BLUFF, AR
Muster Out By Whom LT HUSSEY
The men of the 106th served in
Uriah McDonald died on 23 Dec 1901 and his mortal remains were laid in the Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial #26964671.
Now to continue with what we know about Walter A. Franks;
After he apparently changed his name, Walter A. Franks shows up in the records just before his marriage to Nellie Maud Runyon. No record of him can be found in Illinois or in any nearby state prior to their marriage. Judy Franks
wrote me in January of 2018 and stated that, "Two different genealogists have reviewed my findings and both said the same thing- Walter may have lied about his past and changed his name before moving to Peoria."
Walter A. Franks was married to Nellie Maude Runyon on December 15, 1898 in Peoria County, Illinois. Witnesses were Charles A Roberts and Mary E Runyon. Nellie was born on June 26, 1880 at Delavan, Illinois, the daughter of James Oliver Runyon and Mary Ellen (Briggs) Runyon.
At the time of the 1900 census, Walter and Nellie appear to either be boarders or renting an apartment located at 126 Irvin Street near where it intersects with Washington Street in what is called the 3rd Ward of the City of Peoria;
99 Franks Walter Head M June 1872 27 M 2 Illinois Illinois Illinois Barber
99 Franks Nellie Wife F June 1880 19 M 2 1 1 Illinois Illinois Illinois
99 Franks Elsey Daughter F Aug 1899 9/12 S Illinois Illinois Illinois
Four children were born to Walter and Nellie. They were;
1. Elta Mable "Elsey" Franks, born August 8, 1899; In the 1900 census she is listed as "Elsie"; Elta was married to Daniel Robert Clough on Mar. 5, 1918, after he parents divorced in 1917. Elta and Daniel remained in Peoria a short time, but then moved to South Dakota, where they are found at the time of the 1920 census. She her Find A Grave Memorial for more information about her and her family.
2. Orville James Franks, born July 25, 1901 in Peoria, Illinois according to his death certificate; married to Mary Matilda Young on __________ __, 19__. Orville James Franks joined the army sometime after his parents divorced in 1917. At the time of the 1920 census, Orville J. Franks is in the military, is single and is stationed in the area of Coblenz, Germany. In the 1920's, Orville left the service. Orville was married to Mary _________ _________ on __________ __, 192__. Mary is believed to have been born on August 7, 1897 in ___________, Illinois. Orville and Mary had two sons, both born before 1930;
a. Orville James "Gene" Franks, born __________ __, 1924 in ___________, __________.
b. Paul Chester Franks, born __________ __, 1929 in __________, __________.
At the time of the 1930 census records, Orville and Mary are not living together. This may be because of the depression and the work situations. At the time of the 1930 census Orville is found living in Silvis, Rock Island County, Illinois with an Aunt and Uncle;
John Adelman Head M 50 Missouri
Flora Adelman Wife F 46 Illinois
Marjorie Adelman Daughter F 14 Illinois
Orville Franks Nephew M 27 Illinois
Harold Runyon Brother-in-law M 36 Illinois
While at the time of the 1930 census, Mary ________ (________) Franks is living in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois with the children;
Ruth D Suman Head F 37 Illinois
Mary M Franks Sister F 32 Louisiana
Orville J Franks Nephew M 5 Illinois
Paul C Franks Nephew M 0 Illinois
Joseph M Stine Roomer M 70 Illinois
At a later date, in the 19__'s, Orville and Mary are known to have had a farm in Cambridge, Henry County, Illinois. At the time of the 1940 census, Orville and Mary are found in what is called Ward 9 of the city of Peoria, Peoria City Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville J Franks Head M 38 Illinois
Mary M Franks Wife F 42 Illinois
Orville J Franks Son M 15 Illinois
Paul C Franks Son M 10 Illinois
In the 1940's about 194__, Orville and Mary moved the family to Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan; Orville James Franks committed suicide there on October 27, 1945. His father and mother are listed as Walter J. Franks (not Amol) and Nellie Runyon. Orville's mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________. Mary then moved back to Peoria, Illinois with the children. Mary Matilda (Young) Franks is believed to have died on June 19, 1989 at the age of 92 in Peoria County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in __________, Illinois.
3. Arthur Amol "Art" Franks, born January 9, 1911 at Peoria, Illinois. Arthur and his younger brother, Verne, apparently remained with their father after his parents divorced in 1917. Arthur and Verne are found living with the father in Peoria, Illinois at the time of the 1920 census as seen below.
Arthur joined the army in the 1920's and was in the army, serving at Fort Meade, Meade County, South Dakota at the time of the 1930 census. He is 19 years of age and still single. It was there at Fort Meade that he met Helen Nora Henderson. They were married on June 25, 1932 at ____________, South Dakota.
Helen was born on August 19, 1913 in ___________, South Dakota, the daughter of William H. Henderson and Mabel A. (Jeffrey) Henderson.
At the time of the 1930 census, the Henderson family is found in Lead Township, Lawrence County, South Dakota;
William H Henderson Head M 52 Ireland
Mabel A Henderson Wife F 52 Michigan
Clarence Henderson Son M 19 South Dakota
Helen N Henderson Daughter F 16 South Dakota
Paul V Hebert Son-in-law M 22 South Dakota
Martha M Hebert Daughter F 22 Michigan
Four children were born to Arthur and Helen, including;
A. Roy Dean Franks, born March 18, 1935 in __________, South Dakota.
B. Doreen Lois Franks was born March 5, 1937 in __________, South Dakota.
C. Gerald Lee "Jerry" Franks, fraternal twins born March 27, 1940 in Port Huron, Michigan. Jerry died in 2017.
D. Larry Joe Franks, fraternal twins born on March 27, 1940 in Port Huron, Michigan.
Sometime after Doreen was born, in 1938 or 1939, the Franks family moved to Port Huron, Michigan, where Arthur's older brother, Orville, was already residing. That's where the twins were born. At the time of the 1940 census, Arthur and his family are found in the city of Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan. His last place of residence is listed as Lead, Laurence County, South Dakota;
Arthur Franks Head M 29 Illinois
Helen Franks Wife F 25 South Dakota
Roy Dean Franks Son M 5 South Dakota
Doreen Lois Franks Daughter F 3 South Dakota
Jerry Lee Franks Son M 0 Michigan
Larry Joe Franks Son M 0 Michigan
Helen Nora (Henderson) Franks died on July 28, 1966 in Los Angeles, California. Arthur Amol "Art" Franks died October 10, 1971 in Riverside County, California; Arthur's mortal remains were laid to rest in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cypress, Orange County, California.
4. Verne Walter Franks, born June 26, 1913 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Like his older brother, Arthur, Vernon is found living with his father at the time of the 1920 census. However, at the time of the 1930 census, it appears that Vernon has moved to Henry County, Illinois, where he is living with the Daniels family in Cornwall, Henry County, Illinois;
Morgan L Daniels Head M 43 Illinois
Martha C Daniels Wife F 36 Illinois
Earl M Daniels Son M 11 Illinois
Marjorie I Daniels Daughter F 8 Illinois
Vernon Franks Laborer M 19 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Verne is found residing with his sister and brother-in-law in Ward 4 of the City of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
Head Daniel R Clough M 44 Illinois
Wife Alta M Clough F 39 Illinois
Son Robert L Clough M 21 Illinois
Daughter Bette J Clough F 17 Illinois
Brother-in-law Verne W Franks M 24 Illinois
Verne Walter Franks was married to Wanda V. Kreeger (1922 - 2008) on March 17, 1960 in Peoria, Illinois. Wanda was born on January 17, 1922 in Tyndall, Bon Homme County, South Dakota, the daughter of Alfred Kreeger and Dorthea (Raabe) Kreeger. No children were born to Verne and Wanda, but, Wanda had two daughters from a previous marriage, which Verne adopted as his own. They are Brenda __________ Franks, born __________ __, 1952 and Cindy __________ Franks, who was born in 1957. Brenda was married to Edward Sparks. They reside in Hanna City, Illinois as of 2008. They have at least one son, Jason Sparks. Cindy was married to Rodney Denny. They reside in Chillicothe, Illinois as of 2008.
Wanda was the manager of Krause South Rome Market and was a member of the Chillicothe VFW Senior Card Club.
Verne Walter Franks died on September __, 1977 in Peoria, Illinois. Wanda V. (Kreeger) Franks died on April 20, 2008 at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid to rest in the Lutheran Cemetery, Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of Walter Amol Franks and Nellie Maude (Runyon) and their family;
At the time of the 1910 census the Franks family is found residing at 1024 N. Monroe Avenue in what is called Ward 1 of the City of Peoria, Illinois;
59 FRANKS Walter Head M 50 M1 12 Illinois Illinois Illinois Barber
59 FRANKS Nellie M. Wife F 29 M1 12 2 2 Illinois Illinois Illinois
59 FRANKS Elta Daughter F 10 S Illinois Illinois Illinois
59 FRANKS Orvel J. Son M 8 S Illinois Illinois Illinois
59 CAUSSEY Ernest Boarder M 22 S Illinois Illinois Illinois Barber
Nellie divorced Walter in September of 1917. At the time of the 1920 census, Walter is found residing in what is called Ward 2 of the City of Peoria with his two youngest children;
Household Gender Age Birthplace
self Walter Frank M 53y Illinois
son Arthur Frank M 8y Illinois
son Vernon Frank M 6y Illinois
It is believed that Walter Amol Franks never remarried.
Walter developed cancer of the mouth. He spent a short time in the Peoria State Hospital and it was there that he died on June 26, 1924 in Bartonville, Limestone Township, Peoria County, Illinois.
Though the death notice below states that he was to be buried in Springdale Cemetery, several family members have varified that his mortal remains were laid to rest in the Lutheran Cemetery in Bartonville, Illinois and not in Springdale in Peoria. Find A Grave Contributor, Debra, states that "I could not find a marker for him, but the section and lot numbers are correct for him in Lutheran." So Walter may never have gotten a grave marker.
The June 27, 1924 edition of the Peoria Evening Star had the following Death Notice for Walter;
"Franks, Walter of McClure Ave, June 26, 1924, aged 55 years. Funeral from the Weers Mortuary Chapel Saturday, June 28 at 2:30 o'clock. Friends invited. Interment in Springdale Cemetery."
Name: Walter Franks
Titles and Terms (Original):
Event Date: 26 Jun 1924
Event Place: Limestone, Peoria, Illinois
Gender: Male
Marital Status:
Race:
Age: 55
Birth Year (Estimated): 1869
Birth Date: 07 Jan 1869
Birthplace: Lincoln, Illinois
Father's Name:
Father's Titles and Terms:
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name:
Mother's Titles and Terms:
Mother's Birthplace:
Occupation: Grocery Store Self
Residence Place:
Address:
Spouse's Name:
Spouse's Titles and Terms (Original):
Spouse's Birthplace:
Burial Date: 28 Jun 1924
Burial Place:
Cemetery:
Informant's Name:
After her divorce, Nellie went to work as a househeeper. At the time of the 1920 census, Nellie is found working and living with the Bale family in what is called Ward 5 of the City of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Nellie is listed as Divorced;
Alvin Bale Head M 48 Kentucky
Ernest Bale Brother M 44 Kansas
Nellie Franks Housekeeper F 38 Illinois
Nellie Maude (Runyon) Franks did remarry. She was married to Sherman Magee on __________ __, 192__ (sometime after 1920. but before 1926). In 1926, Nellie and Sherman were living at 502 Missouri Ave in Peoria. Sherman died sometime before the 1930 census.
After Sherman's death, Nellie Maude (Runyon) Franks Magee appears to have moved to Cambridge, Henry County, Illinois, where, at the time of the 1930 census, she is found widowed and working as a Servant with the Boyd family;
Catherine Boyd Head F 93 Germany
Charles D Boyd Son M 54 Illinois
Nellie Magee Servant F 47 Illinois
Nellie Maude (Runyon) Franks Magee died on November 2, 1936 in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois. Her earthly remains, however, were returned to Tazewell County, Illinois, where they were laid next to her parents, James Oliver Runyon and Mary Ellen (Briggs) Runyon in the Green Valley Cemetery in Green Valley, Tazewell County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III, Debra (FAG Contributor #47324320) and Judy Franks (FAG Contributor # 47901762), whose husband, Jim, is a great grandson of Walter A. Franks and a grandson of Arthur A. Franks, through his son, Larry.
Some believe that Walter Amol Frank was the son of Uriah Franks and Minnie (Wilson) Franks. However the only Uriah Franks that we have ever found was never married and had no children.
Judy Franks (Find A Grave Contributor JudyF56 #47901762) has done extensive DNA research with in the family and she says the "DNA research has led to a strong connection between the Franks descendants and the descendants of Uriah McDonald and his 1st wife, Anna Mariah Morrow. We now believe Walter was actually their son, William Francis McDonald, born 1862 in Lincoln, Logan, IL. William married Lara Carrie McCree in 1883. They had three children: Lillian Bell. Clara Lee, and Orville Uriah. Clara's descendants are DNA matches to the Franks descendants who have tested. We are currently working on getting one or two male descendants on the McDonald line to do a Y-DNA test to compare to the Franks' Y-DNA results."
Uriah McDonald was born on 31 May 1834in New Orleans, Louisiana. Uriah McDonald was married to Anna Mariah Morrow on April 21, 1861 in Logan County, Illinois.
The children born to Uriah and Anna include;
1. William Francis McDonald, born c. 1862 in Lincoln, Logan County, Illinois. William was married to Lara Carrie McCree on ____________ __, 1883 in ____________
2. Mary A McDonald, born ____________ __, 1867. Mary was married to ____________ Smith.
On August 5, 1862, with the Civil War having gone on for more than a year, Uriah McDonald went into Mt. Pulaski, Illinois, located there is Logan County, and volunteered to serve in a company which was being raised in Logan County for service in the Union army. This company was eventually assigned as Co. I of the 106th Regiment of Illinois Volunteer Infantry. The 106th Illinois was created after President Abraham Lincoln's call for 300,000 volunteers during the summer of 1862. The 106th was raised to be entirely composed of men from Logan County, Illinois, but Company A was raised in Sangamon County and Company K from Menard County. The men were organized and trained in Lincoln, Illinois, and mustered into Federal service on September 18, 1862. Following is his service record which is found in the Illinois Civil War Muster and Descriptive Rolls Detail Report
from the Illinois State Archives;
Name MCDONALD, URIAH Rank PVT
Company I Unit 106 IL US INF
Personal Characteristics
Residence MT PULASKI, LOGAN CO, IL
Age 29 Height 5' 5 Hair BROWN Eyes BLUE
Complexion DARK Marital Status MARRIED
Occupation FARMER Nativity NEW ORLEANS, LA
Service Record
Joined When AUG 5, 1862 Joined Where MT PULASKI, IL
Joined By Whom VANHISE Period 3 YRS
Muster In SEP 17, 1862 Muster In Where LINCOLN, IL
Muster In By Whom _____ Muster Out JUL 12, 1865
Muster Out Where PINE BLUFF, AR
Muster Out By Whom LT HUSSEY
The men of the 106th served in
Uriah McDonald died on 23 Dec 1901 and his mortal remains were laid in the Prairie Lawn Cemetery in Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas. See his Find A Grave Memorial #26964671.
Now to continue with what we know about Walter A. Franks;
After he apparently changed his name, Walter A. Franks shows up in the records just before his marriage to Nellie Maud Runyon. No record of him can be found in Illinois or in any nearby state prior to their marriage. Judy Franks
wrote me in January of 2018 and stated that, "Two different genealogists have reviewed my findings and both said the same thing- Walter may have lied about his past and changed his name before moving to Peoria."
Walter A. Franks was married to Nellie Maude Runyon on December 15, 1898 in Peoria County, Illinois. Witnesses were Charles A Roberts and Mary E Runyon. Nellie was born on June 26, 1880 at Delavan, Illinois, the daughter of James Oliver Runyon and Mary Ellen (Briggs) Runyon.
At the time of the 1900 census, Walter and Nellie appear to either be boarders or renting an apartment located at 126 Irvin Street near where it intersects with Washington Street in what is called the 3rd Ward of the City of Peoria;
99 Franks Walter Head M June 1872 27 M 2 Illinois Illinois Illinois Barber
99 Franks Nellie Wife F June 1880 19 M 2 1 1 Illinois Illinois Illinois
99 Franks Elsey Daughter F Aug 1899 9/12 S Illinois Illinois Illinois
Four children were born to Walter and Nellie. They were;
1. Elta Mable "Elsey" Franks, born August 8, 1899; In the 1900 census she is listed as "Elsie"; Elta was married to Daniel Robert Clough on Mar. 5, 1918, after he parents divorced in 1917. Elta and Daniel remained in Peoria a short time, but then moved to South Dakota, where they are found at the time of the 1920 census. She her Find A Grave Memorial for more information about her and her family.
2. Orville James Franks, born July 25, 1901 in Peoria, Illinois according to his death certificate; married to Mary Matilda Young on __________ __, 19__. Orville James Franks joined the army sometime after his parents divorced in 1917. At the time of the 1920 census, Orville J. Franks is in the military, is single and is stationed in the area of Coblenz, Germany. In the 1920's, Orville left the service. Orville was married to Mary _________ _________ on __________ __, 192__. Mary is believed to have been born on August 7, 1897 in ___________, Illinois. Orville and Mary had two sons, both born before 1930;
a. Orville James "Gene" Franks, born __________ __, 1924 in ___________, __________.
b. Paul Chester Franks, born __________ __, 1929 in __________, __________.
At the time of the 1930 census records, Orville and Mary are not living together. This may be because of the depression and the work situations. At the time of the 1930 census Orville is found living in Silvis, Rock Island County, Illinois with an Aunt and Uncle;
John Adelman Head M 50 Missouri
Flora Adelman Wife F 46 Illinois
Marjorie Adelman Daughter F 14 Illinois
Orville Franks Nephew M 27 Illinois
Harold Runyon Brother-in-law M 36 Illinois
While at the time of the 1930 census, Mary ________ (________) Franks is living in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois with the children;
Ruth D Suman Head F 37 Illinois
Mary M Franks Sister F 32 Louisiana
Orville J Franks Nephew M 5 Illinois
Paul C Franks Nephew M 0 Illinois
Joseph M Stine Roomer M 70 Illinois
At a later date, in the 19__'s, Orville and Mary are known to have had a farm in Cambridge, Henry County, Illinois. At the time of the 1940 census, Orville and Mary are found in what is called Ward 9 of the city of Peoria, Peoria City Township, Peoria County, Illinois;
Orville J Franks Head M 38 Illinois
Mary M Franks Wife F 42 Illinois
Orville J Franks Son M 15 Illinois
Paul C Franks Son M 10 Illinois
In the 1940's about 194__, Orville and Mary moved the family to Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan; Orville James Franks committed suicide there on October 27, 1945. His father and mother are listed as Walter J. Franks (not Amol) and Nellie Runyon. Orville's mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in ___________, ___________. Mary then moved back to Peoria, Illinois with the children. Mary Matilda (Young) Franks is believed to have died on June 19, 1989 at the age of 92 in Peoria County, Illinois. Her mortal remains were laid in the ____________ Cemetery in __________, Illinois.
3. Arthur Amol "Art" Franks, born January 9, 1911 at Peoria, Illinois. Arthur and his younger brother, Verne, apparently remained with their father after his parents divorced in 1917. Arthur and Verne are found living with the father in Peoria, Illinois at the time of the 1920 census as seen below.
Arthur joined the army in the 1920's and was in the army, serving at Fort Meade, Meade County, South Dakota at the time of the 1930 census. He is 19 years of age and still single. It was there at Fort Meade that he met Helen Nora Henderson. They were married on June 25, 1932 at ____________, South Dakota.
Helen was born on August 19, 1913 in ___________, South Dakota, the daughter of William H. Henderson and Mabel A. (Jeffrey) Henderson.
At the time of the 1930 census, the Henderson family is found in Lead Township, Lawrence County, South Dakota;
William H Henderson Head M 52 Ireland
Mabel A Henderson Wife F 52 Michigan
Clarence Henderson Son M 19 South Dakota
Helen N Henderson Daughter F 16 South Dakota
Paul V Hebert Son-in-law M 22 South Dakota
Martha M Hebert Daughter F 22 Michigan
Four children were born to Arthur and Helen, including;
A. Roy Dean Franks, born March 18, 1935 in __________, South Dakota.
B. Doreen Lois Franks was born March 5, 1937 in __________, South Dakota.
C. Gerald Lee "Jerry" Franks, fraternal twins born March 27, 1940 in Port Huron, Michigan. Jerry died in 2017.
D. Larry Joe Franks, fraternal twins born on March 27, 1940 in Port Huron, Michigan.
Sometime after Doreen was born, in 1938 or 1939, the Franks family moved to Port Huron, Michigan, where Arthur's older brother, Orville, was already residing. That's where the twins were born. At the time of the 1940 census, Arthur and his family are found in the city of Port Huron, St. Clair County, Michigan. His last place of residence is listed as Lead, Laurence County, South Dakota;
Arthur Franks Head M 29 Illinois
Helen Franks Wife F 25 South Dakota
Roy Dean Franks Son M 5 South Dakota
Doreen Lois Franks Daughter F 3 South Dakota
Jerry Lee Franks Son M 0 Michigan
Larry Joe Franks Son M 0 Michigan
Helen Nora (Henderson) Franks died on July 28, 1966 in Los Angeles, California. Arthur Amol "Art" Franks died October 10, 1971 in Riverside County, California; Arthur's mortal remains were laid to rest in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Cypress, Orange County, California.
4. Verne Walter Franks, born June 26, 1913 in Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Like his older brother, Arthur, Vernon is found living with his father at the time of the 1920 census. However, at the time of the 1930 census, it appears that Vernon has moved to Henry County, Illinois, where he is living with the Daniels family in Cornwall, Henry County, Illinois;
Morgan L Daniels Head M 43 Illinois
Martha C Daniels Wife F 36 Illinois
Earl M Daniels Son M 11 Illinois
Marjorie I Daniels Daughter F 8 Illinois
Vernon Franks Laborer M 19 Illinois
At the time of the 1940 census, Verne is found residing with his sister and brother-in-law in Ward 4 of the City of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois;
Head Daniel R Clough M 44 Illinois
Wife Alta M Clough F 39 Illinois
Son Robert L Clough M 21 Illinois
Daughter Bette J Clough F 17 Illinois
Brother-in-law Verne W Franks M 24 Illinois
Verne Walter Franks was married to Wanda V. Kreeger (1922 - 2008) on March 17, 1960 in Peoria, Illinois. Wanda was born on January 17, 1922 in Tyndall, Bon Homme County, South Dakota, the daughter of Alfred Kreeger and Dorthea (Raabe) Kreeger. No children were born to Verne and Wanda, but, Wanda had two daughters from a previous marriage, which Verne adopted as his own. They are Brenda __________ Franks, born __________ __, 1952 and Cindy __________ Franks, who was born in 1957. Brenda was married to Edward Sparks. They reside in Hanna City, Illinois as of 2008. They have at least one son, Jason Sparks. Cindy was married to Rodney Denny. They reside in Chillicothe, Illinois as of 2008.
Wanda was the manager of Krause South Rome Market and was a member of the Chillicothe VFW Senior Card Club.
Verne Walter Franks died on September __, 1977 in Peoria, Illinois. Wanda V. (Kreeger) Franks died on April 20, 2008 at St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Illinois. Their mortal remains were laid to rest in the Lutheran Cemetery, Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois.
Now to continue with the biography of Walter Amol Franks and Nellie Maude (Runyon) and their family;
At the time of the 1910 census the Franks family is found residing at 1024 N. Monroe Avenue in what is called Ward 1 of the City of Peoria, Illinois;
59 FRANKS Walter Head M 50 M1 12 Illinois Illinois Illinois Barber
59 FRANKS Nellie M. Wife F 29 M1 12 2 2 Illinois Illinois Illinois
59 FRANKS Elta Daughter F 10 S Illinois Illinois Illinois
59 FRANKS Orvel J. Son M 8 S Illinois Illinois Illinois
59 CAUSSEY Ernest Boarder M 22 S Illinois Illinois Illinois Barber
Nellie divorced Walter in September of 1917. At the time of the 1920 census, Walter is found residing in what is called Ward 2 of the City of Peoria with his two youngest children;
Household Gender Age Birthplace
self Walter Frank M 53y Illinois
son Arthur Frank M 8y Illinois
son Vernon Frank M 6y Illinois
It is believed that Walter Amol Franks never remarried.
Walter developed cancer of the mouth. He spent a short time in the Peoria State Hospital and it was there that he died on June 26, 1924 in Bartonville, Limestone Township, Peoria County, Illinois.
Though the death notice below states that he was to be buried in Springdale Cemetery, several family members have varified that his mortal remains were laid to rest in the Lutheran Cemetery in Bartonville, Illinois and not in Springdale in Peoria. Find A Grave Contributor, Debra, states that "I could not find a marker for him, but the section and lot numbers are correct for him in Lutheran." So Walter may never have gotten a grave marker.
The June 27, 1924 edition of the Peoria Evening Star had the following Death Notice for Walter;
"Franks, Walter of McClure Ave, June 26, 1924, aged 55 years. Funeral from the Weers Mortuary Chapel Saturday, June 28 at 2:30 o'clock. Friends invited. Interment in Springdale Cemetery."
Name: Walter Franks
Titles and Terms (Original):
Event Date: 26 Jun 1924
Event Place: Limestone, Peoria, Illinois
Gender: Male
Marital Status:
Race:
Age: 55
Birth Year (Estimated): 1869
Birth Date: 07 Jan 1869
Birthplace: Lincoln, Illinois
Father's Name:
Father's Titles and Terms:
Father's Birthplace:
Mother's Name:
Mother's Titles and Terms:
Mother's Birthplace:
Occupation: Grocery Store Self
Residence Place:
Address:
Spouse's Name:
Spouse's Titles and Terms (Original):
Spouse's Birthplace:
Burial Date: 28 Jun 1924
Burial Place:
Cemetery:
Informant's Name:
After her divorce, Nellie went to work as a househeeper. At the time of the 1920 census, Nellie is found working and living with the Bale family in what is called Ward 5 of the City of Peoria, Peoria County, Illinois. Nellie is listed as Divorced;
Alvin Bale Head M 48 Kentucky
Ernest Bale Brother M 44 Kansas
Nellie Franks Housekeeper F 38 Illinois
Nellie Maude (Runyon) Franks did remarry. She was married to Sherman Magee on __________ __, 192__ (sometime after 1920. but before 1926). In 1926, Nellie and Sherman were living at 502 Missouri Ave in Peoria. Sherman died sometime before the 1930 census.
After Sherman's death, Nellie Maude (Runyon) Franks Magee appears to have moved to Cambridge, Henry County, Illinois, where, at the time of the 1930 census, she is found widowed and working as a Servant with the Boyd family;
Catherine Boyd Head F 93 Germany
Charles D Boyd Son M 54 Illinois
Nellie Magee Servant F 47 Illinois
Nellie Maude (Runyon) Franks Magee died on November 2, 1936 in Kewanee, Henry County, Illinois. Her earthly remains, however, were returned to Tazewell County, Illinois, where they were laid next to her parents, James Oliver Runyon and Mary Ellen (Briggs) Runyon in the Green Valley Cemetery in Green Valley, Tazewell County, Illinois.
by Baxter B. Fite III, Debra (FAG Contributor #47324320) and Judy Franks (FAG Contributor # 47901762), whose husband, Jim, is a great grandson of Walter A. Franks and a grandson of Arthur A. Franks, through his son, Larry.
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