To give a sense of some of the characters we researched from the Franklin cemetery, we have written epitaphs to suggest some elements of their lives. We have also included some epitaphs from the actual tombstones.

Alice Keplinger

We were in love,
so I went with him to America
and I was his bride.
Franklin was not anything like France.
He built me a house in the French style,
so that I could feel more at home.
I loved it here and from here may I never depart.

 

Alice Keplinger was from France. She met J. M. Keplinger during World War II and they were married. Mr. Keplinger commisioned a house for her that was in the French style, so that she wouldn't be homesick. That house is located on Maple

Emma Calhoun

I played the organ in the church,
I wanted the children to learn
of all the classic music Franklin didn't understand.
I took them to the city to hear Bach and Mozart played.
I tried to teach them to play piano.
I gave lessons every day,
I hope my lessons stayed with them,
though I have passed away.

Emma Calhoun was a member of the Franklin community who was noted for her kindness to the children of Franklin.

Tez Malone

Just because I was crippled,
that was no reason not to work.
I made my work selling peanuts at the movies.
That was a job that not even polio could keep me from doing.

Epitaphs

FRANKLIN CEMETERY

Elita A. Wyatt
Thou shalt not be missed because thy seat will be empty

Sarah A. Evans
Gone from our home but not from our hearts.

 

PETERSBURG CEMETERY

Elizabeth Offield Thompson
When such friends part tis the survivor dies.

Unknown
He obtained the hope of Chirst and resigned to the will of God.

Robert McComb
Burned in Idaho.

Corda M. Deford
Just as the morning of her life was opening in today Her young and loving spirt passed from earth and grief away.

O. Bradles
Here lies our husband and father underground the truest friend we ever had.

Lydia Monror
The morning cometh.

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