William Ryland "Willie" Franklin

William Ryland Franklin was born to Samuel R. Franklin and Susan A. Sisson in 1854 in Richmond County. On the Register of Births the date is given as February 20th, but on his death certificate his date of birth was reported as January 28th, 1854. He went by the name Willie and was one of ten children.

Willie first appeared in the 1860 census in Richmond County in the Stony Hill district, north and west of Warsaw. His father did not have on occupation listed. Samuel's real estate was valued at $300 and his personal property at $500. Willie was marked as having attended school. Also living with the family was a 20 year old man named Henry Gaskins who appears to have been a free Black man.

In 1870 Wille's parents were still in Richmond County near Warsaw. Samuel was recorded as a farmer with real estate valued at $100 and no personal property.

Willie married Apphia Judson "Juddie" Sisson on December 11, 1879 in Richmond County. They were married by G.H Northam. His occupation on the marriage register was given as mechanic. The 1880 census showed him living with Juddie’s parents in the Washington magisterial district of Richmond County, likely in Haynesville, they were listed as boarders.

They had four children, Benjamin, born in 1880, Hilda in 1882, Emma in 1894, and George in 1896.

The 1900 census showed the family still in the Washington district of Richmond County living in their own house. Willie’s occupation was given as watch and clock repair. According to the Northern Neck News Willie had taught at Haynesville School in 1893.

The 1910 census showed Willie and Juddie still in the same area, their two oldest children had moved out. They were both noted as being able to read a write and owned their home mortgage free. Willie’s occupation was given as a farmer. George and Emma were both listed as working on the home farm and attending school. Willie was active at Totuskey Baptist Church, serving as a choir director and Sunday School superintendent. He was also a member of the Haynesville Debating Society.

The 1920 census showed their daughter, Emma, living with Willie and Juddie along with her husband and two young children. Willie was again noted as a farmer.

The 1930 census showed the couple living alone, ages 76 and 69. Willie passed away on November 5th, 1933. His death certificate stated that he last worked in 1925 and had been an invalid for the last four years prior to his death. Cause of death was given as "infirmities of age." He was buried in the Totuskey Baptist Church cemetery on November the 6th.