Dr. Abraham Lincoln Franklin obituary - 1953

Dr. Abraham Lincoln FRANKLIN, 85, practicing physician in Providence for the past 29 years, died at 4 a.m. Saturday at his home on Cedar street of a heart condition. He made his home with his son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Charles L. Franklin. Dr. Franklin was born February 6, 1868, in Johnson county, Illinois, and was married in 1888 to Miss Mintie J. GILLESPIE, a native of the same county, who died here in 1946. He received his medical education at Barnes Medical College in St. Louis and began his practice in 1892. He practiced in Cape Girardeau, Mo., and in other places in Missouri and later went to Arkansas. In 1924 he came to Providence from Manila, Ark., as company physician for St. Bernard Mining Company, which later became part of West Kentucky Coal Company, remaining in that capacity until the company ceased operations here in 1930. He was also company physician for Louisville and Nashville Railroad, a position he held at the time of his death. Dr. Franklin has an office in Cardwell's Clinic for the past several years. He continued to answer calls and was in his office daily until a short time before his death. Although he had remained at home, he was not bedfast and only the day before his death he enjoyed a radio broadcast of a baseball game, one of his favorite sports. For many years he was a familiar spectator at football and basketball games of Providence High School. Dr. Franklin was a deacon in the First Baptist Church and one of its most faithful members. He was a member of Providence Masonic lodge, and a former Providence city council member. Survivors besides the son are three grandchildren, Mrs. J.D. ANDERSON of Madisonville, Capt. Charles Franklin of San Antonio, Tex., and Miss Mary Beth Franklin of Providence, Murray State College student; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 10 a.m. Monday at First Baptist church, with the pastor, the Rev. Benjamin CONNAWAY, officiating. Burial was in Lakeview cemetery, where Masonic rites were held.

Providence Journal-Enterprise
Thursday, June 4, 1953