William Franz
WILLIAM FRANZ, Bucyrus, son of John and Jane (Burwell) Franz was born May 21, 1843, in Leesville,Crawford Co. His youth up to his l4th year was spent on a farm and in attending district school. His fathers family then removed to Bucyrus, and young William went to the Bucyrus Union School until he was 19. He served an apprenticeship with William Burkhardt in the watch-making business for one year and a half and then bought out his employer and continued for himself. He next went to Plymouth, Ohio and from there to Cleveland where he was engaged at his trade. From Cleveland he went to Meadville, Penn., where he worked at watch making and repairing until 1864, and in the winter of 1865, he came to Bucyrus and started a jewelry store in company with H. J. Riblet. This business union lasted some two years and then Mr. Franz went to Crestline and engaged in the same business with Dr. William Pope. In 1869 a fire occasioned them considerable loss, but they soon resumed business and continued until 1869. During the year 1868, they had been interested in the invention of a knitting machine, and in November 1869, they entered into a business corporation, known as the Bucyrus Knitting Machine Works and commenced the manufacture of family knitting machines. In 1871, the name was changed to the Franz & Pope Knitting Machine Company, and has done a prosperous business, having engaged in the manufacture of hosiery since 1878. In February 1879, Mr. Franz retired to regain his health, which had become badly shattered. He was married Jan 22, 1828 to Miss Almira M. Campbell of Bucyrus. They have four children: Katie J., William C., Mellie A. and Jay W. Mr. Franz is a member of Crawford Lodge No. 443; of Ivanhoe Chapter, No. 117; Mansfield Commandery of Knights Templar, No. 21, and charter member of Knights of Pythias, Demas Lodge, No. 108. His father was born in Hesse-Darmstadt, Germany, in 1812 and died Nov. 14, 1870. He was well educated in his native land and was in the army there. He came to America in 1837, and settled first in Galion and afterward removed to Leesville. He was Justice of the peace in Jackson Township for nine years, and was elected Sheriff in 1857, and served two terms. He was elected County Treasurer in 1867, and served until his death. He was Lieutenant Colonel of the 101st O. V. I. and was wounded at the Battle of Perryville and resigned. There are five children living: J. B. of the St. James Hotel, Mansfield, William, John S., of Marion, Mrs. Kate Clymer, Mrs. Sallie Kerr, wife of Alexander Kerr of Holmes Township.
From History of Crawford County and Ohio, Baskin & Battey, Historical Publishers, Chicago, 1881