San Francisco County
JOHN CHRISTIAN FRANKS
JOHN
CHRISTIAN FRANKS, of San Francisco, late United States Marshall, was born in
Tiffin, Seneca county, Ohio. His father had settled
there in early days, having emigrated from Germany when quite young.
He
was a farmer, and on the farm Mr. Franks first began his life work in
consequence. He and his brother Frederick attended the usual country schools
during the winter months. By the death of his parents he was left to take care
of himself at the age of eight years. He worked for the neighboring farmers
till he was fourteen, when he determined to learn the trade of carriage-making.
He bound himself to Peter Van Ness, of Ohio with whom he staid until he was
master of his trade.
When
the war broke out he was very anxious to go to the front, but his age was a
bar. His brother Frederick was accepted, however, and gave his life for his
country at the battle of Stone river.
Young
Frank was accepted in the State militia, but saw no active service.
He
did guard duty for a time on Johnston’s [sic] Island, near Toledo, where there
were some 3,000 Confederates held as prisoners. The Home Guards were called
upon for service to reinforce other troops on account of a rumor that Vallandigham was coming with a force from Canada to release
the prisoners.
In
1863 he came to California, and for a time worked at his trade in Sacramento.
When the Central Pacific railroad was being built he moved with it from station
to station, working at his trade till he reached the town of Colfax, Placer county, where he engaged in the wagon building and repairing
business with J. A. Culver. He was married here, and remained in business till
1872, when he removed to Monterey county, locating in
Salinas. Here he engaged in farming and livery business. As in other
localities, Mr. Franks soon gained the respect of the people. He was elected
the first Marshal of Salinas City, and was selected for the second term.
Subsequently he was elected Sheriff of the county. He was re-elected to this
office, which shows not alone his popularity there but the confidence of the
people in his worth and integrity.
Owing
to the change brought about by the new constitution, he held over for a third
term, and would have been re-elected had he chosen to come before the people
again. Believing the prospects very bright in fruit-raising, he engaged in this
business, locating near Santa Rosa. He was there some three years when he was
appointed United States Marshal for the District of California by President
Cleveland, February 19, 1886. His term expired February 19, 1890, when he was
reappointed [sic] by Justice Field, the President not having filled the
position. He served six months on this appointment. On the organization of the
United States Circuit Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Mr. Franks was
appointed Marshal of said court by Justices Fields [sic], Sawyer and Deady, June 24, 1891.
Mr.
Franks has had seven children, four of whom are dead. He is prominent in
Masonry, being a Sir Knight of Watsonville Commandery.
Genial and pleasant in manner to all, Mr. Franks yet shows in his address and
carriage that he can be a very firm and determined man when occasion requires.
Transcribed by Walt Howe.
Source: "The Bay of San Francisco," Vol. 2, pages 22-23, Lewis Publishing Co., 1892.
© 2005 Walt Howe.