In the book's own words, not ours, with obvious scanning errors fixed. Families often supplied these stories to the publisher, so check key dates.
Born 1827
From History of Fayette County : together with historic notes on the Northwest, and the State of Ohio, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and all oth (1881)
FRANKLIN SMITH.
Franklin Smith, shoemaker, Milledgeville, a native of Virginia, was born August 5, 1827. On the 15th of March, 1848, he was married to Miss Elizabeth C. Swisher, of Virginia. Ten children are the result of this union: Emily J., Philip B., Jacob M., Martha A., Virginia, Alonzo O., Margaret A., Miranda, E. 0., Ida May, and one who died and the early age of four.
Mr. Smith came to this county in 1863, and engaged in the boot and shoe business, in which he has been successful. Himself and wife are members of the Methodist Protestant Church. Have been in the village of Milledgeville fourteen years, and are a couple of its most highly respected citizens.
As printed in History of Fayette County : together with historic notes on the Northwest, and the State of Ohio, gleaned from early authors, old maps and manuscripts, private and official correspondence, and all oth (1881). See the original pages. Wording is the original; obvious scanning errors have been corrected, and a few may remain.
The printed record stops around 1881. We trace your line from there down to you, with every source cited.